Conference topic Scientific Literacy: Contributions from the History and Philosophy of Science
Conference date July 6th - July 10th 2026
Conference venue Lisbon, Portugal
Conference Chair: Cláudia Faria; Conference Co-Chair: Ricardo L. Coelho
The International History, Philosophy and Science Teaching (IHPST) Group was established in 1989 with the mission of improving science and mathematics education at school and university levels through the integration of insights from the history, philosophy, and sociology of science and mathematics.
Since its founding, the IHPST Group has organised biennial international conferences, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among educators, researchers, and scholars from around the world. These events provide a forum to explore curriculum, pedagogical, and theoretical issues in contemporary science education through the lens of historical, philosophical, and sociological scholarship.
The group’s official research journal is Science & Education, which regularly publishes thematic issues, conference-based anthologies, and contributions that reflect the core mission of IHPST.
The IHPST Group is dedicated to:
Promoting the use of historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives to clarify and address challenges in science and mathematics education.
Encouraging collaboration among scientists, mathematicians, historians, philosophers, sociologists, cognitive psychologists, science educators, and teachers.
Supporting the inclusion of HPS-informed courses in teacher education programmes.
Sharing examples of classroom practices and curriculum materials that successfully incorporate historical, philosophical, and sociological dimensions.
Stimulating critical discussions about the philosophy and purposes of science education, and its role in the intellectual and ethical development of individuals and societies.
Through its activities and community, the IHPST Group continues to be a vital platform for rethinking science and mathematics education in ways that are both academically rigorous and socially meaningful.
