LAURA SAVAGE

Laura is a thought leader on education systems change, known for championing three core principles: that reform should be locally led, evidence-informed, and deeply collaborative. As the Executive Director of the International Education Funders Group (IEFG), the world’s largest network of philanthropic foundations and donor-advised funds focused on advancing SDG4, Laura leads initiatives that prioritise educational development in low- and middle-income countries. She also contributes as a Research Associate at the REAL Centre at the University of Cambridge. 

With over 15 years of experience as an education aid funder with organizations such as the FCDO, AusAID, and UNICEF, Laura has specialized in enhancing the quality and impact of educational evidence. She has supported Ministries of Education directly, working within governmental frameworks to align aid efforts with national education sector plans. Laura's on-the-ground experience spans multiple countries, including Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Malawi. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where she focused on the complex dynamics of aid in national education reform.