Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH)

Impact: Attitudes and behaviours, Awareness and understanding, Policy, Society and culture

Narrative

Global challenges make it crucial for society to have a scientifically literate population that can respond to major social and environmental threats to human wellbeing. However, Ofsted (2023) and others have noted that the status of science in primary schools has declined since the removal of national tests in 2009, with some pupils going an entire half term without learning science. The Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub (SEERIH) was established in 2014 in the university’s Faculty of Science & Engineering to inspire excellence in STEM education by upskilling and retaining primary and secondary STEM teachers and academics. SEERIH designs and delivers educational research, projects, and campaigns that address the needs of future STEM innovators. Its inclusive values have resulted in engagement from diverse communities, closing the opportunity gap and improving young people’s choices in STEM at various levels.

SEERIH achieves impact by providing coherent training programmes for in-service teachers, using an immersive approach to professional development. Teachers experience the wonders of science and engineering, aligned to the national curriculum and cutting-edge research. Opportunities include regional network meetings for science subject leaders, involvement in research projects, conferences, masterclasses, and events that connect schools with researchers and industry. SEERIH’s work has improved attainment and achievement for children by building teacher confidence and modelling practical learning approaches aligned to global issues. The Hub has engaged over 11,000 teachers and approximately 1,300,000 pupils in around 7,000 schools, with 59% serving pupils from poor neighbourhoods.

One of SEERIH’s successful campaigns is the ‘Great Science Share for Schools’ (GSSfS), which inspires teachers to give time for young people to ask, investigate, and share scientific questions, making them science communication experts. GSSfS involves the annual publication of free-access resources and a celebration day in June. Sharing events take place in various settings, including schools, hospitals, museums, zoos, football stadiums, and art galleries, where pupils demonstrate science experiments to their peers. The campaign has international engagement through social media and digital platforms, with school-led initiatives involving pupils training their peers and other teachers worldwide.

Through research and innovative curriculum and professional development projects, SEERIH has elevated the quality of teaching through recognized publications and campaigns that impact at multiple levels. SEERIH catalyses opportunities for learners to question and contribute to solutions for societal challenges, inspiring a step-change in the UK’s curriculum. Strengthening teacher confidence and curiosity is vital, and this momentum must accelerate to recruit, retain, and revitalize educators who shape young minds every day.
Impact date2014
Category of impactAttitudes and behaviours, Awareness and understanding, Policy, Society and culture
Impact levelBenefit