Physics Education Research & Practice Symposium, May 7, 2026

When: Thursday, 7th May 2026

Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Where: In person, LR Wilson Hall – McMaster University Campus

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Carl Wieman, Cheriton Family Professor and Professor of Physics and of Education, Emeritus

A day to explore new teaching ideas, collaborate with peers, and strengthen our physics-education community.
Events include:
• Research talks
• Hands-on microteaching
• Demo showcase
• Lunch provided
• Panel on The Future of Physics Education with: Dr. Carl Wieman, Dr. Donna Stickland, Dr. Martin Williams, and Dr. Shohini Ghose

Details

Registration (includes lunch and snacks): Regular (non-student) $50, Student $25

McMaster University’s Department of Physics & Astronomy is excited to host our first Physics Education Research and Practice Symposium. The day will begin with a keynote address from Nobel Laureate Dr. Carl Wieman and end with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Wieman, Nobel Laureate Dr. Donna Strickland (Waterloo), NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering Dr. Shohini Ghose (Laurier), and CAP Teaching Medalist and Past-President Dr. Martin Williams (Guelph). The day will also feature invited talks from Dr. Ania Harlick (Toronto), Dr. Michael Massa (Guelph), and Dr. Eamonn Corrigan (McMaster), as well as exciting contributed talks/workshops and discussions. 

Schedule

A general schedule for the day is provided below and more details will be filled in as they become available.

9:30 am – Arrivals, Registration & Refreshments

9:45 am – Opening/Welcome

10:00 am – Keynote: Carl Wieman

11:00 am – Break

11:15 am – Invited and Lightning Talks

12:15 pm – Lunch: Patio at The Phoenix + Table Discussions

2:00 pm – Invited Talk, Microteaching/Demos/Workshops/Discussions

3:00 pm – Break

3:15 pm – More Microteaching/Demos/Workshops/Discussions

4:00 pm – Break

4:15 pm – Panel Discussion: Carl Wieman, Donna Strickland, Shohini Ghose, Martin Williams, Moderator: Robert Cockcroft – The Future of Physics Education

5:00 pm – Closing/Departures