About us

The Centre for Research in STEM Education (CRISTEME) brings together academics and doctoral students concerned with aspects of education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our view of education is broad, encompassing education in schools and colleges, education beyond the classroom, and the education of teachers of STEM subjects. Our view of what is included amongst the STEM subjects is also broad (including, for example, geosciences, environmental sciences, medical education); we see information and communications technology (ICT) as an important part of our concern both because of its links with technology and because of its role in supporting innovative research methods and pedagogies.

As well as contributing to the day-to-day work of specific funded research projects, we work together to explore more fundamental issues such as the nature of science and science engagement, their role in key areas of decision-making in society and the implications of these issues for STEM education. As a result we are interested in complex socio-scientific issues and the relevance of STEM education to contemporary citizenship (for example its role in strengthening debate on themes such as sustainability, global climate change and social justice). This aspect of our work is supported by seminars led by national and international leaders in the field and shapes our contribution to university-wide collaborations in the STEM area.

The Centre also hosts the international journals, Studies in Science Education and Philosophy of Mathematics Education.