Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives Hosts Symposium Focused on Bridging Research and Practice in the Science of Reading
Notre Dame, IN – The Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) at the University of Notre Dame is hosting the Unlocking Literacy Symposium on Thursday, May 1, 2025 — a one-day gathering that brings together leading researchers, practitioners, and educators to explore how cutting-edge research in the science of reading can strengthen literacy instruction in schools across the country.
The symposium will feature a keynote address by Dr. Mark Seidenberg, an internationally renowned cognitive scientist, psycholinguist, and author of Language at the Speed of Sight. Dr. Seidenberg, who serves as a research professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will speak on “What’s Next in the Science of Reading?” in his morning keynote, highlighting the future of evidence-based literacy practices and how they can be implemented effectively in classrooms.
The event includes a panel discussion titled “Better Together: Bridging Practice and Research in Service to Students’ Reading Development,” featuring literacy experts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in a professional book signing with Dr. Seidenberg, explore poster presentations on evidence-based literacy practices, and participate in professional networking with fellow educators and researchers.
“This symposium reflects the Institute’s commitment to improving educational outcomes by connecting rigorous academic research with the needs of teachers and students,” said Matt Kloser, Hackett Family Director of the Institute for Educational Initiatives. “By convening researchers and practitioners, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration that will enhance literacy education for all learners.”
About the Institute for Educational Initiatives
Founded in 1996, the Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) consists of more than two dozen initiatives that strive to improve education for all youth, particularly the disadvantaged, paying special, though not exclusive, attention to Catholic schools. Through research, the formation of teachers and leaders, and direct service to educational systems, the IEI’s scholars and practitioners pursue interdisciplinary collaborations to better understand and improve PK-12 education both in the United States and internationally.
For more information about the IEI and its initiatives, visit https://iei.nd.edu.
