The Association for Science Education


The Association for Science Education 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 is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG,PC,KT, GMBE, FRS.

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.

Bookshop

The ASE is a specialist publisher for the science education market. This includes approximately 200 titles ranging from Primary to Secondary and Post 16 science education.

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:
The annual conference attracts over 3000 delegates and include 350+ 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

Awards

The ASE is involved with many awards including: