IAP Science Education Programme Advances on Multiple Fronts

The IAP Science Education Programme continues to strengthen science education through a combination of local action and international collaboration.

This latest programme update highlights three important developments. Three of the projects selected through the 2025 Small Grants initiative have now entered implementation, bringing innovative approaches to science teaching into classrooms in Nigeria, Pakistan and Argentina. Preparations are also well underway for the 2026 IAP International School on Science Education (IAP-ISSE) in Erice, Italy, while the Science Education Global Council plans to meet in August to review progress and help shape the programme's future priorities.

Together, these activities reflect IAP's commitment to supporting academies, educators and partners in developing science education that is practical, inclusive and responsive to local needs.

(1) Small Grants programme moves into implementation

In 2025, IAP launched a competitive call for proposals under its Science Education Programme to support initiatives that strengthen science education through innovative, locally driven approaches. Four projects were selected for funding of up to USD 10,000 each.

Implementation is now underway in Nigeria, Pakistan and Argentina, with projects that place inquiry, creativity and hands-on learning at the centre of science education. A fourth project, led by the Chilean Academy of Sciences, will begin in the coming months.

Nigeria: Inspiring young learners through animation

The Nigerian Academy of Science has launched STEAM Naija Toons, an initiative that introduces science to children aged 6 to 12 through animation, storytelling and illustrated comic books.

Over the next year, the Academy will produce five animated episodes and 1,000 comic books, accompanied by learning materials for use in schools across ten Nigerian states. The resources will also be made available online to reach children, teachers and families more widely.

The project is designed to make science more engaging and accessible at an early age while encouraging curiosity and helping young learners develop a lasting interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Pakistan: Putting inquiry at the heart of science learning

The Khwarizmi Science Society is establishing Phenomenon Labs in ten schools across Pakistan to strengthen practical science education through inquiry-based learning.

Students will investigate everyday scientific phenomena using low-cost, open-source experiments supported by locally developed digital tools, including the PhysLogger data acquisition platform. Activities will cover subjects such as combustion, fluid dynamics, air quality, electrochemistry and plant responses, allowing students to observe, measure, analyse and draw conclusions using the scientific method.

The project will also train more than 100 teachers in design-based learning and inquiry-based science education while producing open educational resources that can be adapted by schools across the country. As part of the initiative, the project team will develop recommendations to support future curriculum development and strengthen practical science education in Pakistan.

Argentina: Bringing contemporary science into secondary education

The Academia Nacional de Ciencias in Argentina is connecting secondary school teachers and students with current research in ecology, genetics and chemistry.

Working with researchers from the National University of Córdoba, Academy members will lead a series of practical workshops that combine teacher training with laboratory-based learning. Students will explore topics including biodiversity, molecular genetics and biotechnology through experiments designed to complement classroom teaching.

Nine schools selected by the Ministry of Education of the Province of Córdoba will participate during the first year of the project. Alongside the classroom activities, the Academy will develop teaching resources that educators can continue using after the programme has concluded.

(2) International School on Science Education returns to Erice

Preparations are also progressing for the IAP International School on Science Education (IAP-ISSE) 2026, which will take place in Erice, Italy.

The School brings together science educators, academy representatives and education specialists from around the world to exchange experience, discuss effective approaches to science teaching and strengthen international collaboration.

Building on the long-standing Erice tradition, the programme promotes inquiry-based science education while providing participants with an opportunity to share successful practices, explore new teaching methods and build lasting professional networks. The School remains one of the flagship activities of the IAP Science Education Programme and continues to support academies in advancing science education in their own countries.

(3) Global Council prepares next phase of the programme

The Science Education Global Council plans to meet in early August to review progress across the programme and discuss priorities for the coming year.

The meeting will bring together Council members from different regions to assess ongoing activities, consider future opportunities for collaboration and guide the continued development of IAP's science education work.

As implementation progresses across the Small Grants programme and preparations continue for the International School on Science Education, these activities reflect IAP's shared commitment to strengthening science education worldwide through collaboration, innovation and the exchange of knowledge.