The Science of Learning (SoL) forum, co-organized with the UNESCO Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education, the UNESCO Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, UNESCO International Institute for Technologies in Education (IITE), and the UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence in Education at Beijing Normal University, was held on 18 August 2025, during the Global Smart Education Conference in Beijing. During this forum, several experts from different backgrounds were invited to discuss their research related to the science of learning, the importance of cross-country collaboration in this field, and the bi-directional relationship between technology and the science of learning, including ethics and generalizability. During this forum, the Regional Community of Practice (CoP) on Science of Learning in Asia-Pacific Region (AP-CoP@SoL) was also launched by the UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence in Education, also in collaboration with the UNESCO Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education, aiming to catalyze research and application of the science of learning.

CoP description

The Community of Practice (CoP) on the Science of Learning in Asia-Pacific focuses on deepening the understanding of how learning occurs in the region and providing localized approaches and solutions accordingly. It brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to enhance learning experiences and outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region through evidence-based practices and insights into the science of learning. This CoP aims to foster collaboration, share evidence-based practices, and advance research in the fields of learning science, educational psychology, educational technology, neuroscience, and pedagogy.

The regional CoP will also collaborate with other international organizations and communities, and coordinate with the UNESCO Global Alliance on the Science of Learning for Education to share regional findings and challenges with the global community, as well as contribute to synergizing efforts at global level. This will catalyze knowledge sharing and promote international collaboration to accelerate the achievement of quality education, one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).

Objectives

The regional CoP on Science of Learning in Asia-Pacific aims (but is not limited) to: (1) Encourage and support collaborative research initiatives that focus on region-specific learning challenges, blending global methodologies with localized approaches; (2) Facilitate the exchange of research findings, evidence-based practices, and innovative strategies within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond; (3) Influence educational policy formulation and implementation by supporting uptake of evidence-based practices and research-informed decision-making at local, national, and regional levels, especially for marginalized communities and minorities; and (4) Capacity building to equip educators and practitioners with the latest knowledge and skills related to the science of learning.

Become a member

Membership is open globally to universities, research institutions, networks, think tanks, civil society organizations, governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, funders, associations, academic societies and publishers, as well as individual researchers, academics, and policymakers, who may be representatives of national governments.

Complete the Membership application form.

Contact

For more information, contact unescochair.aied@bnu.edu.cn.