Markus Wilhelm | Secondary Education | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

Markus Wilhelm
University of Teacher Education Lucerne (UTE), Switzerland
Markus Wilhelm
Affiliation University of Teacher Education Lucerne
Country Switzerland
Scopus ID 58379604000
Documents 8
Citations 83
h-index 4
Subject Area Secondary Education
Event Top Teachers Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-7846-5519

The Innovative Research Award article documents the academic achievements, research leadership, educational innovation, and scholarly contributions of Markus Wilhelm, Professor of Science Education and sustainability education specialist at the University of Teacher Education Lucerne. His work spans science education, education for sustainable development (ESD), STEM didactics, teacher professional development, interdisciplinary learning, and sustainability-focused educational research. Through leadership of national and international projects, doctoral supervision, curriculum development, and scientific publication activities, Markus Wilhelm has contributed substantially to contemporary educational research and practice.[1][2]

Abstract

Markus Wilhelm is an educational researcher whose academic career combines science education, sustainability education, STEM didactics, environmental studies, and teacher professional development. As Head of the Institute for STEM Didactics and Sustainability and co-holder of the UNESCO Chair for Didactics of Sustainability Science and Political Education, he has contributed to research-based approaches that strengthen sustainability competencies among teachers and learners. His scholarly profile includes research leadership, doctoral supervision, editorial responsibilities, international collaboration, and participation in major funded projects supported by Swiss and European institutions.[2]

Keywords

Science Education; Education for Sustainable Development; STEM Education; Sustainability Science; Teacher Education; Environmental Education; Educational Research; UNESCO Chair; Educational Innovation; Secondary Education.

Introduction

Markus Wilhelm earned degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Teacher Education, and interdisciplinary science studies from ETH Zürich, the University of Bern, and Swiss teacher education institutions. His academic progression from environmental science and ecology toward science education and sustainability research reflects a multidisciplinary approach to educational innovation. His current responsibilities encompass institutional leadership, postgraduate education, scientific supervision, and the advancement of sustainability-oriented teacher education programs.[3]

Research Profile

Markus Wilhelm’s research profile centers on the design, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality teaching and learning environments in science education and education for sustainable development. His research addresses teacher competencies, digital educational resources, sustainability literacy, interdisciplinary learning, learning laboratories, STEM didactics, and curriculum innovation. Through leadership of nationally funded projects including PURPUR, Tecodis, GLOBE implementation initiatives, sustainability education studies, and educational game development, he has contributed to evidence-based educational practice and policy.[4]

His institutional roles include Professor of Science Education, Head of Master’s programs in science and sustainability education, Honorary Professor at Heidelberg University of Education, and co-holder of the UNESCO Chair dedicated to sustainability science and global citizenship education. These positions support international collaboration and the integration of sustainability principles into teacher education systems.[5]

Research Contributions

Research contributions associated with Markus Wilhelm include advancing theoretical and empirical foundations for sustainability education, developing educational interventions for STEM learning, strengthening teacher competencies in digital resource use, and promoting interdisciplinary educational research. His leadership in projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and other agencies has supported investigations into sustainability competence, educational technology integration, learning environments, and science teaching quality.[6]

  • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) research and implementation.
  • Teacher competency development in STEM education.
  • Digital learning resources and explainer video pedagogy.
  • Science learning laboratories and inquiry-based learning.
  • Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary educational research.
  • Doctoral supervision and international research networking.

Publications

The publication record of Markus Wilhelm includes books, journal articles, book chapters, educational resources, conference proceedings, datasets, and scholarly presentations. His publication portfolio reflects sustained contributions to science education, sustainability education, teacher professional development, and educational innovation. Recent scholarly works address sustainability science education, competencies for educational video use, and the integration of sustainable development within teacher education systems, demonstrating the practical and theoretical relevance of his research agenda.[1][7][8][9]

  • 15 books and monographs.
  • 76 journal articles and reviews.
  • 73 book chapters and encyclopedia contributions.
  • 43 teaching and learning materials.
  • 179 scientific conference contributions.
  • 81 academic presentations and lectures.

Research Impact

According to Scopus metrics, Markus Wilhelm has accumulated 83 citations across indexed publications, with 8 documents and an h-index of 4. Beyond bibliometric indicators, his impact is reflected in large-scale educational projects, curriculum innovation, doctoral researcher supervision, editorial service, conference organization, and contributions to sustainability-focused educational transformation. His research has influenced teacher education institutions, professional development programs, and educational policy discussions concerning sustainability and STEM education.[1]

Award Suitability

The Innovative Research Award recognizes sustained scholarly achievement, research leadership, educational innovation, and societal relevance. Markus Wilhelm’s profile aligns with these criteria through his extensive leadership of funded projects, international collaborations, UNESCO Chair activities, editorial contributions, doctoral supervision, and research on sustainability education. His work demonstrates the integration of scientific inquiry, educational practice, and societal challenges within a coherent academic framework that supports future-oriented teacher education and sustainability literacy.[2][6]

Conclusion

Markus Wilhelm has established a multidisciplinary academic profile connecting science education, sustainability science, teacher education, and educational research. Through institutional leadership, international collaboration, scholarly publication, project management, and doctoral supervision, he has contributed to advancing evidence-based educational practice. His work continues to support the development of sustainability competencies and innovative educational approaches within Swiss and international educational contexts.[1][3]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Markus Wilhelm, Author ID 58379604000. Scopus.https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58379604000
  2. University of Teacher Education Lucerne. (n.d.). Markus Wilhelm: Academic profile and institutional responsibilities. https://www.phlu.ch/markus-wilhelm.html
  3. ORCID. (n.d.). Markus Wilhelm ORCID record. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7846-5519
  4. Swiss National Science Foundation and institutional project records. Research projects in sustainability education, STEM education and teacher competencies. https://www.phlu.ch/markus-wilhelm.html
  5. University of Teacher Education Lucerne. UNESCO Chair for Didactics of Sustainability Science and Political Education. https://www.phlu.ch/faecher-und-schwerpunkte/nachhaltigkeit/unesco-lehrstuhl.html
  6. Budmiger, M., Theiler, R., Grob, R., Rehm, M., & Wilhelm, M. (2026). Teaching sustainability: Educational approaches in light of sustainability science. Education Sciences, 16(5), 702. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16050702
  7. Hermann, M., Wilhelm, M., & Brovelli, D. (2026). Prospective science teachers’ competencies for the use of explainer videos. Frontiers in Psychology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1681116
  8. Hermann, M., Lausslet, N., Baumann, S., Bertschy, F., & Wilhelm, M. (2026). Education for sustainable development in Swiss teacher education – Status and perspectives. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36950/bzl.44.1.2026.10411
  9. University of Teacher Education Lucerne. Publication record, editorial activities, doctoral supervision and research leadership of Markus Wilhelm. https://www.phlu.ch/markus-wilhelm.html

Nicola McGunnigle | Cross-disciplinary | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nicola McGunnigle | Cross-disciplinary | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at The University of Adelaide, Australia

Dr. Nicola McGunnigle is a dedicated scholar and community development advocate who empowers marginalized communities through innovative research and development programs. With a passion for bridging the gap between academic insights and practical solutions, she coordinates cross-disciplinary projects addressing interactions among human, natural, and built environments. Her expertise encompasses climate and environmental risk assessments, workshop facilitation, and effective environmental stewardship. A committed leader, Dr. McGunnigle has served as a Board Director of INF Australia since 2017, ensuring governance compliance and strategic direction for supporting health and community programs in disadvantaged regions of Nepal. Sensitive to cultural differences, she prioritizes local voices and sustainable practices. Her published work emphasizes the importance of spending time with communities to understand stakeholder perceptions and foster grassroots development. Dr. McGunnigle is recognized for her unwavering commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, consistently inspiring transformative change across diverse sectors. Her leadership drives lasting community impact.

professional profiles📖

Scopus Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Nicola McGunnigle earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Adelaide in 2024, completing a thesis on the benefits and challenges of regenerating forests on abandoned agricultural land for sustainable development in the middle hills of Nepal. Prior to her doctoral studies, she achieved a Master of Science with first-class honours from the University of Waikato in 1994, which deepened her understanding of environmental and earth sciences. She also obtained her Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato in 1992, laying the groundwork for her future academic pursuits. This comprehensive education has provided Dr. McGunnigle with robust research skills, critical analytical capabilities, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Her academic journey reflects a blend of rigorous scientific training and practical insights, empowering her to address complex challenges in sustainable community development and environmental stewardship effectively. Her passion for learning fuels continuous global impact.

work Experience💼

Dr. Nicola McGunnigle has amassed extensive experience in environmental science, climate change advisory, and sustainable community development across various sectors. As a Climate Change Advisor for International Nepal Fellowship Australia since May 2024, she has provided strategic guidance and coordinated cross-disciplinary projects to mitigate climate risks. Concurrently, she serves as a Senior Project Officer with the Department of Environment and Water since November 2023, focusing on integrated environmental management and policy compliance. Her academic tenure as a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide from July 2020 to 2024 has refined her research skills and deepened her expertise in sustainable development. Additionally, Dr. McGunnigle has contributed to higher education as a lecturer and tutor in climate change at the University of Adelaide. Previously, she held roles as a Principal Environmental Scientist at AECOM Australia (2016–2020) and Environmental Scientist at URS Australia (2006–2015), honing her exceptional leadership skills in environmental projects.

Skills

Dr. Nicola McGunnigle possesses a diverse skill set that underpins her success in sustainable community development and environmental research. Her analytical skills are demonstrated through robust data analysis and evaluation techniques, ensuring accurate interpretation of complex environmental data. As a strong communicator, she excels in academic writing, reviewing, and delivering engaging presentations. Her independent enquiry and critical thinking enable her to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Dr. McGunnigle is highly adept at understanding legislative and policy frameworks, allowing her to navigate regulatory environments effectively. Her cultural sensitivity and adaptability ensure that she works harmoniously with diverse communities and stakeholders. Additionally, she is resourceful and a problem solver, skilled in project management, workshop facilitation, and climate risk assessment. Her ability to coordinate cross-disciplinary projects and engage with partners further enhances her effectiveness. These competencies empower her to drive research and foster sustainable practices in community development and environmental stewardship remarkably.

Research Focus

Dr. Nicola McGunnigle’s research focuses on sustainable community development and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the integration of human, natural, and built environments. Her work explores climate and environmental risk assessments, highlighting the benefits of engaging directly with marginalized communities to understand local needs and stakeholder perceptions. By spending significant time with communities, she develops grassroots strategies that empower individuals and promote resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Dr. McGunnigle investigates how environmental policies can be effectively integrated with community development programs to enhance sustainability and foster long-term growth. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges academic research and practical application, facilitating capacity-building workshops and collaborative projects. Her studies contribute to developing innovative frameworks that improve access to knowledge, resources, and sustainable practices. Through her research, she aims to create actionable solutions that address climate change risks, support local voices, and promote a future of environmental and social equity, driving transformative change in communities.

Conclusion✅

In conclusion, Dr. Nicola McGunnigle is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her passion for sustainable development, combined with her extensive interdisciplinary research and community-driven projects, demonstrates her commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and social equity. Her proven track record in integrating scientific research with practical applications, along with her leadership in policy development and capacity building, makes her a transformative force in the field. With targeted improvements in global collaboration and academic publication, she is poised to further elevate her already significant contributions. Dr. McGunnigle’s blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and empathetic community engagement makes her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award, symbolizing excellence and innovation in research.

📚Publications to Noted

 

Intermediate levels of socio-ecological disturbance drive higher biodiversity in naturally regenerating forests: A case study from Nepal

Authors:

N. McGunnigle (Nicola McGunnigle)

D.K. Bardsley (Douglas K. Bardsley)

I.K. Nuberg (Ian K. Nuberg)

E.D. Cedamon (Edwin D. Cedamon)

B.H. Pandit (Bishnu Hari Pandit)

Year: 2025