Introduction to RIGS
SAARMSTE Introduces Research Interest Groups
The concept of Research Interest Groups within SAARMSTE, was introduced during the SAARMSTE Conference held in January 2026, hosted by the University of Johannesburg. Three RIGs emerged from strong scholarly engagement at the conference and reflected critical areas of research and practice within science, mathematics, and technology education.
Intended Activities
The following intended activities of the Research Interest Groups include: regular meetings; workshops; seminars; conferences symposia; reading groups; joint research projects; joint grant applications; joint publications; special issues within appropriate journals; edited book volumes; and mentorship of emerging scholars.
Outcomes of RIGS
The following outcomes of the Research Interest Groups are envisaged: Networking and collaboration on research; sharing of resources; capacity-building; and scholarly knowledge production.
SAARMSTE recognises the importance of supporting the initiative by promoting their activities, visibility, and participation across the Association. Such RIGs have the potential to strengthen SAARMSTE’s role as a leading scholarly community, by fostering focused research collaboration, supporting emerging scholars, and enhancing knowledge production in key priority areas.
Groups
The three Research Interest Groups (RIGS) established during the 2026 SAARMSTE Conference are outlined as follows:
Teacher Learning and Development
This RIG aims to create and sustain a network of science, mathematics, and technology education practitioners and researchers focused on teacher learning and development across all educational contexts—from early childhood to higher education. The RIG seeks to deepen understanding of how teachers acquire, adapt, and apply knowledge to create meaningful learning opportunities in authentic classroom settings.
Convener: Prof. Ernest Mazibe (UNISA)
Technology Integration in STEAM (TiSTEAM)
This RIG aims to advance collaborative, contextually responsive, and justice-oriented scholarship on the integration of technology within STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education across Africa and beyond. It seeks to foreground innovation while remaining attentive to issues of equity and contextual relevance.
Convener: Prof Clement Simuja (Rhodes University)
Assessment in Teaching and Learning
This RIG seeks to foster a collaborative and inclusive scholarly community dedicated to advancing research, practice, and innovation in assessment. Through collaborative research,
capacity building, and scholarly dissemination, the RIG promotes excellence in assessment by supporting academics, postgraduate students, and emerging scholars in generating impactful knowledge and critically engaging with teaching and learning across diverse contexts.
Convener: Dr Zukiswa Nhase (University of Johannesburg)
Become a RIG Member
Before signing up as a RIG member, you need to be a paid member of SAARMSTE (Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education).
Note: becoming a SAARMSTE RIG Member gives you access to the SAARMSTE activities and to the RIGS with ongoing news and announcements.
RIGS Announcements and Documents
Coming Soon
RIGs Contact Details
Teacher Learning and Development RIG
Ernest Mazibe
maziben@unisa.ac.za
Technology Integration in STEAM (TiSTEAM RIG)
Clement Simuja
c.simuja@ru.ac.za
Assessment in Teaching and Learning RIG
Zukiswa Nhase
znhase@uj.ac.za