TIRF and Duolingo are thrilled to announce the launch of the new TIRF-Duolingo Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG). This grant aims to empower doctoral candidates conducting cutting-edge research in English language education, a field with rapidly evolving digital learning tools and increased demand for innovative approaches to language learning. The funding will provide critical support to early-career scholars whose work contributes to the advancement of English language teaching and learning worldwide, with the goal of benefiting both learners and educators globally. By supporting rigorous research through the DDG program, both organizations further their commitment to advancing educational equity and access through innovative language learning practices. The TIRF-Duolingo DDGs will provide grantees with resources to complete their dissertation research, allowing them to contribute valuable insights to the field. Grants will be made in amounts up to US $5,000.
A Powerful Partnership
The collaboration between TIRF and Duolingo marks a significant step forward in the field of English language education. For 25 years, TIRF has been a trusted organization in supporting language research, focusing on impactful studies that drive progress in teaching and learning. By partnering with Duolingo, whose mission is to develop the best education in the world and make it universally available, TIRF expands its reach, bringing its mission to a broader audience. Duolingo’s commitment to high-quality education and language accessibility aligns with TIRF’s dedication to fostering research that promotes effective and inclusive language education. The TIRF-Duolingo DDG program represents a shared vision for a more inclusive and effective educational landscape, where all learners can access quality language resources and opportunities for growth.
Both TIRF and Duolingo will continue to offer their existing programs for doctoral research funding. TIRF’s programs include awarding DDGs with the support of the British Council, Cambridge English (part of the Cambridge University Press & Assessment), and Educational Testing Service. Duolingo’s continued programs include the Duolingo Dissertation Grants for language learning, mathematics, and music. Through this new collaboration, increased funding will be available to doctoral students to help meet the goals of the two organizations. Together, TIRF and Duolingo look forward to empowering scholars to make meaningful contributions that will shape the future of English language education worldwide.
Funding Areas
The TIRF-Duolingo DDG program invites proposals from doctoral candidates working on diverse topics related to teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language. Funding will target research in the following areas:
- Assessing English (proficiency and skills assessment)
- Content-based instruction
- Digital technology in English language education
- English for specific purposes
- English teacher education, including English teachers’ training in technology
- Migrants and refugees: Teaching, learning, and assessing English
- Student individual differences and effective English language education
- Teaching English to young learners
Application Details
The TIRF-Duolingo DDG program will accept applications from doctoral candidates globally, with particular emphasis on projects that have the potential to address the research areas mentioned above. Applicants must be advanced to candidacy (known in many contexts as ABD – “all but dissertation”) in legitimate doctoral programs related to English language education and applied linguistics. The application period for the TIRF-Duolingo DDG program will open in late December, with proposals due in mid-May. Interested candidates can soon learn more about application requirements, deadlines, selection criteria, and more on the TIRF and Duolingo websites.
