Education Research & Development

Now is the time to build an education R&D ecosystem aligned towards the priority needs of today and the emerging challenges of tomorrow.

We believe it is possible for the education system to operate at every level based on the most up-to-date information about what could work for the decision at hand.

What We Do Get in Touch

The education system has no shortage of research, talent, or effort. What it lacks is architecture: smarter funding structures, stronger collaborative networks, and a shared, field-wide understanding of what practitioners need most. Align R&D exists to build it.

What We Do

We bridge the critical gaps between research, development, practice, and policy — serving as expert navigators for a system that does not naturally incentivize collaboration.

  • Funding Strategy & Management We design and manage R&D programs for foundations and government agencies that strategically reorient incentives, call attention to critical needs, and support new, collaborative ways of working.
  • Coaching to Build R&D Capacity We provide hands-on coaching and advisory to R&D teams, ensuring they use the right methods at the right time — blending academic rigor with user-centered product design.
  • Field & Network Weaving We break down silos by convening diverse stakeholders and building the connective tissue required for a healthy, collaborative field.

Coaching & Advising

Our core team has managed hundreds of education R&D grants, representing a combined total of over $350 million in funding within the federal government and philanthropy. We bring experience from both sides of the grant table.

  • Strategic Conceptualization Matching your R&D idea to the right funding opportunity before you write a word.
  • Proposal Refinement Strengthening a draft in progress for clarity, persuasiveness, and responsiveness to the RFP.
  • Comprehensive Proposal Support Full-cycle guidance from initial concept through final submission readiness.
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Writing

From the Align R&D Team

Perspectives on education R&D, policy, and practice from our founding team.

IES is Being Asked to Do Too Much

A former Institute of Education Sciences fellow argues the agency faces a challenge common to many schools: it is being asked to do too much with too few resources.

By Alex Resch

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Our Team

The People Behind the Work

Erin Higgins, Ph.D.

Erin Higgins, Ph.D.

Seasoned researcher and funding strategist who designs and executes R&D roadmaps to develop, test, and scale breakthrough solutions to education’s most persistent challenges.

Katherine McEldoon, Ph.D.

Katherine McEldoon, Ph.D.

Learning science strategist and researcher focused on scaling evidence-based practice

Alex Resch, Ph.D.

Alex Resch, Ph.D.

Multifaceted education R&D truth-teller who weaves innovation and rigor together to solve meaningful problems

Meet the Team