News Archive

Europe's science teachers to come to Reading in their thousands – University of Reading

The University of Reading is hosting the annual conference of the Association for Science Education (ASE) in January 2009.

From 8-10 January 2009, over 3000 teachers from around the country and abroad, including several hundred from the Thames Valley, will attend the biggest science conference and exhibition in Europe.

A key element of the three days will be the Frontier Science lectures given by 20 experts from some of the University of Reading's leading departments and schools. Staff from Food Biosciences, Meteorology, Construction Management and Systems Engineering, among others, will be giving lectures on topical subjects such as extreme weather, climate change, sustainable buildings, nutrition, cybernetics and how to feed the world.

Professor Gordon Marshall, Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "We have long been active in supporting teachers in enhancing their students' science learning experience. We look forward to welcoming Europe's science teachers to our wonderful facilities here in Reading and we hope that through sharing our expertise in science and technology, we can contribute thought-provoking ideas for their classrooms."

Margaret Whitmarsh, University of Reading Business Development Manager, said: "The ASE conference is the largest event of its kind that we host at the University. As well as many of the delegates staying on our Whiteknights campus, the conference uses our laboratories, lecture theatres, classrooms and social venues. We are also organising guided tours of our science departments for the delegates."

Tony Leaney, Executive Director of ASE, said: "The Association for Science Education is delighted to be back at the University of Reading for our 2009 Annual Conference. As the largest science education conference in Europe, our 2009 event includes research updates, cutting-edge science from esteemed scientists and hands-on practical teaching experiences to use in the classroom. We also expect vigorous debate on the new science diploma and the new primary curriculum.

"A conference of our scale requires exceptional facilities and the University's main campus is ideally suited to our needs, providing an impressive range of facilities that are well-equipped and easily accessible. Hundreds of local science teachers and technicians took advantage of the opportunity to see and hear the latest in science education and learning when the ASE conference was last hosted by the University in 2006. We look forward to seeing them again and hope they will encourage their colleagues to come along and experience this unique event and the hospitality of the University of Reading."

This year's conference theme is "Getting Practical; How to make Science Teaching Come Alive!" More information on the conference programme through www.ase.org.uk

ENDS

Further information from the University of Reading: Alex Brannen on 0118 378 7388. More information about the ASE Conference from Tony Leaney on 01707 283 000

Notes to editors:

The University of Reading has a fruitful collaboration with NAGTY and AimHigher as part of our widening participation programme and is also the regional fulcrum for the STEMNET programme.

The conference will operate a park and ride scheme from the Madejski Stadium.