The Linking Science Educators Program (LSEP) is an initiative designed to contribute to the improvement of science education in countries interested in science education reform. In particular, the program intends to support representatives from countries that are either economically disadvantaged (e.g., UNDP Human Development Index 0.80 or below) or educationally disadvantaged countries (e.g., low financial support towards science education with respect to their gross national product for education). However, the LSEP award can also be awarded to researchers and science education practitioners who seek to implement new ideas on science educational reform in their countries but cannot attain enough financial support.
LSEP seeks to act as a catalyst whereby NARST members contribute their expertise and experiences in theory and in practice to people in different countries by participating as resource- individuals.
The program supports economy round-trip airfare for resource-individuals (who must be NARST members). The host country is expected to cover costs for the resource person’s stay and for expenses for the proposed activities (e.g., conference, workshop, seminar, or other activity). Countries that are involved in science education reform are encouraged to submit a proposal for the LSEP program via the chairpersons of their science education association, or other recognized bodies in the country, to the NARST International Coordinator/International Committee Chair.
Purpose:
The Linking Science Education Program (LSEP) has been established for the following purposes:
- To connect science educators with countries interested in improving science education with economically disadvantaged or underrepresented countries in order to support implementing new ideas in science education reform.
- To encourage NARST members to contribute their expertise and experiences in theory and practice to different regions and countries.
- To demonstrate the commitment of NARST to improving science education research in different communities.
- To share responsibilities for improving scientific literacy of all citizens in the 21st century.
- To promote active interaction among science education associations/groups.
Who is eligible for this LSEP program?
- Countries that are willing to implement science education reform will be strongly encouraged to submit the proposal for the LSEP program either via the chairpersons of their science education association or from other internally recognized bodies/Leaders that are associated with the improvement of science education.
- The LSEP program will act as a catalyst to encourage NARST members to contribute their expertise and experiences in theory and in practice to different regions and countries.
Budget anticipated: The maximum total award amount is $7,000 USD
Submission deadline: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Starting and ending time of the project: May 2025 - January 2026
Who are the resource experts?
All NARST members are eligible and encouraged to serve as resource experts and to contribute their experiences and expertise to the LSEP program.
Procedures and requirements of application:
The following procedures are recommended to those interested in applying for LSEP funding:
- Download LSEP announcement, application form and evaluation forms here
- Search for potential resource persons who will agree to collaborate
- Submit the proposal via email to the NARST International Committee: internationalcomm@narst.org
Additional Requirements (for funded projects):
- Write a 1-page description of the project to advertise the project on the NARST website. The description should be submitted to the NARST International Coordinator. Any questions about how to prepare the summary can be directed to the International Coordinator.
- Write a 1-page report after completing the project for NARST and submit it to the NARST International Coordinator. The report will describe how the project was implemented and outcomes from the project. Support will be provided by the International Coordinator in writing the report if needed.
Selection Process:
The International Committee will review all applications based on the provided criteria. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong case for science education reform in their country that would benefit from international expertise. Recipients are chosen through a review process by the International Committee, and upon approval by the NARST Board of Directors.
