On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the TÁRKI Social Research Institute held the latest session of its weekly WIP (Work in Progress) workshop series. Despite these seminars not being open to the press or general public, as they often showcase work that is still in progress, this session was very well attended – around 30 fellow researchers joined online. The session featured a presentation of the most recent STRIDE research findings, including a report on Educational Inequality in Europe. Márton Medgyesi and Zsófia Tomka led the presentation, offering a comprehensive overview of the STRIDE report, which reanalysed data from large-scale educational assessment programs. The report examined how educational outcome inequalities have developed over time across various European countries.
The session was structured as follows: First, the speakers discussed long-term trends in educational achievement inequalities, focusing on differences between student groups defined by parental education, gender, immigrant background, and level of urbanisation. Next, there was an overview of the reforms and policy initiatives aimed at promoting equity and inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) across Europe over the past 25 years. Finally, the presentation included multilevel models that examined the impact of the collected ECEC reforms on inequality.
In line with the customary practices of WIP workshops, which provide researchers with a platform to present and discuss their ongoing work and emerging findings with colleagues, the presentation by TÁRKI researchers was followed by an engaging and dynamic open discussion. The feedback received was insightful and valuable in enhancing the work being done.
