The First Page: Culture and Science Education

THE FIRST PAGE

Culture and Science Education: Towards More Inclusive Practice

Edited by Wilton Lodge & Justin Dillon

18 March 2026

The First Page presents the first page of books that are launched as part of the IAS Book Launch Series. On 25 March 2026, Wilton Lodge and Justin Dillon will present their edited volume Culture and Science Education. It interrogates the failures of science education to address cultural inclusivity and presents the consequences of exclusion for education and science. Most importantly, this volume brings together the visions of leading figures in education world wide for a science education that is inclusive and equitable.

INTRODUCTION

In autumn 2023, we began reflecting on the persistent limitations of mainstream science education, particularly its failure to address cultural inclusivity. Although science is often presented as a neutral and universal discipline, many communities – especially Indigenous and minority groups – remain marginalized within science curricula. This exclusion not only constrains the scope of scientific inquiry but also perpetuates systemic inequities in education. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, we sought to amplify marginalized voices, celebrate their contributions and advocate for the meaningful integration of diverse cultural perspectives into science education.

This volume emerged from a shared commitment to interrogate these exclusions and foster systemic change. Across 15 chapters, 38 contributors articulate a collective vision for reimagining science education through a culturally responsive lens. Their contributions demonstrate how incorporating diverse epistemologies not only enriches learning but also promotes inclusivity and equity. A recurring theme throughout the text is that culturally responsive science education strengthens scientific inquiry while simultaneously addressing educational disparities.

Central to our approach is a nuanced conceptualization of ‘culture.’ Drawing on Clifford Geertz’s influential work, we understand culture as a ‘historically transmitted pattern of meanings embodied in symbols’ – a dynamic web of inherited ideas expressed through symbolic forms that humans use to interpret life (Geertz, 1973). Geertz emphasizes that culture is not a fixed entity but an evolving system of meanings that must be interpreted through human behavior and social action.

An interpretive view of culture is similarly captured in Greg Dening’s assertion that ‘the essence of culture is process’ (Dening, 1980). Culture, in this…

Culture and Science Education: Towards More Inclusive Practice will be published on 16 April 2026 by Bloomsbury.

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WILTON LODGE is Associate Professor (Teaching) at the UCL Institute of Education. His research and teaching focus on academic decolonisation, culturally responsive science education, and pedagogical strategies that promote equity and inclusion.

JUSTIN DILLON is Professor of Science and Environmental Education at the UCL Institute of Education as well as Guest Professor at Zhejiang University, China. He is also currently President of the UK National Association for Environmental Education.

On 25 March 2026 Wilton Lodge and Justin Dillon will launch their book Culture and Science Education: Towards More Inclusive Practice at the Institute of Advanced Studies. More information.

Lead Image (detail) by Faustina Okeke via Unsplash.