Markus Wilhelm | Secondary Education | Innovative Research Award

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

Martin Butera | Secondary Education | Innovative Research Award

Innovative Research Award

Martin Butera
University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE), Rwanda

Martin Butera
Affiliation University of Rwanda-College of Education (UR-CE)
Country Rwanda
ORCID 0009-0003-4272-8251
Documents 2
Citations 12
h-index 1
Subject Area Secondary Education
Event Top Teachers Awards

Martin Butera is a Rwandan educator and researcher specializing in Biology Education, STEM education, and technology-enhanced learning. He obtained both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology Education from the University of Rwanda College of Education through the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science. His academic activities focus on improving science education through digital technologies, simulation-based learning, and innovative classroom practices in secondary education.[1]

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the academic profile, research activities, and educational contributions of Martin Butera. His work emphasizes the integration of digital technologies into science education, particularly through simulation-based learning approaches that support conceptual understanding in biology, chemistry, and physics. His publications examine opportunities and challenges associated with technology-enhanced teaching and contribute to ongoing discussions regarding STEM education improvement in secondary schools.[1] [2]

Keywords

Biology Education, STEM Education, Educational Technology, Simulation-Based Learning, Science Teaching, Secondary Education, Digital Learning, Rwanda, Innovative Teaching, Technology Integration.

Introduction

The adoption of technology in science education has become an important area of educational research worldwide. Researchers and educators increasingly explore innovative methods that can improve student engagement, conceptual understanding, and classroom effectiveness. Martin Butera’s work contributes to this field by investigating simulation-based instructional approaches and their application within secondary school science education contexts.[1]

Research Profile

Martin Butera is a secondary biology teacher with approximately five years of teaching experience. He completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology Education at the University of Rwanda College of Education. His academic preparation includes studies in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for science education research. His primary research interest centers on STEM education through technology integration and innovative teaching methodologies designed to strengthen science learning outcomes.[1]

Research Contributions

Martin Butera investigates simulation-based learning, technology integration, STEM pedagogy, biology education improvement, digital classroom innovation, science concept understanding, teacher effectiveness, student engagement, educational technology adoption, and evidence-based instructional practices in secondary schools.[1] [2]

  • Research on simulation-based learning in biology education.
  • Investigation of opportunities and challenges in educational technology adoption.
  • Support for technology-enhanced STEM teaching practices.
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary science education researchers.

Publications

Published studies examine simulation-based learning opportunities, challenges, conceptual understanding enhancement, technology-supported biology instruction, difficult chemistry and physics concept acquisition, STEM classroom innovation, digital pedagogy effectiveness, secondary education improvement, and evidence-informed teaching practices across Rwandan schools.[2] [3]

  1. Butera, M., & Mukamwambali, C. Investigating opportunities and challenges of using simulation-based learning in teaching biology in lower secondary schools of Kamonyi district. Discover Education. DOI: 10.1007/s44217-026-01405-0
  2. Iyamuremye, A., Mbonyubwabo, J.P., Mbonyiryivuze, A., Hagenimana, F., Butera, M., et al. Enhancing Understanding of Challenging Chemistry and Physics Concepts in Secondary Schools of Kayonza District through Computer Simulation-Based Learning. Journal of Classroom Practices. DOI: 10.58197/prbl/thrf5883

Research Impact

The available publication record demonstrates a focused contribution to educational technology and science teaching research. Through studies addressing simulation-based learning and technology-supported instruction, the research contributes evidence relevant to educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers interested in improving STEM education outcomes. The recorded citation activity indicates emerging scholarly engagement with these research findings.[2] [3]

Award Suitability

The profile aligns with the objectives of the Top Teachers Awards through demonstrated engagement in teaching, educational research, and innovation. Particular emphasis on technology-enhanced science education, classroom-based research, and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications supports recognition within educational excellence and innovation categories. The combination of teaching experience and scholarly activity reflects a commitment to evidence-based educational improvement.[1] [2]

Conclusion

Martin Butera’s academic profile highlights a developing body of work focused on STEM education and educational technology. His research on simulation-based learning contributes to contemporary discussions regarding effective science teaching methodologies. Through teaching practice, collaborative research, and scholarly publication, he continues to participate in efforts aimed at strengthening science education and technology integration in secondary schools.[1] [2]

References

  1. ORCID. (n.d.). Martin Butera researcher profile and academic background. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4272-8251
  2. Butera, M., & Mukamwambali, C. (2026). Investigating opportunities and challenges of using simulation-based learning in teaching biology in lower secondary schools of Kamonyi district. Discover Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-026-01405-0
  3. Iyamuremye, A., Mbonyubwabo, J.P., Mbonyiryivuze, A., Hagenimana, F., Butera, M., et al. (n.d.). Enhancing Understanding of Challenging Chemistry and Physics Concepts in Secondary Schools of Kayonza District through Computer Simulation-Based Learning. Journal of Classroom Practices. https://doi.org/10.58197/prbl/thrf5883