Sheffield Hallam is the first post-92 University to host the Association for Science Education's annual conference

Press contact: Emma Griffiths | e.griffiths@shu.ac.uk

The conference is Europe's largest festival of science education professional development and brings together hundreds of science educators, teachers, school leaders and researchers.  

From 5-7 January Hallam will host exhibitions and talks including a series of ‘Frontier Science’ lectures showcasing cutting-edge research by Sheffield Hallam academics including artificial intelligence, smart cities and the science of boxing.  

The conference will also feature a school’s exhibition, with teachers and pupils from across the UK showcasing their science projects.  

There are social activities including street food with live musical accompaniment from the Doncaster Youth Swing Jazz Band and a Friday night 'Sheffield-Style Chippy Tea' with music from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. 

Professor Emily Perry, head of Sheffield Institute of Education Centre for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said: “We are delighted to host the ASE’s annual conference. Our partnership with ASE stretches back over twenty years, with joint work including teaching resources, professional development activity and events.  We are excited to welcome science educators to the conference and to share in this celebration of their expertise and professional learning”. 

Sheffield Hallam’s Institute of Education is one of the biggest providers of teacher education in the UK, with specialist research into continuing professional development for teachers. 

Research by the Sheffield Institute of Education found the importance of professional development in retention of teachers. This research influenced the government to set national standards of support which entitles teachers in England to two years of professional development. 

So far, research at Hallam has helped over 10,000 teachers enhance their skills, practice, and working habits, keeping them motivated to stay in their position.  

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are especially pleased to host this conference, the first time for many years that it has been held in Yorkshire and at a post-92 university.  

Our work with teachers, schools and young people is of the highest quality. We know the importance of working within the system to understand education, support schools and teachers, engage learners and influence policy."