Press Release
January 3, 2025
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Science and Environmental Studies of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted the 2025 Conference of the Global Chinese Academy for Science Education Research (the Academy) on its Tai Po campus on 3–4 January 2025. The theme of the conference is “Sustainable Science Education: Shaping a Brighter Future.” Experts in science education from both local and international spheres were invited to discuss the latest advancements in science education research and reform.
The conference was supported by the Education Bureau (EDB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers, The Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education, and The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance for Primary and Secondary STEAM Education. It attracted over 400 experts, scholars, teachers, and educational researchers from around the world.
The opening ceremony of the conference was chaired by Dr. Wan Zhihong Peter and Professor Ho Wing Kei Keith from EdUHK. They highlighted that the world has experienced a new wave of technological development and transformation in recent years, and the annual conference facilitated dialogues among interdisciplinary experts, allowing scholars to share practical experiences and explore educational innovations that improve student learning and benefit community development.
Dr. Sze Chun Fai, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, was also invited to officiate at the opening ceremony. He mentioned in his speech that the year 2024 was a significant year for local science education reforms in Hong Kong; with the introduction of primary science curriculum, the launching of junior secondary STEAM learning modules, as well as the updating of the junior secondary science curriculum framework. EDB is determined to enhance students’ scientific literacy and foster in them the spirit of innovation, and further strengthen the implementation of a coherent science education foundation spanning nine years. In addition, EDB also launched “AI for Science Education” Funding Programme last year, a pilot programme on promoting AI-assisted teaching in junior secondary science. This programme aims to equip teachers with using AI in classroom practice, thereby promoting pedagogical innovations. Dr. Sze recognised that the conference provided a platform for professional exchanges among Chinese science educators worldwide, promoting the development and collaboration of science education across regions. This conference will further align local education with the national strategy of “invigorating the country through science and education,” cultivating innovative talents with both ability and integrity to contribute to the country’s prosperity and strength.
In his welcoming speech, Professor Lee Chi-Kin John, President of EdUHK, emphasized that the strategy of “Revitalizing the Country through Science and Education” is a fundamental national policy. In line with this direction, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is actively promoting “Revitalizing Hong Kong through Science and Education,” which has garnered widespread attention from all sectors of society. Through this conference, it is hoped to facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong scholars and Chinese educators worldwide regarding the forefront developments in science education, gaining an in-depth understanding of the innovative concepts and initiatives within the new curriculum framework from an international perspective. Meanwhile, it serves as an opportunity to showcase to global educational colleagues the development journey, unique advantages, and future vision of science education in Hong Kong.
Professor Hu Weiping, President of the Global Chinese Academy for Science Education Research, stated in his welcoming address that the Society aims to provide a collaborative exchange platform for global Chinese science education researchers, strengthening connections among them and enhancing the level of science education research within the Chinese community. This meeting is the Society’s inaugural academic conference since its establishment, and it is hoped that everyone can fully utilize this platform to brainstorm and inject new vitality into the flourishing development of science education in the Chinese community.
Professor Cheng May Hung May, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK, the Chair of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance for Primary and Secondary STEAM Education, and former President of the East Asian Association for Science Education, stated in her welcoming speech that strengthening cross-regional cooperation and exchange is particularly important to seize the opportunities and challenges of the new era. This conference will further deepen dialogue and mutual learning in the field of science education. From academic research to educational practice, from policy advocacy to innovative exploration, we will work hand in hand to forge ahead.
The two-day annual conference also featured keynote speeches, parallel sessions, the Greater Bay Area Forum, and teacher workshops. During the keynote speech sessions, speakers from various universities, including Professor Hu Wei-ping, Professor Bao Lei, Professor Chiu Mei-Hung, Professor So Wing Mui Winnie, Professor Tan Aik Ling, Professor Wei Bing, Professor Zhang Hongshia, Professor Zhou Guoqiang, and Professor Li Chunmi, presented the latest advancements in science education theory. In the parallel sessions, over 100 scholars from around the world shared their latest research findings on hot topics such as the application of AI in science education, STEM education, and fostering scientific creativity.
This year’s conference also features a special “Greater Bay Area Science Education Forum,” gathering experts, scholars, and renowned teachers in science education from the Greater Bay Area to share teaching experiences, discuss collaborative innovation in science education development, and strengthen the integration of research and practice to enhance science education.
For more details about the event, please visit:
https://gcaser2025.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Program-Book_5.0updated.pdf