Stephen Bayley, PhD is an Education Researcher at the Airbel Impact Lab, supporting the IRC’s global research agenda to advance children’s learning in communities affected by conflict and disaster. In particular, he works on the PlayMatters project funded by the LEGO Foundation and the Pathways for Learning study, part of the FCDO-funded Education Research in Conflict and Protracted Crisis (ERICC) programme.

Stephen has extensive experience of working in international education and development in Asia, Africa and Latin America. He has led projects, managed research and advised education programmes in countries including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Much of his work has involved mixed-methods research to understand and promote children’s holistic learning in addition to academic outcomes, especially practical skills like creativity, adaptability and problem solving. Before joining the IRC, Stephen was a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Play in Education, Development and Learning at the University of Cambridge.

Stephen holds a PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge and an MA in International Education and Development from the University of Sussex. He initially trained and practised as a lawyer in London specialised in infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships.