Past event
BERA is an organisation dedicated to advancing educational research, policy, and practice across the United Kingdom and beyond. Established in 1974 by Prof John Nisbet, BERA has become a leading voice in education, fostering collaboration and innovation among researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners.
Across the border, the Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA), founded by Prof Stanley Nisbet – John’s brother – and colleagues in 1974, has been at the forefront of driving educational research, practice, and policy in Scotland. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and collaboration, SERA has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape and fostering positive change nationally and internationally.
To celebrate 50 years of contributions and leading educational research and practice BERA and SERA came together to honour the important role of the Nisbet brothers and the work of each association. This joint celebration event, hosted at the University of Glasgow on 16th May, presented a unique opportunity for members from both associations to reflect on our individual and shared journeys, past, present, and future, and to acknowledge and celebrate the collective achievements and collaborations between BERA and SERA over the past five decades.
SERA is a charity registered in Scotland SC003928
Draft programme:
| 10:00 | Registration, tea and coffee |
| 10:30 | Welcome and introduction Dr Angela Jaap |
| 10:40 | Past Professor Walter Humes Professor Gary McCulloch |
| 11:50 | Tea and coffee |
| 12:10 | Present Dr Julie McAdam Professor Vivienne Baumfield |
| 13:20 | Lunch and networking |
| 14:10 | Moving Forward Dr Lisa Reed, Professor Sin Wang Chong, Dr Marlon Moncrieffe Chantelle Boyle, Hermione Miao, Professor Stephen McKinney |
| 15:20 | Conclusion Dr Angela Jaap |
| 16:00 | Close of event |
Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education at University of Glasgow
Angela Jaap is a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education at the University of Glasgow. She has a sustained career in teacher education and creative arts education, having taught across undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes at various...
Honorary Professor at University of Stirling
Walter Humes has been a Professor of Education at the Universities of Aberdeen, Strathclyde and West of Scotland. He is now an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Stirling. His publications range over a...
Brian Simon Professor of History of Education at University College London
Gary McCulloch is the inaugural Brian Simon Professor of the History of Education at the founding director of the International Centre for Historical research in Education at UCL Institute of Education. He was (2017-2019) the president of the...
Ms at University of Glasgow
Julie McAdam is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow in Language and Literacies. She has developed teacher education programmes in Scotland and the Middle East, emphasising inclusive and culturally relevant pedagogy to promote learning...
Professor Emerita at University of Exeter
Vivienne Baumfield is Professor of Professional Learning in the Graduate School of Education and co-leader of the Centre for Research in Professional Learning. She is interested in the interaction of research, policy and practice when...
Lecturer in Teacher Education at University of Dundee
Lisa is the ECR Network Regional Representative for Scotland Lisa is a lecturer and ECR in Teacher Education at the University of Dundee. She was awarded her doctorate from the University of Cumbria in 2021, which is focused on the importance of...
Director of Research & Director of Impact and Innovation at University of St Andrews
Sin Wang (Ph.D., SFHEA, FRSA) is Director of Research and Director of Impact and Innovation at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute, University of St Andrews. Concurrently, he is Honorary Research Professor, Head of...
BERA President at British Educational Research Association
Marlon has made a leading contribution to research and knowledge dissemination on ‘decolonising curriculum knowledge’. He has led multiple international research projects, has presented individually and led symposia at educational conferences...
PhD Student at University of Glasgow
Chantelle Boyle (she/her) is a current 3rd-year PhD student at the University of Glasgow. Her thesis is focused on the implementation of moral education in primary schools. Whilst studying full-time, she also works as a Supply Teacher where...
SERA rep at University of Stirling
Hermione Xin Miao (she/they) recently completed her PhD viva in University of Stirling in January 2024. Her thesis has a focus on teacher agency and curriculum making. She used to be a geography teacher herself before returning to higher...
Professor at University of Glasgow
Stephen J. McKinney is a Professor in the School of Education, University of Glasgow. He has worked in Education for over thirty years. At the University of Glasgow, he has been the Head of Department of Religious Education (2008-2010), the...
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