Description of research and teaching

My research deals with learning, teaching and communication of science and technology in

• secondary and primary schools
• teacher education
• out-of-school and informal learning environments.

In my current research I connect science learning to agency, futures-thinking and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and work also with the concepts of teacher's professional agency, authenticity and relevance of science education, and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in school contexts. I have studied scientific and technological literacy and public engagement in several societally relevant fields of science and innovation, such as nanotechnology and climate change. I've been involved in the following EU-funded projects:

• TEFF: Teacher Education for a Future in Flux (Erasmus+ Teacher Academies, 6/2023 - 6/2026), Principal Investigator
• FEDORA: Future-oriented Science EDucation to enhance Responsibility and engagement in the society of Acceleration and uncertainty (EU H2020, Science with and for Society, 9/2020 - 8/2023), Principal Investigator
• DECoSTE: Designing and Enacting Coherent Science Teacher Education (Erasmus+, 9/2020 - 8/2023), Team member
• I SEE: Inclusive STEM Education to Enhance the capacity  to aspire and imagine future careers (EU Erasmus+, 9/2016 - 8/2019), Principal Investigator
• IRRESISTIBLE: Engaging the Young with Responsible Research and Innovation (EU FP7, 11/2013 – 10/2016), Principal Investigator
• HOPE: Horizons in Physics Education (EU Life Long Learning Programme, 10/2013 – 9/2016)
• MaterialsScience: University-school partnerships for the design and implementation of research-based ICT-enhanced modules on material properties (EU FP6, 1/2007-12/2009)

My teaching (as Senior university lecturer in Didactics of Physics in the Dept. of Education, Univ. of Helsinki) includes courses and supervision for pre-service secondary school (subject) teachers, pre-service primary school (class) teachers, and in-service teachers.

I co-operate in various projects related science education, science communication and public engagement in the context of the LUMA centre.