Global Sustainability and Public Understanding of Science: The Role of Science Education Research in the International Community

Our conference theme is Global Sustainability and Public Understanding of Science: The Role of Science Education Research in the International Community. I have challenged you to revisit what our notions of educating to promote scientific literacy entails, and how we might contextualize that notion in a world where our future survival is intricately linked to the quality of the decisions our students and the public will make with respect to how those choices impact political, environmental and social matters of importance.

I truly hope you are looking forward as much as I am to our 2011 Annual International Conference in Orlando, April 3-6. The Caribe Royale All-Suite and Conference Center Hotel and Convention Center promises to be an excellent venue. Remember, you can take advantage of hotel conference rates 3 days prior to and after the conference if you wish to extend your stay to take advantage of the many internationally known theme parks, cultural and natural attractions that the greater Orlando area has to offer. I am looking forward to seeing you there—and since your future will be so bright, remember to wear shades!

Dana Zeidler, NARST President