In this session Dr. Yelland will reflect on contemporary contexts for ECSE research. We find our research embedded in a neo-liberal agenda for education and in the context of shrinking budget revenues. Meanwhile rhetorical statements about the importance of education on the economy are made by politicians and bureaucrats on a daily basis. The session will provide provocations and examples of my own research over 25 years and engage you in critically reflecting on the importance of education and the role of educational research to inform the public good.