Physics Education Group (PEG)
The Physics Education Group (PEG) of the AIP provides a forum for the advancement of physics education through research and practice. It is also responsible for the education stream at the biennial AIP congress. PEG communicate with members via the PEG Newsletter and via our PEG Discord Server.
Terms of Reference
- to advise the National AIP Council on educational matters
- to be responsible for the Education program at National Congresses
- to provide a communication channel by which AIP members in each state, concerned about Physics Education, can communicate with each other, on educational issues
- to develop a network of university physics societies to benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students
- to encourage State branches to conduct special workshops on science education and in-service training courses for teachersto have a special concern for the popularisation of science
- to be aware of what is happening in Physics Education outside of Australia, and to investigate the possibility of bringing workshop speakers from interstate/overseas
- to establish an on-line resource for physics teachers around Australia*
- to develop a program of activities and support for teachers of physics in both the secondary and tertiary sectors*
- to provide feedback to high school teachers on the strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum materials*
- to ensure that at each Congress there is at least one overseas Physics Education plenary speaker, sponsored by the national AIP
- to advise the Congress committee on the names of suitable Physics Education plenary speaker.
AIP Education Medal
The AIP Education medal recognises an outstanding contribution by an AIP member to University physics education in Australia.
PEG 2025 Committee
- Chair: John Debs, john.debs@anu.edu.au
- Deputy chair: Anna Philips, Anna.Phillips@monash.edu
- National advisor: Elizabeth Angstmann, e.angstmann@unsw.edu.au
- Honorary Secretary/Treasurer: Thomas Dixon, thomas.dixon@unsw.edu.au
- Immediate past Chair: Jacinta den Besten, jacinta.den@unimelb.edu.au
PEG State Representatives
- ACT: John Debs, john.debs@anu.edu.au
- NSW: Thomas Dixon, thomas.dixon@unsw.edu.au
- SA: Maria Parappilly, maria.parappilly@flinders.edu.au
- VIC: Anna Philips, Anna.Phillips@monash.edu
- QLD: Margaret Wegener, m.wegener@uq.edu.au
- TAS: TBD
- WA: TBD
Upcoming Events
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Conference
6-9 July 2026 at the National University of Singapore
In a time when higher education is evolving faster than ever, this year’s theme – Re-envisioning Higher Education for Tomorrow’s Learners – invites educators, leaders, and policymakers to come together to explore, question, and reimagine the future of learning. Through critical reflection on current teaching practices and bold exploration of innovative pedagogies, we’ll shape a path forward that meets the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (ACSME)
1 - 3 September 2026 at the University of New South Wales
2026 ACSME theme: Innovating Teaching to Equip Impact-Driven Graduates
How do we redesign curricula, assessments and partnerships so graduates are ready to create measurable benefit? Which teaching innovations cultivate the mindsets, skills and ethical compass needed to turn insight into impact?
As we move through a period defined by disruption and possibility, we will examine our responsibilities as STEM educators, to our students, our communities and the planet. What evidence shows these approaches work, and for whom? How might we scale what matters, phase out what does not, and build inclusive, authentic learning that connects classrooms with real-world change?
We look forward to testing ideas, sharing practice and charting pathways that equip graduates to tackle the challenges that matter most at ACSME 2026.
CONTACT INFORMATION PO Box 73 Parkville VIC 3052 |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
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