ASE Announces Appointment of New Chair Elects
We are delighted to announce that Claire Seeley and Emily Perry have been confirmed as the new Chair Elects of the Association for Science Education (ASE), following approval by our Board of Trustees. Their appointment will take effect from 1 August 2025.
Claire and Emily 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.
Together, they bring experience that spans the full breadth of ASE’s diverse membership. Claire and Emily have served as classroom teachers, subject leaders, curriculum designers, education consultants, researchers, teacher educators, and professional development leaders. Their insight and dedication will be invaluable as they take on this new leadership role within the organisation.
We look forward to the leadership and inspiration they will bring to the ASE community as Chair Elects, and eventually as Co-Chairs. We pass on our thanks to outgoing Past Co-Chairs, Alex Sinclair and Leigh Hoath. Dave Allen will become ASE's Chair from 1 August, with Jane Oldham as Past Chair.
In a joint statement, Claire and Emily said:
“ASE plays a vital role as a trusted and thoughtful voice for science education. We are inspired by its dynamic, inclusive community of professionals who collaborate to motivate and support one another.
As Co-Chairs Elect, we are committed to advancing ASE’s mission to provide life-long support for science educators throughout their careers. We look forward to listening to and working with members across all areas of the organisation, championing diversity, sustainability, and outward-looking professional collaboration.
ASE has been instrumental in our own professional journeys, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and career development. We are honoured to take on this role and contribute to building a stronger, more connected science education community.”
About Claire Seeley
Claire Seeley has over 30 years of teaching experience in both inner-city and rural schools across England. As an independent Primary Science Consultant, she delivers professional development and teacher training with a strong focus on climate change education and the natural world. Claire supports CAPE (Climate Adapted Pathways for Education) and leads professional development programmes as a hub leader for the Primary Science Quality Mark, including an RSC-funded initiative.
Her contributions extend to BBC education campaigns, Live Lessons, Bitesize, and CBeebies. Claire also authored for HarperCollins' Snap Science series. In 2013, she received the PSTT Primary Science Teacher of the Year award, which was endorsed by the Royal Society of Biology in 2021.
About Professor Emily Perry
Emily Perry is a Professor of Education with a specialism in science teaching and teacher professional development. Her work focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning programmes across all career stages. She has led and contributed to projects funded by organisations such as the Gatsby Foundation, Wellcome, Ogden Trust, and the Institute of Physics, influencing science education policy and practice nationally and internationally.
With a background in chemistry teaching, Emily has taught in the UK, Hong Kong, and Brazil. She has served as a trustee of a Multi-Academy Trust and as a secondary school governor. She is also a long-standing Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.