Radboud University

Partner 14 [SKU/RU]

The Stichting Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen (Radboud University) was established in 1923, is a broad-based student oriented research university that is internationally recognized not only for the quality of its research and education, but also as a centre of international relations. It has seven faculties, about 4800 staff members and enrolls over 19,000 students. The Science Education Hub Radboud University (Duth: ‘Wetenschapsknooppunt Radboud Universiteit’) is a regional Centre that aims to bring together teachers, pre-service teachers and scientists to bring science in primary education practice. The Science Education Hub is also involved in teacher education, training of (young) scientists to communicate their research and outreach activities.

The Science Education Hub Radboud University (WKRU) was established in 2009 as one of sic Science Education Hubs in the Netherlands with the main goal to make scientific knowledge accessible to primary schools, and improve the scientific attitude of primary school teachers and children. It is now the leading Science Education Hub in the Netherlands, supported by the Dutch Academy. Each year the WKRU distributes the Radboud Science Awards to researchers involved in the best and most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the university. In interdisciplinary teams with teachers and pre-service teachers, these researchers translate their research into inquiry-based science education activities. So far, this has resulted in 9 educational strategies that have been tested in primary education. Based on the experiences of the participating schools, these activities have been translated into best practices, wich are made accessible to other schools via an annual book publication ‘Scientific breakthroughs in the classrooms!’, a website and several outreach activities. In addition, the Science Education Hub Radboud University is well known for its annual Winter school, a one-day training for (pre-service) teachers in bringing scientific themes into their classrooms, by means of inquiry-based learning (IBL).

WP Involvement

Teacher Professional Development in SSIBL -Primary Education (WP2)


SKU/RU local webpage [nl]

SKU/RU PARRISE brochure [nl]

Team Profile

Sanne Dekker is the project manager of the Science Education Hub since 2015. She is a neuropsychologist and has a PhD in Educational Neuropsychology (2013). She has a strong motivation to make scientific knowledge accessible to primary schools, and to improve the scientific attitude of primary school teachers and children. Her current interest is on inquiry-based learning, curiosity and critical thinking skills.

Jan van Baren-Nawrocka is project coordinator at our Science Education Hub since 2013. He has a Master degree in humanistic studies and is working on a PhD in Science and Technology Studies. Humanistic values form the backdrop of his dedication to education-innovation, aimed at motivational and individual forms of learning as well as critical thinking. His current interest is on inquiry-based learning, citizenship education and critical reflection on science and technology.

Inge van der Aa is involved in the PARRISE project since 2015 as a student-assistant. She is a pre-service teacher and has an internship at an innovative primary school with a focus on inquiry-based learning. Her current interest is on inquiry-based learning, citizenship education and critical reflection on science and technology.

European Commission

PARRISE (grant agreement 612438) is a four year programme (2014-2017) funded by the European Commission.

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