Volume 13 of the IELTS Research Reports brings together a set of six empirical studies sponsored under Rounds 14 and 15 of the joint-funded research program (ie, grants awarded in 2008 and 2009). 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. IELTS-funded researchers submit their final project report to the grant-awarding body, which 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.