Rate My Professor Umesh Ramnarain

Professor Umesh Ramnarain is a professor of science education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Johannesburg, where he also serves as Director of the CALTSTEAM Research Centre. He holds a PhD in Science Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of South Africa. His main research interest is inquiry-based science education, with a particular focus on its uptake in South African classrooms characterised by diversity and complexity. His research has been published in leading journals including the International Journal of Science Education, Research in Science Education, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Studies in Science Education, Chemistry Education Research and Practice, and Teaching and Teacher Education. He is a B-rated researcher by the National Research Foundation and a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa. Professor Ramnarain serves as associate editor of the journals Research in Science Education and African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, and has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Research in Science Teaching. In 2024 he received the NRF Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award in recognition of his commitment to empowering students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly female Black students. He has also been elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

Professor Ramnarain is Head of the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. His work contributes to advancing pedagogical practices in science education nationally and internationally, with emphasis on underprivileged school contexts.