Research at the IPN
What mathematics and science skills are necessary nowadays? What should we have understood to perceive and evaluate developments in science and technology? Since everyone is equally affected by changes or advances in science and technology what should everyone know and be able to do? What do those wishing to work in these fields need to know? Where does the interest to engage in mathematical and scientific subjects at school, work or during leisure time come from? These are key questions that researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) in Kiel investigate. This means the IPN researches the prerequisites, conditions, processes and results of mathematical and science education. It examines mathematics and science education processes across the lifespan taking consideration not only of the individual and their family environment but also study groups, institutions and education systems. The IPN’s research interest of school-related projects is dedicated partially to student aspects, but also to the professionalism of teachers, the quality of mathematics and science teaching, and the state of the education system.
In its nationwide and governmental capacity the IPN focuses on tasks and projects of particular interest to Germany’s state and federal government which the universities are unable to attend to.
The research of the IPN is structured by research lines. These research lines have theoretical and empirical overlapping and should therefore not be considered as strictly separate work areas.
Research standards and transparency of research
The IPN's research is subject to standards of good scientific practice based on the DFG Code of Conduct "Guidelines for Ensuring Good Scientific Practice".
The IPN, as an institute whose research results have a direct impact on society, has a special interest in making its results freely available. The IPN is committed to Open Science. It thus adheres to the "Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities", the "Leibniz Association Open Access Policy 2016-2020", the UNESCO Recommendation on the OER and the FAIR principles, according to which scientific data, educational materials and publications should be searchable, accessible, interoperable and reusable worldwide. With our commitment to Open Science, we hope to promote exchange and transparency within and outside the university context and to help accelerate scientific innovation processes and improve the visibility of research results. Our focus is on openness, collaboration and the exchange and further development of knowledge.
Contacts at the IPN:
Dr. Tim Höffler, Open Data
Barbara Senkbeil, Open Access
Silke Rönnebeck, Open Education
