Changing the way teachers teach science is a priority with the EU. An emphasis on inquiry based science teaching is suggested in policy documents as well as funding agencies. Best practice for teacher professional development within and between countries provides the background for new developments within European science education.

Doris Jorde addressed issues of science education in Europe in her Plenary Session at the 83rd NARST International Conference. Doris brings a unique perspective to her work in Norway since she was born and raised in California, where she received all of her degrees, culminating with a PhD in science education from the University of California at Berkeley. Doris met her husband at Berkeley - he is Norwegian and was a Fulbright scholar. In 1984, they decided to live in Norway. Her first and only job was at the University of Oslo, working with the (then) newly formed science education group.

Doris is a past president of ESERA — and the first female president.

Today she is leading an EU project called Mind the Gap, which is looking at inquiry-based science teaching within European countries and trying to develop models of teacher professional development that are sustainable and school-based. She spoke of this project in her address.

Doris is presently the Vice Rector (Vice Chancellor) at the University of Oslo, with responsibility for internationalization.