Review: 27th International Spring School of the Didactics of Biology Section of the VBIO at TU Dresden

Review: 27th International Spring School of the Biology Didactics Section of the VBIO at TU Dresden

From 23 to 26 February 2026, the Chair of Didactics of Biology at TU Dresden hosted the 27th International Spring School of the Biology Didactics Section of the VBIO (Association for Biology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine). Around 55 young scientists who are currently pursuing or already working on a doctorate in biology didactics came to Dresden for the event. The doctoral students are mainly employed at universities and teacher training colleges in Germany and neighbouring countries.

The conference focused on professional exchange regarding the respective doctoral projects. The participants presented initial concepts, research designs and results in order to receive feedback, gain new inspiration and discuss challenges. Posters served as the central presentation format, enabling a particularly intensive, dialogical exchange between the young researchers.

The supporting program also offered numerous opportunities to get to know each other and network: the participants explored Dresden together, visited the zoo and went on a discovery tour in the botanical garden. This led to initial contacts and content-related networks beyond their own subject didactics.

The ‘petZ’ teaching and learning laboratory at TU Dresden also provided special encounters. During the breaks, participants were able to get to know live animals such as ghost insects, millipedes and other fascinating species. The laboratory shows how the targeted use of live animals supports research-based learning, enables innovative teacher training and opens up new avenues for practical, future-oriented biology teaching.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Monique Meier
Chair of Didactics of Biology
Tel.: 0351/463 44596
E-Mail: