University of Johannesburg
First PASER Conference launching the research community.
Download Programme (PDF)
Pan-African Science Education Research
PASER is a collaborative platform dedicated to advancing science education research, scholarly exchange, and academic partnerships across Africa.
Explore our conferences, membership opportunities, leadership, and current innovations shaping the future of science education.
The conference is organised through strategic partnerships between several universities, whose collaboration plays a vital role in bringing this scholarly gathering to life.
PASER fosters partnerships across institutions and borders to develop innovative teaching methodologies, evidence-based policies, and impactful research.
Members gain mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities to shape science education across Africa.
Meet the scholars whose work and leadership have helped shape PASER as a collaborative platform for advancing science education research in Africa.
Scholar / Researcher / Founding Contributor
He is a Professor of Science Education, and Director of the Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALTSTEAM) research centre at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His main research interest is inquiry-based science education, with a particular focus on its uptake in South African classrooms, where the unequal funding policies of the previous Apartheid education system have resulted in learning contexts that are complex and diverse.
His research is highly impactful and has been published in high-ranking journals within his discipline such as Journal of Research in Science Teaching; Science and Education; International Journal of Science Education, Research in Science Education; Studies in Science Education and so on. He is associate editor of the Q1 journal, Research in Science Education, and has served on the editorial board of Journal of Research in Science Teaching. He has in excess of 80 peer reviewed journal article publications.
He is currently a B-rated researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF). He is recognized among the top 50 Education Scientists in Africa by AD Scientific Index. He is the recipient of the NRF’s prestigious Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award. He is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
Scholar / Researcher / Founding Contributor
He previously taught at Springfield College of Education and served as Head of Department at the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SMTE) at UKZN for several years. He holds an NRF C-rating (2020–2030) and has supervised numerous PhD and MEd students.
Professor Govender has published over 44 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and newspaper articles. His work promotes transdisciplinary research connecting science education to Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), agriculture, ICTs, and cosmology-religion.
He has presented more than 60 conference papers both nationally and internationally, including in Poland, Tunisia, Borneo, Turkey, and across Southern Africa in countries such as Malawi and Mozambique.
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Scholar / Researcher / Founding Contributor
His research interests include science curriculum, transformative continuing professional development, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and Citizenship Education.
He holds an NRF C2 rating and has served as President of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE).
Professor Ngcoza is a member of the African Association for the Study of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AASIKS) and serves on the editorial boards of international journals including Research in Science and Technological Education (UK) and the Journal of Kerbala University (Iraq).
He is currently Professor and Dean of the School of Primary Education at the International University of Management (IUM) in Namibia.
Pan-African Science Education Research (PASER) is a dynamic community of scholars, educators, and researchers dedicated to advancing science education across Africa through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and mentorship.
PASER organizes an annual online conference that provides a platform for students and scholars to present research, discuss emerging trends, and build professional networks.
Click on the 2026 conference heading to access details about the event, including themes, speakers, schedules, and submission guidelines.
Stay updated on past and upcoming conferences to engage with the growing community of science education researchers across Africa.
First PASER Conference launching the research community.
Download Programme (PDF)Expanded postgraduate participation and collaboration.
Download Programme (PDF)Strengthened continental partnerships and interdisciplinary dialogue.
Download Programme (PDF)Reimagined science education in the African science education landscape.
Download Programme (PDF)Theme: Sustainable Futures for Africa by Adapting to Changing Landscapes in Science Education
📍 Host: Rhodes University
📅 Date: Friday, 24 July 2026 (9:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
💻 Venue: Virtual (Link will be shared after RSVP)
PASER provides a platform for postgraduate students across Africa to present and discuss their science education research.
Professor Heba EL-Deghaidy
EL-Deghaidy, is the former Chair of the Department of Educational Studies and a Professor of Science Education. She leads the STEAM education initiative, advancing an international, interdisciplinary learning model that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. She holds a doctoral degree in Science Education from the University of Birmingham. Professor EL-Deghaidy has served as Principal Investigator on numerous national and international research projects. Her scholarly work is widely published in leading international journals. She has also acted as an external examiner for doctoral theses across several countries, including Bahrain, Oman, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, contributing to quality assurance in higher education.
Note: Submissions that do not comply with anonymisation requirements may be returned for revision prior to review.
RSVP form will be made available soon. Please check the website regularly for new updates. Thank you.
Presenters may submit Short Papers or Long Papers. Please complete the form below and upload your manuscript.
PASER brings together postgraduate students, researchers, and educators committed to advancing science education across Africa.
Join our collaborative network to share research, attend conferences, and contribute to innovative teaching and learning practices.
PASER membership is free of charge and open to postgraduate students, researchers, teacher educators, and educators interested in advancing science education across Africa.
Stay informed about the latest PASER activities, announcements, and opportunities. From conferences and workshops to member achievements and research calls, this section keeps our community connected and engaged.
The date and the host of the 2026 PASER conference has been confirmed. The conference will take place on the 24th of July and the host is Rhodes University.
Join our upcoming virtual workshop exploring practical strategies for implementing inquiry-based learning in diverse classrooms.
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A new online seminar series launches this term, connecting postgraduate researchers across Africa to share emerging work and ideas.