The Mercator Institute for Multilingualism and Language Education is an institute of the University of Cologne. It was established in 2012 at the initiative of the Mercator Foundation and was funded by the foundation until 2024. The Institute is committed to promoting multilingual education and a multilingual society. Its mission is to research and improve language education in multilingual teaching and learning contexts. To achieve this goal, it investigates key research gaps in the fields of multilingualism and language education and translates scientific findings into practical knowledge for stakeholders in educational practice, educational administration, education policy, and academia. It develops innovative concepts, measures, and tools for language education, as well as for the professional development of staff working in universities, schools, and extracurricular educational settings. The Institute also provides teacher education at the regional level and offers professional development for educators in early childhood education, schools, and adult education across Germany. Through its research, research-based services, professional development programs, and knowledge transfer and advisory activities, the Mercator Institute contributes to greater educational equity within the education system.
Important work and services:
Research: The Mercator Institute conducts a wide range of research projects to develop concepts, tools, and approaches for language education. Its research is practice-oriented and application-focused, addressing current and socially relevant issues in language education from early childhood education through the transition into employment. The Institute examines the full breadth and complexity of language education in multilingual contexts by considering the entire chain of impact—from research and the initial and continuing education of teachers and educational professionals, to institutional framework conditions, implementation in educational practice, and outcomes for children and young people. Its main research areas include language learning and development processes, classroom research, teacher education, and professional development. Project teams employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods and work in interdisciplinary collaborations. In addition, the Institute provides research-based services.
Development: Drawing on scientific evidence, the Mercator Institute advises stakeholders in educational practice and educational administration on development and implementation processes related to multilingualism and language education. Its work focuses, for example, on curriculum development and strategies for implementing language education concepts. Through these activities, the Institute seeks to promote systemic change towards a coherent, multilingual approach to language education across all educational stages and institutions.
Professional Development: To support the professional development of staff in early childhood education, schools, and adult education, the Mercator Institute collaborates with institutions at the regional, state, and national levels to develop and implement appropriate concepts and programs. Given the limited time available to education professionals and the growing demand for continuing professional development, there is an increasing need for flexible learning opportunities that can be completed independently of time and place. The Institute therefore develops digital learning resources that enable self-directed learning and can also be integrated into blended learning formats in combination with face-to-face training.
Transfer: Language education involves a wide range of stakeholders, including providers of child and youth services, early childhood education centers, schools, ministries, and public authorities at both local and state levels. Through its publications and events, the Mercator Institute promotes the transfer of good practice and scientific knowledge into education policy, educational administration, and educational institutions. It also serves as a point of contact for journalists covering issues related to multilingualism and language education. Current research on socially relevant topics in these fields is systematically reviewed and communicated in a variety of accessible formats.
Promotion of young researchers: The Mercator Institute offers several initiatives to support researchers during their qualification phase. One of the key initiatives is the Quali Network, in which Institute researchers meet regularly in a self-organized format to strengthen peer exchange and support one another in their academic development. Within this network, several internal research groups have been established by researchers with shared interests. In addition, the Institute runs a mentoring program in which postdoctoral researchers provide guidance and support to doctoral candidates throughout their qualification process.
Research Data at the Mercator Institute:
The FD-LEX Learner Text Database provides educational researchers with access to nearly 10,000 student texts collected from learners of different age groups through a variety of writing projects. Researchers can use transcripts, handwritten originals, and anonymized participant metadata for their own research projects.
