Dr Michael Cosser was, until 31 March 2021, a Chief Research Specialist in the Developmental, Capable and Ethical State (DCES) research division at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa. Previously he was Head of Learning & Development at the HSRC and a Chief Research Specialist in the Education & Skills Development Research programme. While his work at the HSRC focussed predominantly on pathways through the education and training system and into the labour market (Graduate destination survey – 2009-2010; Teacher education programme – 2005-2008; Grade 12 learner destination tracer study – 2005-2008) – the subject of his PhD in Education – he managed multiple projects at the HSRC: Evaluation of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) – January-November 2021 (Principal Investigator and project manager); Civic engagement of learners – 2020 (Principal Investigator and project manager); Constitutional dialogue in Parliament (24 October 2019) (coordinator; co-organiser); Book project on Making the road by walking: The evolution of the South African Constitution (Pretoria University Law Press) (conceptualiser and project manager); Twenty-year review of the Commission for Gender Equality – 2016-2017; National Skills Survey – 2011; FET colleges audit – 2010 (audit of all 50 FET colleges); Human resources development strategy for KwaZulu-Natal – 2004-2006; Human resources development profile of the Eastern Cape – 2003-2004; Technical college responsiveness – 2001-2002; and Student choice behaviour – 2001-2002 (conceptualiser and project manager). Before joining the HSRC Dr Cosser was a manager of standards setting at the South African Qualifications Authority – SAQA (1998-2000), a lecturer in academic staff development (1993-1997) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a junior lecturer in English (1988-1992) at Wits, and a high school teacher (1983-1985). He is currently an education consultant.