Our focus areas include workplace learning, lifelong learning, and flexible learning models that make education more accessible and relevant for adults and organisations.
At Symonds Research, we welcome collaborations with universities, research institutes, and organisations that share our mission to improve how people learn at work and in adult education, with a focus on workplace learning, lifelong learning, and flexible learning models that support real-world skills development.
Our work sits at the intersection of digital learning, microlearning, soft skills development, and workplace training, blending academic rigour with real-world experience. Both founders, Dr Valeria Lo Iacono and Dr Paul Symonds, hold PhDs and have published research in education and training. With links to Cardiff University (UK) and an international client base, we offer both credibility and applied insight.
Our Research Strengths
- Microlearning and digital learning design
- Soft skills development for the workplace and adult education
- Intercultural and cross-cultural learning
- Mixed-methods research (with an emphasis on qualitative and applied insights)
- Research translation: turning academic evidence into practical tools for educators and companies
- Workplace, lifelong, and flexible learning in adult and professional education.
Our International Focus: Finland, Italy & Beyond
We are especially interested in cross-national collaboration, particularly with universities and research teams in Finland and Italy, where innovation in education and lifelong learning is globally recognised.
- In Finland, we are keen to collaborate with universities and research groups working in adult education, workplace learning, lifelong learning, and flexible learning pathways supported by digital pedagogy.
- In Italy, we are interested in research that promotes inclusive education, employability, and the use of digital tools for SMEs and adult learners.
We believe international collaboration enriches education research with fresh perspectives and cultural diversity, and we aim to contribute our applied expertise to these shared goals.
Collaboration Opportunities
- Horizon Europe, UKRI, and Nuffield Foundation research bids
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with universities
- EU and Nordic education innovation projects
- Joint publications, conferences, and workshops
- Hosting student placements and pilots (e.g., Turing Scheme)
Why Collaborate With Us
- PhD-qualified researchers with academic and industry experience
- Access to real-world learning environments through our training clients
- Proven record of producing practical, impactful outputs
- A multicultural, international perspective (UK and Italian founders, projects in 35+ countries)
If you represent a university or research institute and are seeking an applied research partner for projects related to education, microlearning, or workplace training, we would love to hear from you.
Related Evaluation & Policy Consultancy
Our research collaborations often lead into independent evaluation and policy consultancy projects. We help organisations measure training impact and shape evidence-based practice across Europe.
✨ See our Evaluation & Policy Consultancy services for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you collaborate with non-European universities or organisations?
Yes. While our current focus is on collaborations within Europe (particularly in Finland, Italy, and the UK), we also welcome partnerships with universities and organisations worldwide. Our work is fully remote-friendly, and we’ve previously worked with learners and clients across more than 30 countries. We value international perspectives that enrich our research on education, training, and digital learning.
Can you support joint Horizon Europe or UKRI funding applications?
Absolutely. We have experience contributing to research proposals and can participate as an SME partner, evaluation lead, or applied research collaborator. We’re particularly suited to projects focused on digital learning, microlearning, soft skills, and adult education. Through our connections with academic institutions such as Cardiff University, we can also link partners with experienced quantitative researchers where needed.
Do you focus more on qualitative or quantitative research methods?
Our primary expertise is in qualitative and practice-based research, including interviews, case studies, and applied evaluation in workplace and adult learning settings. However, we frequently collaborate with university partners who provide advanced quantitative analysis. This ensures that every project benefits from both rich, real-world insights and strong statistical evidence.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you.
