Mission and framework

Encell is the principal national organisation responsible for conducting research in and disseminating knowledge about adult education and learning.

Since its founding in 2001, Encell has been funded by the Swedish government as well as external funders. Under the 2006 budget bill, Encell was granted new and extended funding by the government.

Encell is primarily concerned with research focusing on aspects of lifelong learning and dissemination of research findings through active collaboration in partnerships and networks.

We aim to establish Encell as an authoritative and recognizable source of knowledge on lifelong learning, focusing on adult education and learning. This objective is based on and will be achieved through cooperation between Encell and its partners. Encell's primary collaborations are with a number of national partners within adult education and learning, but regional and local partners are also important to our work. During the past seven years, Encell has attracted national and international interest and attention. The research at Encell is conducted within the Lifelong Learning research programme, which is a vital part of the School of Education and Communication.

Three main paths

Research

Our research in the field of lifelong learning and adult learning should contribute to long-term development of knowledge. It should also promote the development of a knowledge base on adult learning, workplace learning and aspects of competence development that has practical applications and is of interest to stakeholders. The knowledge acquired should also contribute to the renewal and improvement of professional and working life. These aims and objectives are articulated in the Lifelong Learning research programme.

The principal aim of the Lifelong Learning research programme is to conduct research on various aspects, manifestations and dimensions of lifelong learning. The programme is currently focused on the conditions for lifelong learning in educational and workplace environments and on lifelong learning as a policy area.

Knowledge dissemination

At the national level, Encell is responsible for business intelligence and dissemination of research findings within the areas of adult learning and competence development.

Encell has also been commissioned to make research-based knowledge on learning accessible and available to interested and responsive parties in business, industry and NGOs so that new ideas and findings can be put into practice, thereby concretely contributing to the renewal and development of working and professional life.

Partnerships and networks

Encell works in close collaboration with several other partners, nationally and internationally, to create research platforms and environments through partnerships and networks. Encell also collaborates with regional entities, trade and industry, educational institutions and organisations.

Encell is a driving force in the initiation and development of new ideas and ways of thinking about flexible and innovative aspects of learning and competence development, based on the learning individual and system perspectives. Encell contributes novel ideas on systems for learning and knowledge development within industries, NGOs and the public sector. Furthermore, Encell is actively working to realise practical applications and tests of topical and creative projects within strategic areas of lifelong learning.