Enabling Research

SeeBeyondBorders uses evidence-based programmes to deliver quality teaching and learning to Cambodia children. In Ireland, we have developed strong links with various educational bodies including schools, universities and teaching organisations.

2025: EPIC - Enhancing Pedagogy in Cambodia

In late 2024, SeeBeyondBorders, along with Phnom Penh Teacher Education College (PTEC) and National College of Ireland (NCI) launched the EPIC Alliance. Building on the success of the Professional Identity of Khmer Teachers (PIKT) project, EPIC has evolved out of a recognition among Cambodian and international education and development professionals of the unique circumstances of the Cambodian education sector. It serves to hightlight the need and create opportunity for relevant, evidence-based research to guide policy-makers and practitioners. This has found particular resonance in Ireland where there is now extensive long-term engagement. EPIC is supported by the Irish Government through the Irish

EPIC Summit July 2025

The EPIC Summit in July 2025 will be the Alliance’s landmark Cambodian-led international event, and is designed to achieve the following:

From a foundation established by Irish and Cambodian participants it will bring together international educational researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to share insights, ideas and innovations that enhance education globally, with a special focus on Cambodia’s unique context.
It will establish and shape the long-term EPIC Alliance as an international platform for ongoing collaboration on enhancing education in a development context.
It will cement mutually-rewarding international relationships among educators, extending the reach and amplifying the impact of effective approaches to improving educational outcomes.
It will provide participants, as foundational Alliance fellows, with challenging and career-enhancing opportunities to build and expand their professional practice or research horizons.

To learn more about the Summit, including how to register, how to submit a proposal and how to apply for a small number of bursaries, please visit epiccambodia.com

2022-2024: PIKT - Professional Identity of Khmer Teachers

In Autumn 2022 SeeBeyondBorders was successful in a grant application to the Irish Research Council for COALESCE funding to conduct research on teacher professional identity. The title of our project was: “What makes a good teacher? The challenge of enhancing teacher professional identity and capability in Cambodian schools”.

Currently underway, led by PI Dr. Leo Casey, National College of Ireland, this is a collaborative project involving The National College of Ireland, SeeBeyondBorders, The Cambodian Ministry of Education and the Phnom Penh Teacher Education College. This research project provides us with a unique opportunity to learn how teachers feel about their profession, giving us real data on what we can do to further empower teachers and promote investment in their professional development so that learning outcomes for children improve.

For more information about PIKT, please click here.