About us

The RAY Network – Research-based Analysis and Monitoring of European Youth Programmes – is an open and self-governed European research network. Currently, 36 National Agencies of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action & European Solidarity Corps programmes and their research partners are involved.

Taking a look back

The idea of having joint transnational research activities related to the Erasmus+ Youth in Action programme was considered by a handful of National Agencies and researchers in 2008. It grew out and was initiated by the Austrian National Agency Erasmus+ Youth in Action (in particular the association where it was situated, then called ‘Interkulturelles Zentrum’) and its consortium partner, the ‘Institute of Educational Science’ of the University of Innsbruck. These two partners started a cooperation for a scientific accompanying research on national level at the start of the programme in 2007. The Austrian National Agency coordinated the network until the end of 2020.
The RAY Network (then called ‘Research-based Analysis of Erasmus+ Youth in Action’) was founded in 2008, starting with one research project, the Monitoring Surveys of Erasmus+ Youth in Action, in 2009.
Since then, the network has grown and currently involves 36 RAY partners in 34 countries.
In 2019 it has officially changed its name to ‘Research-based Analysis of European Youth Programmes’, involving now also research related to the European Solidarity Corps.

Our main objectives

To contribute to quality assurance and quality development in the implementation of the European Youth Programmes.
To contribute to evidence-based and research-informed youth policy development in the youth field in Europe.
To contribute to the recognition of non-formal education and learning in the youth field, in particular to a better understanding in the context of international youth work and learning mobility.
To promote dialogue between research, policy and practice in the youth field.

Inside the network

The RAY Network is coordinated by the RAY Network Coordination (since 2021 at the Finnish National Agency for Education; from 2008- 2020 at IZ, the Austrian National Agency) & the RAY Research Team (Youth Policy Labs (YPL) and Genesis (Generation and Educational Science Institute)); formerly at the University of Innsbruck).

The RAY Coordination and other, by the network appointed RAY partners (National Agency together with research partner), form the RAY Strategy Group, which acts as a advisory committee of the network.

RAY Network Code of Conduct

We follow a code of conduct to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the network.

Read the RAY Network Code of Conduct

Meet the RAY Coordination Team

Meet the RAY Network Coordination team and the RAY Transnational Research team here:

Meet the RAY Coordination Team

Map of RAY Network partners

Find out more about the 36 RAY partners in 34 countries, respective representatives and contact persons as well as national publications and further links by selecting a country below.

The RAY Network is open for new partners to join. Interested National Agencies for the European Youth Programmes and their research partners feel free to contact the network any time!

Select a country

Please click on a country to find out more!

Austria

RAY partner / National Agency

OeAD – Agentur für Bildung und Internationalisierung

RAY partner / research institute

Universität Innsbruck
Institut für Erziehungswissenschaft

About us

Taking a look back

Our main objectives

Inside the network

RAY Network Code of Conduct

Meet the RAY Coordination Team

Map of RAY Network partners

Select a country

Austria

Belgium

Belgium (Flemish Community)

Belgium (French Community)

Belgium (German-speaking Community)

More information

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

RAY partner / National Agency

Czechia

Estonia

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Spain

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey