About Us

The Association for Science Education (ASE) is an active membership body that has been supporting all those involved in science education from pre-school to higher education for over 100 years; members include teachers, technicians, teacher educators, researchers and others involved in science education.

We play a significant role in promoting excellence in teaching and learning of science in schools and colleges. Working closely with the science professional bodies, industry and business, we provide a UK-wide network bringing together individuals and organisations to share ideas and tackle challenges in science teaching, develop resources and foster high quality Continuing Professional Development.

We are a Registered Charity with a Royal Charter, owned by our members and independent of government. We seek to create a powerful voice for science education professionals in order to make a positive and influential difference to the teaching and learning of science throughout the UK and further afield.

 

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Who we are

Our Chair

The Chair is an elected representative of ASE members and the wider science education community

Our President

Louise Archer is the Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at University College London (UCL). Her research focuses on educational identities and inequalities, particularly in relation to social class, gender and race/ethnicity.

Education Group

The Education Group is made up of 30 members who advise the Charity on all aspects of science education.

Staff

Find out about the staff who support members with services and events

Committees

In addition to our Trustees and Education Group, ASE has several dedicated 'national' committees and specialist groups covering 11-19, Primary, Technicians, Publications and more. Their expertise and experience informs ASE's work. 

We also support regional committees

Trustees

Our Trustees have responsibility for ensuring that ASE works properly as a charity, that the finances are properly regulated and monitored and the appropriate policies are in place.

Get involved

Write for us

Our publications aim to share information and ideas that support effective practice in science education. 

Join a committee

Our work is led by our member community.

Host a TeachMeet

Our regional committees organise local events and meetings. Everyone is welcome.

In your region

See who is involved in your region.

How we work

Our Governance

How ASE operates as a professional body, including governance information and our strategic plan.

Our Royal Charter

The Association was granted a Royal Charter on 13 October 2004 which states our mission to improve the teaching of science. In November 2024, HRH the Princess Royal was appointed as ASE's new patron, following a review of the patronages of the late Duke of Edinburgh, ASE's original patron.

Our History

The Association for Science Education can trace its origins back to 1900, with the first Annual Meeting held in January 1901.

Our Policy Work

We represent the views of our members and the wider education community on a broad range of areas across science education.

Our projects

Mary Anning: a fossil hunter's story

Developed as part of The Templeton World Charity Foundation's Big Questions in Classrooms (BGiC) initiative, ASE created interdisciplinary teaching materials to educate and inspire primary school pupils in science, fossils, and evolution through the history of palaeontology and the  story of Mary Anning. 

Maths for Biology teachers

The ASE has been collaborating with The DfE funded Advanced Maths Support Programme (AMSP) for the past three years in order to support Biology teachers deliver the mathematical requirements of A-level Biology. Feedback on the resources and professional development has been extremely positive. 

Included

ASE is committed to improving access to science to all leaners and have a strong background is leading inclusion work in schools through the Inclusion in Schools and Inclusion in Science programmes (add links). We are drawing on this experience and expertise in our new offers:

Included:Primary, for all primary teachers to explore how to use inclusive practice to make school welcoming and engaging to all pupils.
Included:Consultancy, a consultancy service to support the development of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work at whole school or science department level.

Science on Stage UK

ASE organises the UK presence at this european-wide event. The next European Science on Stage festival will take place in Turku in August 2024.

Keeping Science Practical

With the generous support of the Wolfson Foundation, our programme aims to support schools in difficult circumstances in their provision of high-quality practical science education.

Work for us

Current Vacancies

Do you want to become a part of the ASE team? Find out more about our current vacancies. 

Our partners