Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for University Science Education (USE)
STRATEGY, FACILITATION
We designed the delivery of strategic inputs to advance the research plan of the USE Center, the world’s largest center-based grant for discipline-based education research in science and mathematics. It was facilitated through a co-creative, challenge-driven, and visionary initiative.
SITUATION
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for University Science Education (USE) has received approximately DKK 125 million over five years (with 75 million DKK for a potential additional three years) in funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to strengthen science and mathematics education at Danish Universities.
The mission is to enhance the excellence and capacity of discipline-based science education research (DBER) and improve the quality of curriculum, teaching faculty competencies, and student learning. The center aims to achieve its mission through research and collaborative development of practices.
BY ERROR collaborated closely with the USE executive leadership team to deliver high-quality strategic and research outcomes from an international summit in Copenhagen, where more than 50 university science teachers and DBER researchers gathered to identify core challenges in science education.​
RESULTS
​Through mapping and analysis, we identified key issues to guide the design and facilitation process, based on the teachers’ and researchers’ experiences and understanding of major challenges in science education.​
To maximise the overall impact and advance the project, a subsequent design process was conducted with the USE executive leadership team to translate these issues into specific deliverables for each summit session.
Tailored toolkits and the facilitation of the two-day summit ensured alignment, efficiency, and high-quality results. This process included simplifying complexity through design-based methods and supporting strategic planning and collaboration with the USE Center.
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DELIVERABLES
BY ERROR designed and facilitated an international summit in a highly complex field of expertise, successfully meeting all objectives related to strategy, collaboration, and research.
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This involved breaking down intricate STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics) education issues into operational workgroup tasks and sessions, leading to key deliverables for the USE project.
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A tailored toolkit and visual collaboration model addressed cross-disciplinary challenges while fostering shared ownership and alignment with the project's strategic goals.
