Science is an important part of Scottish heritage. Its applications are used every day at work, at leisure and in the home. Science and the application of science are central to our economic future and to our health and well-being as individuals and as a society. Scotland has a long tradition of scientific discovery, of innovation in the application of scientific discovery, and of the application of science in the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment. As a result, it has become a high priority focus within education policy, see for example, the STEM Education and Training strategy.

The SERA Science Network was established in 2025 to provide a means for science educators across sectors to work together to share good practice, conduct collaborative research across HE, schools, early years, and community education, interrogate international research and create opportunities for interdisciplinary thinking and learning.

These activities aim to inform research-led approaches to science education, including those with a focus on raising STEM capital for those from under-resourced communities, as they are currently underrepresented in STEM.

We will link with other networks, such as teacher education and leadership for international research and the sharing of practice beyond Scotland.

In addition, as Scottish STEM ITE faces an increasing recruitment and retention crisis, this network will enable a more cohesive research-informed approach to improving recruitment and retention.

Our Network is open to all working, or with an interest, in science education.

Network Activities

2025

Launch of Network and Roundtable at SERA 2025

Date and time: Thursday 20th November 2025, 09.50-10.50

Social Media

Bluesky: serasciencenetwork.bsky.social

Convenors

Heather Earnshaw, Edinburgh Napier University

Julie Isdale , University of the West of Scotland

Clare Smith , University of Glasgow