Policy Briefs
Policy Briefs
Policy analyses and evidence-informed publications.
Center for Applied Systems Translation
Independent Applied Research for Complex Systems.
The Center for Applied Systems Translation (CAST) is an independent applied research institution that investigates complex societal challenges and develops evidence capable of informing policy, institutional practice and measurable outcomes.
Applied Contextual Intelligence
Knowledge changes lives when it is experienced in context.
The concepts never changed. Only the context did.
At CAST Africa, we investigate how knowledge acquired in classrooms is translated into authentic occupational and community practice. Our research demonstrates that educational concepts do not need to change to become meaningful; they need to be experienced within the contexts where they are naturally applied.
Through applied systems research, we generate evidence that strengthens education systems, informs policy and improves human capability by connecting academic knowledge with real-world practice.
About
About CAST
CAST conducts applied research on complex systems where stronger evidence can improve policy, institutional practice and real-world outcomes.
Our current programme of research focuses on education systems, while our broader institutional mission is to develop, evaluate and translate evidence that strengthens decision-making across complex systems.
Capabilities
What We Do
Four connected areas of institutional practice that together generate rigorous, actionable evidence.
Applied Research
Investigating complex societal challenges through rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry.
Research Design & Evaluation
Designing and evaluating evidence-based interventions using quantitative and mixed-methods approaches.
Policy & Systems Analysis
Generating evidence that informs institutional practice and public policy.
Research Translation
Strengthening the connection between research, decision-making and practical implementation.
Programme
Current Programme of Research
Focus Area
Education Systems
CAST's current programme of research investigates how education systems can better support learners in applying academic knowledge in authentic economic and community contexts.
01
Curriculum Contextualisation
02
Learner Capability Development
03
Academic Knowledge Application
04
Quantitative Impact Evaluation
05
Education Policy
Methodology
Research Process
CAST combines conceptual inquiry, rigorous evaluation and evidence translation to improve systems and inform decision-making.
- 01Observe
- 02Investigate
- 03Design
- 04Evaluate
- 05Translate
Research
Research & Insights
Conference Presentations
Conference Presentations
Presentations, invited talks and professional engagement.
Research Notes
Research Notes
Updates from CAST's current programme of research.
Collaborate with CAST
CAST welcomes collaboration with researchers, universities, public institutions and development partners interested in designing, evaluating and translating research into evidence that informs policy, strengthens institutions and improves real-world outcomes.