معرفی
Nele McElvany serves as Professor of Empirical Educational Research and Vice Rector for Research at TU Dortmund University, where she has been Executive Director of the Institute for Research on Education and School Development (IFS) since 2014. Her academic career spans leadership roles in major educational research initiatives and significant contributions to understanding literacy development, educational assessment, and the intersection of migration and education within the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Educational Research.
Her research focuses on teaching and learning in school contexts, assessment and promotion of literacy skills, education in relation to migration and social inequalities, teacher competencies, and large-scale educational assessments. Professor McElvany's work particularly emphasizes reading comprehension development across diverse student populations, vocabulary acquisition mechanisms, and the impact of educational interventions on student outcomes. Her methodological expertise spans longitudinal studies, large-scale assessments, and experimental interventions.
Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent engagement with international comparative studies, particularly the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS/IGLU), alongside growing attention to contemporary challenges like the educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research demonstrates methodological sophistication through integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine how family background, migration status, and educational policies affect learning outcomes.
Professor McElvany leads numerous significant research projects including the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2026, the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), and various initiatives focused on reading promotion through AI, teacher development, and educational equity. She serves on multiple national and international committees including as Chairwoman of the NEPS Network Committee and member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Stiftung Lesen.
