IELTS Research Reports Volume 11 brings together a set of six empirical studies sponsored under Round 13 of the funded research program (2007). As with much other academic research, there can be a lengthy passage from initial acceptance of a research proposal to completion of the study and subsequent publication of its findings in the public domain.

IELTS-funded researchers submit their final project report to the grant-awarding body who then sends it out for peer review by one or more external specialists in the field; it is also forwarded to the IELTS Research Team at Cambridge ESOL for review and comment. Following a comprehensive cycle of review, feedback and revision, outcomes from the funded studies are finally released into the public domain via a number of channels, including the IELTS website and publications such as this one.