Description

This Horizon Europe call supports research projects that address the structural causes behind the decline in young people's skills in mathematics, reading, and science across Europe, as measured by international assessments such as PISA over the past 15 years. The aim is to generate robust, policy-relevant evidence on which teaching practices, curricula, education system structures, and learning environments can effectively reverse these trends.

Projects should:

• Diagnose causes of declining skills, including changes in teaching, curricula, assessment, digital distractions, socio-emotional and cognitive skills, school climate, student heterogeneity, parental involvement, cultural institutions, socio-economic background, gender, and public education investment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and costs of remedial policy measures using experimental or quasi-experimental methods (qualitative research may complement).
• Provide actionable advice for policymakers.
• Ensure interdisciplinary approaches (economics, sociology, psychology, neurosciences, education sciences, and SSH).
• Engage closely with data-owning authorities and relevant stakeholders, including young people.