About us

A high level of education among the population and successful teaching and learning processes across the lifespan can make societies more resilient in times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and are currently experiencing with climate change and recent energy crisis. STEM subjects are of vital importance in this regard. With its work, the IPN wants to contribute to strengthening and expanding the resilience of the education system and thus also societal resilience. The IPN's problem orientation follows the maxim theoria cum praxi, in which science and practice are closely intertwined.

As a member of the Leibniz Association, the IPN's mission is both national and transregional, with close ties to Kiel University. The institute was founded in 1966.

The IPN is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Berlin and the Joint Science Conference (Gemeinsame Wissenschaftskonferenz)

Research

The IPN investigates prerequisites, conditions, processes and outcomes of mathematics and science education. It takes a look at mathematics-information-science education processes across the lifespan in an approach that considers learning groups, institutions, and educational systems in addition to the individual and his or her family environment. The research interest of the IPN's school-related projects focuses not only on the students' side, but also on the professionalism of teachers, the quality of mathematics and science education, and conditions of the educational system.

For Society

Theoria cum praxi and the transfer of research results into society are self-imposed standards of our institute and the Leibniz Association. We strive to communicate the contents and results of the research conducted at the IPN to broad sections of society in a very accessible fashion.