Keynote Speakers

Professor Kyle is the E. Desmond Lee Family Professor of Science Education at the University of Missouri -St. Louis (USA). His work focuses on the socio-cultural, political, and economic issues associated with schooling and the prospects for equity. The goals of such initiatives are oriented toward enhancing students’ scientific literacy, preparing students for life in a critical democracy, self-and social empowerment, and social transformation. Most recently, he collaborated on Project SUSTAIN, a venture amongst researchers and communities in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Norway and the US,with a focus upon generating knowledge and research methodologies oriented toward exploring and promoting access to a socially responsible science, mathematics, and technology education.His present interests focus upon reorienting schooling to address education for sustainable development by drawing upon the 15 Global Challenges Facing Humanity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Globally, optimism exists for substantial gains toward addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, Professor Kyle asks where are the voices of educators? Why such silence? He offers a vision and challenge for educators.

Professor Kyle’s professional contributions have been recognized through his selection in 1980 as the author of the manuscript judged to be the most significant contribution to the Journal of Research in Science Teaching  (JRST); in 1981 he received the National Science Teachers Association’s Gustav Ohaus Award for Innovations in College Science Teaching; in 1982 he was the recipient of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching’s Patron Award for the research report judged to have the greatest significance and potential in the field of science education; and in 1990 the Association for the Education of Teachers in Science recognized him as the Outstanding Science Educator of the Year. He served as Editor of Journal of Research in Science Teaching(January 1994 through May 1999), the official journal of NARST – A global organization for improving science education through research). In 2003, he was recognized by NARST as having been the co-author of one of the 13 most influential articles published in JRST during its first 40 years (1963-2003). Professor Kyle served as the Executive Director of NARST from 2007 through 2018.