A new research centre which will target the link between poverty and under-achievement will open today.

The Robert Owen Centre for Educational Change at Glasgow University will bring together academics and policymakers from across the world to research and develop policies to help young people through the education system. It aims to encourage collaborative working between schools and other learning providers.

The think tank's creation comes after the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development raised concerns about an achievement gap in Scotland, which begins to open around primary five and is more common among young people from poorer communities.

Education Secretary Michael Russell described the think tank, named after the 19th-century social reformer, as a major asset to the country.