The main objectives of the project included the following, as formulated: 1. to put forward a comprehensive and pluralistic overview of the field of interculturality with an exclusive focus on its intersections with language education research aiming specifically for reviewing the knowledge domain of interculturality with a major emphasis on the major lines of theoretical and methodological thinking involved and exploring the diverse meanings of interculturality as perceived by ECRs and their research-related needs, 2. to empower ECRs involved in language education research to develop a critical and reflexive mindset and to carry out research studies that are both sensitive and responsive to the inherent diversity and underlying interculturality, 3. to create a sustainable open online course platform consisting of a website and a learning management system supported by enriched subject-specific content for continuous self-directed researcher development and networking.
Diversity is now a fundamental aspect of everyday life and interactions worldwide, manifesting in various forms such as ethnicity, education, and culture. This omnipresence of diversity necessitates recognition and action. The European Union adopts a stance that not only supports but champions linguistic and cultural diversity as core to European identity and advocates for inclusive educational systems and research opportunities. Interculturality, a concept that has woven itself into the fabric of various academic fields, plays a crucial role here. It explores the fluid boundaries and dynamics among different interpretations, theories, methodologies, and applications. This concept is especially relevant in language education, where it intersects with both linguistic goals and educational aims, encouraging a holistic view that connects with broader issues and disciplines. In response to growing demands for inclusivity, fairness, and equality, the EUREDIE project was created to offer a new pathway for developing and engaging early-career researchers (ECRs). It proposed an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable approach to researcher development through interculturality, targeting ECRs in language education throughout Europe.