Editor’s note: Dr. Kathi Bailey recently caught up with Dr. Nick Saville, both TIRF Trustees. The two explored Nick’s career trajectory, his contributions to TIRF, and his broader involvement in language education and assessment. In this piece, we share a ChatGPT-powered summary of key points from the interview; however, we also share access to the video for those wishing to watch the conversation.

In his interview with Dr. Kathi Bailey, Dr. Nick Saville and Dr. Bailey explore his career trajectory, contributions to TIRF, and broader involvement in language education and assessment. Dr. Saville discusses his early interest in languages, which began during his school years and led him to studying linguistics at university. His passion for second language acquisition and language teaching grew through hands-on experiences, including teaching English in Sardinia. This journey deepened his interest in the interplay of learning, teaching, and assessment, eventually steering him toward research and validation in language assessment.
Since joining TIRF’s Board in 2008, Dr. Saville has found immense satisfaction in engaging with a diverse and accomplished group of Trustees. He emphasized the dual benefits of his involvement—enhancing TIRF’s mission while fostering mutual growth between TIRF and his role at Cambridge. His contributions included sponsorships like the Doctoral Dissertation Grants and leveraging professional networks to amplify TIRF’s reach.
Regarding his role as Cambridge’s Director of Thought Leadership, Dr. Saville elaborated on the concept of thought leadership, outlining the three Cs: developing content, making connections, and building communities. He highlighted the need for credibility, innovative thinking, and a collaborative approach to influence institutional and industry-wide progress.
A notable aspect of Dr. Saville’s career has been his long-standing involvement with ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), which he helped establish in 1990. ALTE’s mission to promote fairness in multilingual language assessment has evolved into a global initiative. Dr. Saville praised its collaborative ethos, inclusivity across major and lesser-known languages, and pioneering work on social justice and equity in assessment.
Dr. Saville also shared personal insights into multilingualism. Growing up in a monolingual environment, his perspective shifted through exposure to different languages and cultures, particularly during his time in Italy. His advocacy for plurilingualism is evident in his family, where efforts to nurture bilingualism in his children and grandson underscore the importance of natural, early exposure to multiple languages.
The interview concludes with Dr. Saville encouraging support for TIRF’s initiatives, emphasizing its positive impact on advancing language education and research. His reflections showcased his dedication to fostering global understanding and inclusivity through language education. The recording is viewable just below and can be found on YouTube by clicking here.