The Association for Science Education (ASE) is a professional association in the United Kingdom for teachers of science and science technicians. The association was formed in 1963 and is a member of the UK Science Council.
Aims The Royal Charter of the Association for Science Education States,
"The objects and purposes for which The Association is hereby constituted are the promotion of education by the following means:
by improving the teaching of science and by providing an authoritative medium through which opinions of teachers of science may be expressed on educational matters and by affording means of communication among all persons and bodies of persons concerned with the teaching of science in particular and with education in general."
History The ASE formed in 1963 by the merger of the Science Masters Association and the Association of Women Science Teachers. The Association for Science Education can trace its origins back to 1900. The first Annual Meeting was held in January 1901 which then led to the formation of the Association of Public School Science Masters. Incorporated by Royal Charter in October 2004, the ASE operates as a Registered Charity. The history of the ASE can be found in two publications: Interpreters of Science by David Layton and, published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the association, Advancing Science Education: the first fifty years of the Association for Science Education, Edited by Edgar Jenkins and Valerie Wood-Robinson.
The Patron of the Association was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, PC, KT, GBE, FRS, until his death in 2021. It is now HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.
Activities The Association promotes improvements in science education and education in general, specifically through advice and support for teachers, technicians and others with meetings and conferences, journals and resources, curriculum and professional development programmes and contributions to research and policy debates.
Journals The ASE produces four journals which not only keep members up to date with developments in science education but also provide ideas and tips for the delivery of science education. Their journals include: Primary Science (previously: Primary Science Review) - aimed at the primary sector, giving ideas for lessons and developments in primary science education. School Science Review - SSR is the ASE's academically peer-reviewed journal supporting 11-19 science education, to provide CPD for both readers and contributors and share research and expertise across the ASE community and wider science education network. Science Teacher Education Online Hub - aimed at providers of initial teacher training and aims to inform and contribute to the development of science teacher education in all phases of education. Journal of Emergent Science - supported by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). JES focuses on research and the implications of research for practice and provision of science (including health, technology and engineering) for young children from birth to 11 years of age.
Annual Conference The annual conference attracts over 2000 delegates and include 250+ talks and workshops ranging from academic lectures and exhibitions, to a social programme and themed days.
Governance An elected Education Group governs and controls the affairs of the Association. The Education Group advises the Trustees on all aspects of science education. Its 30 members represent all sectors of the science education community and speaks authoritatively on behalf of the Association. The group is led by the Chair of the Association and meets 3 times a year. The Chair of the Association is elected by the membership and serves a term of one year.
The Trustee Body has 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. The trustees meets 3 times a year and consists of 11 member trustees.
List of presidents and association chairs from 1963–2020 YearPresidentsAssociation Chair2020Sir Professor John HolmanProfessor Janice Griffiths2019Sir Professor John HolmanMary Whitehouse2018Professor Danielle GeorgeLinda Needham2017Professor Danielle GeorgeChris Colclough2016Professor Danielle GeorgeMs Corinne Stevenson2015Sir David BellMs Christine Harrison2014Professor Alice RobertsMr Pete Robinson2013Professor Martin Rees, Lord Rees of LudlowMrs Liz Lawrence2012Professor Robin MillarMrs Lynne Horton2011Professor Steve JonesMr Richard Needham2010Sir Alan JonesMr Manoj Chitnavis2009Professor Wynne HarlenMs Carolyn Yates2008Professor Micheal EarwickerMr Graham Kingsley2007Professor Dame Julia HigginsMs Charlotte Clarke2006Sir Gareth RobertsMr Bob Kibble2005Sir Mike TomlinsonMr David Bevan2004Sir Peter WilliamsDr Susan Burr2003Dr Gill SamuelsMs Sue Flanagan2002Lord Jenkin of RodingMr Ian Galloway2001Professor Patrick DowlingDr Derek Bell2000Professor Susan GreenfieldMrs Rebecca Edwards1999Sir John HorlockMiss Rosemary Feasey1998Mr David BrownMr Roger McCune1997Sir Brian FollettMrs Mary Ratcliffe1996Sir Neil CossonsMrs Jane Wheatley1995Dr Bridget OgilvieMr David Standley1994Dr David GiachardiMr Philip Ramsden1993Professor Miss Maggie Hannon1992Sir John MasonDr Boyd Gunnell1991Professor Hans KornbergMrs Elizabeth Preston1990Sir Dick Morris CBEMr E.O. James1989Sir Walter Bodmer FRSMr E.O. James (acting)1988Baroness Platt of Writtle CBEMr Graham Hill1987Lord Marshall of Goring CBE FRSMiss Angela Dixon1986Professor Paul Black OBE KSGMr John Nellist1985Sir George Porter FRSMr Geoff Barraclough1984Sir James Hamilton KCB MBEMr P.J. Scott1983Sir Robert Clayton CBE FEngMiss Ruth Schofield1982Sir Hermann Bondi KCB FRSMr Maurice Savory1981Sir Denis Rooke CBE FRS FEngMr Jeff Thompson1980Sir Norman LindopMr John Healey1979Mr Norman BoothMr A.R. Hall1978Mr Norman BoothMr Dick West1977Sir Alastair Pilkington FRSMr J.L. Lewis1976Professor J.F. KerrW.J. Kirkham1975Lord BullockA.A. Bishop1974Sir Derman Christopherson OBE FRSMrs J Glover1973Lord Boyle of HandsworthW.F. Archenhold1972Mrs M K McQuillanE.G. Breeze1971Dr J.L. CottrellB.G. Atwood1970Professor E R LaithwaiteHelen Ward1969Mr J.D. Rose FRSE.H. Coulson1968Professor Sir Ronald Nyholm FRSF.C. Brown1967Professor Sir Ronald Nyholm FRSJ J Bryant1966Lord F S DaintonH F Broad1965Sir John CockcroftR H Dyball1964Sir Patrick LinsteadMiss F M Eastwood1963Sir Robert Aitken
Awards The ASE is involved with many awards including: Chartered Science Teacher (CSciTeach) Registered Scientist Registered Science Technician
See also
Glossary of areas of mathematics Glossary of astronomy Glossary of biology Glossary of chemistry Glossary of engineering Glossary of physics
References
External links Official website Science Learning Centres website * The Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology