Independent research into learning, work and change

Work with us

Have a question about learning, work, AI or change? We welcome conversations with organisations, community groups, researchers and educators.

Start with something specific: a problem that keeps returning, a new tool you want to evaluate, or feedback that never seems to change a decision. Explore three examples to see the kinds of questions we can investigate together.

Contact Steven about a possible collaboration · Explore the research programme

Three ways to start

Exploratory workshop

For teams with a shared question about learning, work or change. We work through a concrete case, identify competing interpretations and agree what to investigate.

Possible output: A short inquiry brief and agreed next steps.

Focused organisational inquiry

For a recurring problem in decisions, handovers or workload. We trace relevant accounts, records and dependencies with the people involved.

Possible output: A map of the problem, evidence gaps and priorities for change.

AI evaluation or pilot design

For educators and organisations considering an AI tool. We define a bounded task, limits, evaluation criteria and routes for challenging errors.

Possible output: An evaluation plan; a scoped pilot can produce findings with clear limitations.

These are starting options. Before work begins, we agree scope, timing, fees or funding, responsibilities and deliverables. Research collaborations and student projects are also welcome.

Start a conversation

Tell us what your organisation or group does, what you want to understand or improve, and who is affected. We can discuss a focused workshop, research collaboration or small study, with the work and expected outputs agreed together.

Contact Steven Watson

Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus (CGKN)

EdgeLab is the research and development partner for Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus (CGKN). The partnership connects independent research with consultancy, training and practical development in education and organisational life.

CGKN is an independent consultancy and knowledge-transfer enterprise co-founded by Steven Watson and Alistair Starling. Its work supports organisations in understanding AI, assessing their readiness, developing strategy and addressing ethics and governance. Steven works with Alistair, Erik Brezovec and Melissa Baykut in this setting.

EdgeLab contributes research, study design, early prototypes and evaluation. We ask how people use information, who can make decisions and what helps a useful change take hold.

  • Research informing practice: work on meaning mediation, learning, trust and institutional change helps frame the questions that guide CGKN’s consultancy and training.
  • Development and evaluation: the partnership creates opportunities to explore approaches to human–AI interaction, design carefully scoped pilots and assess their effects on judgement, participation and accountability. The AE Engine and AEAI programme contributes prototypes and architectural proposals whose practical value remains a question for evaluation.
  • Learning from practice: questions arising in educational and organisational settings can shape further research and refine the approaches used in consultancy. Research arrangements are agreed for each collaboration.

The relationship supports an exchange in both directions: EdgeLab’s research informs CGKN’s practical work, while experience in practice helps identify new questions for research and development.

From good advice to lasting change explains the approach through an example of AI at work and a practical process for investigating it.

Visit the CGKN website · Contact CGKN about consultancy and training · Explore EdgeLab’s research programme

Civic research and international exchange

Steven’s work in I-CIVIC offers another setting for research dialogue. The project page explains his contribution and links to the participating institutions. Enquiries about the consortium follow its own project arrangements; broader conversations about civic learning and AE are welcome here.

Students and researchers: collaborate with EdgeLab

Interested in a student project, research partnership or evaluating the AE Engine? Explore how EdgeLab can help you apply AE, develop an inquiry and agree a useful next step.

Explore support, potential benefits and how to get started.

EdgeLab research informs CGKN consultancy and training in educational and organisational settings. A return path shows questions from practice informing further research.
EdgeLab is the research and development partner for Cambridge Global Knowledge Nexus. Research informs CGKN’s consultancy, training and practical development; questions and experience from educational and organisational settings can shape further inquiry. Research arrangements are agreed for each project.