In Memoriam: Professor Wynne Harlen OBE

The InterAcademy Partnership mourns the passing of Professor Wynne Harlen OBE, a towering figure in science education whose work transformed how children around the world learn, understand and enjoy science.

Wynne was a pioneer in science education, curriculum development and the reform of assessment practices. Throughout her long and remarkably productive life, she championed approaches to teaching and assessment that place children’s curiosity, understanding and engagement at the centre of learning. Her work consistently challenged systems that prioritised testing over thinking, and she was a tireless advocate for assessment practices that genuinely support learning rather than constrain it.

At the heart of Wynne’s contribution was her belief that science education should empower all learners. She argued with clarity and conviction that what is taught must drive what is assessed, not the other way around, and warned against the damaging effects of teaching to examinations. Her ideas on formative assessment and inquiry-based science education have shaped policy, research and classroom practice across continents.

Wynne worked closely with the InterAcademy Partnership over many years and made lasting contributions to its Science Education Programme. Among her most significant legacies with IAP is the publication 'Working with Big Ideas of Science Education', which continues to guide educators and policy-makers in designing curricula that emphasise coherence, depth of understanding and relevance for all learners.

Her last in-person contribution to IAP took place in April 2016 in Santiago, Chile, at the IAP Science Education Programme’s biennial conference on 'Improving the Learning of Biology and Related Sciences at the Pre-University Level'. Addressing an international audience of educators, scientists and policy-makers, Wynne spoke compellingly about the central role of formative assessment in inquiry-based learning. Her presentation reflected her lifelong commitment to aligning pedagogy, assessment and purpose, and it left a strong impression on the many teachers and experts present.

Even in later years, Wynne remained deeply engaged in advancing science education. During the COVID-19 period, she authored The Case for Inquiry-based Science Education (IBSE) for IAP in 2021, a rigorous and thoughtful analysis that brought together research evidence, learning theory and practical experience. The publication addressed both the promise and the challenges of IBSE, responding critically to international assessment debates while reaffirming the importance of inquiry, dialogue and guided learning in developing scientific literacy for all students.

Beyond her intellectual achievements, Wynne was admired for her generosity, integrity and quiet determination. She mentored countless educators and researchers, listened carefully to differing perspectives and remained open to evidence and reflection throughout her career. Those who worked with her remember not only her clarity of thought, but also her warmth, humility and unwavering commitment to education as a public good.

We remember Wynne with deep affection and immense gratitude for all that she gave to the global science education community. Her ideas continue to shape classrooms, curricula and policies, and her influence will endure through the many people she inspired.

This special page here is a space to celebrate Wynne’s life and work. We warmly invite colleagues, friends and collaborators to share their reflections, memories and photos in tribute to an extraordinary educator and human being.