The theme of the conference, Research, practice and collaboration in science education underlines aspects of great relevance in contemporary science education research: the need to reflect on different approaches to enhancing our knowledge of learning processes and the role of context, designed or circumstantial, formal or non-formal, in learning and instruction. Highlighting these themes does not mean underestimating or neglecting other important aspects of science education research and practice.

ESERA 2017 is cohosted by CASTeL, DCU and EPI-STEM, University of Limerick