Research and Practice 2025
![“The key challenge of RPPs – power imbalances between the partners – can be mitigated by creating a trusting environment and ensuring well-established interaction and communication practices,” argues Hanna Reinius of the University of Helsinki, Finland.](https://elmmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/OK-for-WP-Hanna-Reinius-2025-640x428.jpg)
I argue: Structured interactions are vital in research-practice partnerships
In ELM’s "I argue" series, Finnish post-doctoral researcher Hanna Reinius states that research-practice partnerships are pivotal for bridging the gap between empirical inquiry and practical development work. However, to be successful, they require careful planning of interactions between practitioners and researchers.
![Daniela Chavarria of the KiNESIS project interviews young residents in Frigento, Italy. The programme also broadened the residents' perspective on their experience of their community's decline.](https://elmmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/01/OK-for-WP-young-residents-IMG_4427-1-640x428.jpg)
Research and community-based learning against rural shrinking
The KiNESIS project shows how research can change the course of rural shrinking. It also shows the value of real-life experience of students and the transformative power of communities.
![“Horizontal governance is essential because the adult education sector in Europe is not coordinated and mainly operates through clusters. We should strengthen existing collaborations to ensure public, private, and social actors work together,” says Francesca Torlone, Associate Professor at the University of Florence.](https://elmmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/01/OK-for-WP-Torlone-IMG_3966-640x428.jpg)
Bridging the gap: How stakeholder cooperation can enhance lifelong learning
Conducted across 21 European countries, the RegALE survey highlights the urgent need for better cooperation among policymakers, practitioners and researchers to create a more inclusive and effective adult education system in Europe. Francesca Torlone of the University of Florence discusses the survey results, noting the fragmented state of adult education and proposing solutions.
![Jón Torfi Jónasson](https://elmmagazine.eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/01/OK-for-WP-KRI_MVS_jon_torfi_220920_003-A-640x428.jpg)
EDITORIAL How best to harness the research in adult education?
In his editorial on the theme of Research and Practice, ELM Editorial Board member Jón Torfi Jónasson highlights how good research can open new worlds and push us forward. With an open mind, it becomes a powerful inspiration for improving practice and shaping policy.