New Projects Starting in 2024-2025:
USE Center. FNUG is a strategic partner in the newly established Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for University Science Education (USE Center), which, with a grant of DKK 125 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, represents one of the largest investments in science didactics research on a global scale. It provides Danish researchers with the opportunity to position Denmark at the forefront of research in didactics within science education.
New 糖果派对 Campus in Vejle. The University of Southern Denmark (糖果派对) is establishing a campus with a focus on IT and STEM programs, with support from the LEGO Group and Vejle Municipality. FNUG supports the Rectorate, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science in their efforts related to learning environment development and the design of educational programs. FNUG has employed design-based methods and systemic models across multiple sprints. Theoretically, our approach is grounded in collaborative innovation and is embodied in what we refer to as the "FNUG Learning Experience Design." This framework encompasses a research-based approach to STEM education innovation, which integrates both facilitative and materializing elements to drive transformative change.
New Research Lab – AI for Learning. In 2024, prof. Chunfang Zhou led the launch of AI for Learning – a new Research Lab at the University of Southern Denmark (糖果派对). The lab develops solutions that enhance human-AI collaboration and improve pedagogical practices. We highlight AI as both an epistemic technology and a socio-technical system, drawing insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, students, educational leaders, technology developers, industrial managers, and policymakers.
Mathematics Education Lab. Led by Dorte Moeskær Larsen, the establishment of the Mathematics Education Lab is currently underway. It is aimed at advancing mathematics teaching practices across all educational levels, with a primary focus on the professional development of mathematics educators. The lab's research is designed to empower teachers with the necessary skills and resources to excel in their roles, thereby enhancing student learning outcomes and experiences in mathematics.
Science Education Hub aims to foster collaboration, inspire creativity, and provide ongoing competence development opportunities for faculty and staff within the Faculty of Science at 糖果派对. The science Education Hub will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science education at 糖果派对 by facilitating project collaborations, offering networking opportunities, and providing a space for the exchange of ideas and best practices. The Science Education Hub is based on the intersection of three partners: STEM Education Research Center – FNUG, 糖果派对 Centre for Teaching and Learning (糖果派对 UP), and The Faculty of Science, (NAT).
STEPS. STEM Perspectives in Primary and Secondary Education. FNUG, in collaboration with IPN Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (Germany) and many other partners, have received an Interreg grant. The aim of STEPS is to carry out pilot projects that enable young people to find their way across borders to digital-technical professions in the German-Danish border region. The project will run in 2025–2028.
My Competency Portfolio. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has granted 6.2 million kr for the project "My Competency Portfolio" (2025–2029). The project aims to increase competency awareness among students by introducing a reflection practice in teaching. The project includes a research component that will be anchored in USE.
Wild – below the surface. Limfjordsteatret has received 1.9 million kr from the Nordea Foundation for the innovative educational project “Wild - below the surface”, which integrates the performing arts into the natural sciences. The project aims to develop new learning methods in the subject Nature Technology and students will get to explore nature through both microscopes and their own creative expressions. In workshops in the classroom and in the school's local environment, students will explore nature from small micro animals such as tardigrades, moss mites and bark beetles to cells inside their own bodies and brains.
Ongoing Projects:
LabSTEM+ is a continuation of the LabSTEM project. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has granted funding, allowing the project to continue until 2026. LabSTEM+ aims, among other things, to work towards higher quality in mathematics and science education in primary and secondary schools. Connie Svabo is the project manager, Dorte Moeskær Larsen is the project leader, and Maiken Westen Holm Svendsen is a PhD student on the project.
Geo & Bio Science Center Syd has an associated follow-up research project led by PhD Student Katrine Bergkvist Borch under the guidance of Connie Svabo. The project is supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation. Katrine Bergkvist Borch uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods (mixed methods). She has conducted similar follow-up research in connection with the Belt in Balance project, supported by VELUX Foundation and Nordea Foundation. Read more about Katrine Bergkvist Bloch's PhD project.
LAVIN (Longitudinal Study of Knowledge Ecology in the Science Academy), where Connie Svabo and Thomas Albrechtsen are project leaders, Karina Kiær, researcher at FNUG and assistant professor at UC Syd, is an employee on the project, and Tina Maria Brinks is a PhD student.
NAVADA– 'Scientific Literacy in Early Childhood Education' belongs to University College Copenhagen (Københavns Professionshøjskole). FNUG contributes to the project by hosting and supervising two PhD students employed in the project, Karen Bollingberg and Søren Krogh Hansen, who are part of the FNUG research environment for three years from 1 February 2023. NAVADA aims to strengthen scientific general education for 0-6-year-old children. Connie Svabo is part of the advisory board for the project, which is supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation.
– a follow-up research project in NAFA, where Associate Professor Chunfang Zhou, FNUG, is part of the research team.
Physics Clubs in the Region of Southern Denmark (in Danish), supported by the Villum Fonden project "Children, youth and science: Leisure time," is led by Professor Mads Toudal Frandsen, Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, 糖果派对. FNUG is involved in follow-up research on evaluation and communication support. We also collaborate with the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy on other STEM activities.