How is the USE Center Organised?
The USE Center links a center hub at the Department of Science Education (IND), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), with interdisciplinary research groups in satellites at the University of Aarhus (AU) and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and with leading international environments (Utrecht University, Stockholm University, University of Colorado at Boulder) as strategic partners.
The daily management of the USE Center is handled by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) composed of the Center Leader, the two Satellite Leaders, and the Center Coordinator. The ELT's function is to ensure the successful realisation of the center’s mission and vision, effectively bridging the different arms of the organisation.
Moreover, the ELT represents the USE Center to external stakeholders, the Advisory Board, and other relevant entities. They ensure that the center’s activities and accomplishments are effectively communicated to these parties and that the center maintains strong relationships with them.
The Executive Leadership Team
Professor Jan Alexis Nielsen is the Interim Center Leader at the University of Copenhagen.
Associate Professor Emanuela Marchetti is the Satellite Leader at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
Associate Professor Prajakt Pande is the Satellite Leader at Aarhus University (AU).
Professor Connie Svabo is the senior leader researcher at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
Senior Consultant Lars Klingeberg is the Center Coordinator at the University of Copenhagen.
Additionally, the USE Center Advisory Board is a strategic entity that provides expert advice and insights to ensure the USE Centre aligns with global standards and best practices in discipline-based educational research (DBER) in science.
Advisory Board Members
Professor Eric Brewe, Drexel University, USA
Brewe is a professor of physics and science education at the College of Arts and Sciences at Drexel University. He has a strong focus on active learning strategies and modelling-based instruction. His work has significantly contributed to understanding how students develop conceptual understanding in physics through social and cognitive engagement. He is also recognised for employing network analysis to investigate classroom interactions, providing new insights into how students collaborate and learn. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping USE’s approach to discipline-based education research (DBER) in the physical sciences.
Professor Sehoya Cotner, Universitetet i Bergen, Norway
Cotner is a professor of biology education and the leader of the STEM Education Research Center in Bergen. She specialises in equity, inclusion, and student engagement within STEM learning environments. Her research tackles barriers to success in science education, particularly for underrepresented groups, and explores the impact of active learning on student retention and achievement. Cotner’s expertise will provide USE with valuable insights into fostering inclusive science teaching practices that enhance student diversity and retention.
Professor Urban Eriksson, Uppsala University, Sweden
Eriksson is a distinguished researcher in astronomy education. He has a strong background in the role of visualisation and embodied cognition in science learning. His work has expanded the field’s understanding of how students engage with abstract scientific concepts through technology and multimodal learning. As an experienced leader in science education research, Eriksson brings extensive international collaboration experience that will strengthen USE’s global partnerships.
Professor Michael Seery, University of Bristol, England
Seery is a leading researcher in chemistry education, specialising in laboratory education, digital learning, and pedagogical innovation in university science teaching. His work investigates how students acquire practical skills in laboratory environments and how digital tools can enhance learning outcomes. Seery’s insights will be pivotal in ensuring that USE research fosters the development of effective, research-based teaching methods in experimental sciences.
Finally, the USE Center is governed by a Governance Board (GB).
The GB consists of four members: one management representative from each of the Faculties of Science at the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the University of Southern Denmark, as well as the Head of the Department of Science Education at the University of Copenhagen. Furthermore, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has an observer representative (a non-voting participant).
The GB acts as the fundamental oversight body for the USE Center. The GB advises and supports the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure the success of USE within its broader academic and strategic context.
Key responsibilities for the GB include:
- Advising the ELT on strategic direction and major activities.
- Assisting the ELT to effectively integrate USE activities within the three Faculties.
- Supporting the ELT in anchoring USE initiatives and enhancing faculty engagement.
- Promoting alignment between USE activities and the strategic educational objectives of the three Faculties.
- Providing input and feedback on USE reporting from ELT.
- Discussing ELT’s suggested research strategy and research plans and endorsing these based on input from the USE Center’s Advisory Board.
- Discussing ELT’s suggested allocation of strategic funds.
USE Governance Board
The members are:
Andreas de Neergaard, Vice-Dean for Education, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen (chair)
Jan Alexis Nielsen, Head of Department at the Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen
Kristine Kilså, Vice-Dean for Education, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University
Poul Nielsen, Vice-Dean for Education, Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark
Bente Guldbrandsen, Senior Scientific Lead, Education & Outreach, Novo Nordisk Foundation (observer)