Welcome to the final episode of this season of the EARLI Research Stories podcast! As in our previous episode, we continue to celebrate EARLI’s 40th anniversary. In this episode, Cris talks with past presidents Sanna Järvelä and Hans Gruber about their careers, how EARLI has shaped their work, and their experiences leading the association. They reflect on the challenges and opportunities they encountered, share their future perspectives on the EARLI community and educational research trends, and offer thoughtful advice on maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

In this special episode, we celebrate EARLI’s 40th anniversary with a conversation with its founder, Erik de Corte. Join us as we revisit the association’s origins and explore how it carved out its own path. Tune in for an inside look at how it all began.

Join our podcast hosts, Cris, Leonie, and Rachel, as they sit down with the co-presidents of the upcoming EARLI 2025 conference for a rich and engaging conversation. Together, they explore Roland and Stephan's personal academic journeys, discuss emerging trends in educational research, and reflect on the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in academia. The episode also offers a sneak peek into the EARLI 2025 conference theme and what participants can look forward to.

Prof. Robert Klassen (University of Oxford, UK) talks about his academic career development, research projects and work-life balance.

Prof. Emerita Kari Smith (Norwegian University of Science and Technology | NTNU) talks about her extraordinary career, starting out as an EFL teacher in Israel up until her involvement in the founding of The Norwegian National Research School in Teacher Education (NAFOL).

If anyone has had an interesting academic journey, it's Vincent Hoogerheide. A high school drop out at 15, he first worked as a postal worker while planning for a career as a bus driver. He slowly made his way back to a degree, and thanks to the support of his supervisors Sofie Loyens and Tamara Van Gog, he became one of the most productive educational researchers. Our hosts Cris and Rachel talk with Vincent about his extraordinary career, the importance of having a "research family" and how to maintain a good work-life balance along the way.

The EARLI Research Stories are back, with new hosts and new episodes! Meet Cris Castro, Leonie Johann and Rachel Shanks as they talk to Leen Catrysse (EARLI Board Member) to introduce themselves and their ideas for the second season.

Welcome to the EARLI Research Stories, your podcast to uncover stories from influential figures in the field of learning and instruction. Our season one host, Dr. Stefan T. Siegel sets the stage for the exciting journey ahead. Whether you're here to explore educational research, gain insights from leading members of the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations, you're in the right place.