Chair of the Association
The Chair is a vital role to our Association and the elected chair provides an authoritative voice for the thousands of members ASE supports and the wider science education community. Elected candidates remain part of the chair trio for three consecutive years. The roles are assumed from the 1st August each year.
The Chair Trio
ASE Chair Elect: Claire Seeley and Emily Perry
Claire and Emily, who are a joint appointment, bring with them a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to science education. Both have played vital roles within ASE over many years, contributing through leadership positions, publications, and ongoing support for our professional community. Since 2023, they have jointly chaired the Teacher Developers’ Committee, where they have worked collaboratively to shape and support the professional development of science educators across the UK. Their partnership is built on complementary expertise and a shared vision for high-quality science education.
ASE Chair: David Allen
David worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a teacher, senior leader and Deputy Head teacher. He is currently Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at The University of Hertfordshire where he leads the teaching of science and art to the undergraduate and postgraduate trainee teachers. David is also an author and educational consultant at Creative Primary Science (https://www.creativeprimaryscience.com/) working with teachers and children on science, drama and art projects in primary settings across the United Kingdom and internationally. David is currently Chair of Publications at the Association of Science Education.
ASE Past Chair: Jane Oldham
Jane studied chemistry at what is now Derby University, while employed as a Laboratory Technician in the Research and Development facility of a multi-national chemical company. After graduation, her career continued as a project team leader and technical specialist.
She joined The de Ferrers Academy in 2005 as a Science Technician specialising in Chemistry. As Senior Technician, then Lead Science Technician and Trust Leader for Science Technicians Jane oversaw the set-up of laboratories and introduced new working practices and systems to improve operation of the practical support to the science departments within the de Ferrers Trust.
As the immediate past-chair of the ASE's Technician committee Jane has been committed to raising the profile of all school and college technicians. She is passionate about the importance of practical science within education and the role technicians play to support this.