Introduction. Brazil faces a critical literacy crisis: only 59% of children achieve full literacy by 2nd grade, with some municipalities reporting rates below 35%, revealing profound regional and socioeconomic inequities. The Instituto Edube (Institute for Evidence-Based Education), established in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emerged as a research-driven think tank dedicated to addressing these disparities through evidence-based interventions. Grounded in applied psychology and implementation science, Edube advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Purpose. This study examines how Edube translates scientific evidence into scalable action by designing, implementing, and evaluating literacy programs that enhance student outcomes while informing public policy across Brazil's diverse educational landscape.
Method. A five-year longitudinal mixed-methods case study (2020-2025) analyzed institutional reports, program evaluations, and partnership frameworks. Strategic international funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UNESCO enabled the creation of a comprehensive national research network, fostering collaborative projects with universities and developing evidence-based literacy interventions. Implementation occurs through strategic partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, ensuring broad reach across Brazil's heterogeneous contexts.
Results. Edube's programs have delivered free, evidence-based literacy interventions to over 150,000 students while training thousands of educators. Municipal networks implementing these programs demonstrate significant improvements in early-grade literacy rates, frequently exceeding national averages and substantially reducing achievement gaps in previously underperforming communities. International funding facilitated the establishment of specialized university research laboratories and large-scale professional development initiatives, creating sustainable collaboration frameworks among academia, government, and civil society.
Conclusions. Edube exemplifies how strategic think tanks, anchored in applied psychology and implementation science, can leverage international funding and cross-sector partnerships to create scalable educational solutions. This model accelerates literacy advancement, promotes comprehensive child development, and generates evidence-informed public policies —demonstrating measurable progress toward achieving SDGs 4, 10, and 17 in challenging socioeconomic contexts.