Science PD Tour | London Cambridge

8 Days | July 5 - 12, 2026 | 26+ Professional Development Hours | Based on HSC Curriculum

Tax deductible for Australian teachers*

Join an inspiring cohort of Australian science educators on an extraordinary journey through London, Cambridge and Greenwich.

  • Learn from leading scientists including Professor Dr. Nira Chamberlain, Dr. Adam Rutherford, and Professor Geraint Lewis

  • Visit top institutions: Royal Institution, Francis Crick Institute, UCL Observatory, Royal Society, and Greenwich Observatory

  • CPD sessions: climate science, physics, genetics, data ethics, science communication, and STEM equity

  • Thames River cruise, cultural stops, and farewell dinner

Unlock the Future of Science Education

Equity + Ethics Applied STEM AI + Tech Genetics Climate Physics

  • Experts in genetics, physics, climate science, engineering, and science communication, each speaker leads a session sharing research, teaching strategies, and fresh perspectives—equipping educators to inspire students and modernise their science classrooms.

    LEARN MORE

  • The Academic Leader is an experienced teacher with notable achievements and deep knowledge of the curriculum. They will lead critical analysis of tour activities and help translate insights into practical, classroom-ready strategies. Your Academic Leader will lead a debrief and discussion after each Academic Expert session to reflect and exchange ideas in a guided group.

    VIEW BIO
    of your Academic Leader

  • The tour price is AUD $9,700 per person (land only – single room accommodation); or AUD$8,900 per person (land only – twin-room accommodation) 

    A non-refundable deposit of AUD $1,500 is payable once a Booking Form is submitted.

    Tour inclusions
    The land price of the tour includes: 

    - Single room or twin-room accommodation in a 3-star hotel in central London 

    - Daily breakfast & two group dinners (Welcome drinks and food) 

    - Eight (8) expert-led sessions with leading international professionals in science and education and debrief with tour Academic Leader

    - Guided/self-guided visits including: 

    - Alan Turing Institute 
    - Whipple Museum of the History of Science 
    - Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge 
    - University College London Observatory 
    - The Francis Crick Institute 
    - The Royal Society 
    - Science Museum, London 
    - Natural History Museum 
    - The Royal Institution, London 
    - Royal Observatory Greenwich 
    - Thames River cruise 
    - Private coach for visit to Cambridge 
    - Comprehensive tour pack and pre-departure information 
    - Taxes and tipping for included services 
    - On-tour Libertas Travel Tour Manager and Academic Leader

    Not included

    The tour price does not include: 

    - Return UK international airfares 

    - Airport transfers 

    - Travel insurance 

    - Passport and UK-ETA visa waiver costs 

    - Personal spending 

    - Lunches 

    - Five (5) dinners 

  • This tour is based on the HSC curriculum.

    Participants on this tour will be able to register for 26+ hours of PD (depending on subjects taught) in your NESA teacher accreditation hours in ETAMS.

    CLICK HERE
    for detailed syllabus links

  • For further information:
    VIEW FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • You certainly can!

    Anyone can travel on our PD tours, however, non-teachers should be aware the content will be targeted to the relevant syllabus and based on a certain level of prior knowledge. Should any participant choose not to attend one of the planned activities, there would be no refund for an unused portion of the tour.

    Please note - Attendees who are not teachers in Australia may not be able to acquire PD hours or tax deductions.

  • *In most cases, this tour will be fully tax deductible for full or part-time teachers. Please speak to your tax agent for professional advice. Refer to the ATO website for further information.

    Some teachers may be able to have all or part of their tour fee subsidised by their school’s professional development program (letter of support available on request).

Academic experts

Inspiring EducatorsLeading Scientists Real Classroom Impact

Experts in genetics, physics, climate science, engineering, and science communication, each speaker leads a session sharing research, teaching strategies, and fresh perspectives—equipping educators to inspire students and modernise their science classrooms.

Your academic leader

The Academic Leader is an experienced teacher with notable achievements and deep knowledge of the curriculum. He will lead critical analysis of tour activities and help translate insights into practical, classroom-ready strategies. Your Academic Leader will lead a debrief and discussion after each Academic Expert session to reflect and exchange ideas in a guided group.

Paul Looyen

Macarthur Anglican School | Physics High

  • Passionate science educator with 30+ years’ experience teaching Physics and Biology and leading science faculties in NSW.

  • Experienced presenter at state, national, and international conferences, including for CrookED Science, running PD workshops & developing online physics courses

  • Creator of Physics High, a YouTube channel with 130K+ subscribers supporting students and teachers across NSW & worldwide.

  • Dedicated to teacher development through mentoring, workshops, and hands-on learning, bringing deep classroom insight, curriculum expertise, and global experience to every tour.

Limited Places Available!

AUD$9,700 *

*Price Per Person: Single Accommodation

Twin-Share Accommodation: AUD$8,900

Tax deductible for Australian teachers*

Itinerary

Empowering Teachers Transforming Learning

Every session delivers fresh research, practical strategies, and global perspectives—equipping teachers to modernise lessons, boost student outcomes, and lead science innovation in Australian schools.

Academic Expert Bios

Professor Nira Chamberlain OBE

President Emeritus | Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
Technical Fellow – Mathematical Modelling, AtkinsRéalis
Visiting  Professor,  Loughborough University

  • Internationally recognised applied mathematician solving real-world problems across engineering, defence, energy, and business through bespoke mathematical modelling

  • Awarded an OBE – 2022 Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to mathematical sciences

  • Named one of the UK’s Top 100 Scientists and featured in Who’s Who as one of the most influential Black Britons

  • First Black mathematician to be listed in Who’s Who and the only mathematician ever awarded the title “Most Influential Black Person in the UK” (Powerlist)

  • Chair of the Black Heroes of Mathematics Conference and a powerful advocate for equity, visibility, and excellence in STEM

  • Winner of the title “World’s Most Interesting Mathematician – 2018”

  • A magnetic and engaging speaker who reframes mathematics as a creative, human, and powerful problem-solving tool — making it deeply relevant to classrooms, students, and beyond

Dr Magdalena Kersting

Physics Education Researcher | Science Communicator
University of Copenhagen

  • International leader in physics education research, with a focus on helping students think like physicists — from quantum theory to the mysteries of space-time 

  • Expert in modern physics education with co-authored book "Teaching Einsteinian Physics in Schools," co-founder of IMPRESS (International Modern Physics & Research in Education Seminar Series) with CERN, and prior research experience across four countries (Germany, Norway, Australia, Denmark), including collaborative work with the Australian Einstein-First team

  • Recipient of the International Astronomical Union PhD Prize for outstanding scientific achievement in education, outreach and heritage

  • Combines cutting-edge research in physics with a passion for creativity, critical thinking, and authentic engagement in science learning

  • Known for her work on embodied learning and scientific imagination — empowering students to visualise complex phenomena and build deep, conceptual understanding

  • Committed to building bridges between scientific research and classroom practice, making physics accessible, inspiring, and empowering for all learners

  • A thoughtful, engaging presenter who helps teachers reimagine physics as a story of wonder, relevance, and humanity

Professor Geraint F. Lewis

Professor of Astrophysics | University of Sydney
Fellow of the Astronomical Society of Australia,
the Royal Society of New South Wales and the Learned Society of Wales

  • World-leading cosmologist exploring the deepest mysteries of the universe — from dark energy and time travel to the multiverse and gravitational lensing

  • Author of Where Did the Universe Come From?, A Fortunate Universe, and The Cosmic Revolutionary’s Handbook — acclaimed for making mind-bending science accessible and exhilarating

  • A passionate educator and public speaker who blends deep theoretical knowledge with humour and storytelling to captivate audiences of all levels

  • Frequent guest on podcasts, science festivals, and media appearances, known for explaining big cosmic questions in ways that spark awe and curiosity

  • Actively engages with science teachers, helping them bring the grandeur of astrophysics into the classroom with clarity and wonder

  • Expect a session that stretches your imagination and leaves you questioning reality (in the best way possible)

Dr Emily Grossman

Science Broadcaster | Best-Selling Author | Educator | Gender Equality Advocate

  • Molecular biologist turned award-winning science communicator, Dr Grossman is known for her powerful ability to make complex science understandable, engaging, and deeply human

  • Resident science expert on shows like Duck Quacks Don’t Echo and The Alan Titchmarsh Show, and a familiar face across BBC, ITV, Sky, Discovery Channel and more

  • Best-selling author of science books for children, and an acclaimed speaker at TEDx, the Royal Institution, and global festivals, delivering dazzling talks on everything from gut bacteria to quantum weirdness — all with humour, clarity, and flair

  • Fierce advocate for women and girls in STEM, regularly appearing on panels and in the media to champion inclusion, confidence and resilience

  • Campaigner for gender diversity, neurodiversity and the importance of critical thinking in science education

  • Passionate about climate awareness and action, and empowering learners with the tools to understand and tackle global challenges through science’

  • As a former actress and trained voice artist, she brings exceptional performance and storytelling skills to every session — inspiring teachers to rethink how we teach, talk about, and live science

Fran Scott

Science Presenter | Creative Director | Science Producer & Consultant, BBC & The Royal Institution

  • BAFTA-nominated science presenter and pyrotechnic-loving engineering expert, Fran Scott is best known for bringing science to life with bang, brilliance, and boundless energy

  • A creative behind-the-scenes powerhouse working with CBBC, BBC Learning, the Christmas Lectures as well as global giants such as National Grid, Google for Education and ABB. 

  • Renowned for her explosive demonstrations, Fran uses live stage shows, television and online video to spark curiosity and deepen conceptual understanding in students of all ages

  • Passionate about ensuring that young people see science as both relevant and achievable, particularly for girls and underrepresented groups in STEM

  • A respected advocate for informal science learning and the power of performance to ignite classroom engagement

  • Expect unforgettable demos, smart pedagogy, and plenty of sparks- literally and figuratively- as Fran shows us how science is innately unforgettable. 

Syllabus Links

This document outlines how the 2026 UK Science PD Tour aligns with the Australian Science Curriculum (Stage 4–6). The sessions support priority syllabus areas such as data science, climate change, genetics, atomic theory, cosmology, and nuclear science—equipping teachers with real-world insights and pedagogical strategies to enrich science learning.

 

Session A – Why Maths & Science are BFF
Focus:
Interdisciplinary Thinking & Data Literacy
Curriculum Links: 

Stage 5–6: Working Scientifically | AC: Science Inquiry | AC9S10I04

→ Strong alignment with the expanded focus on data literacy in Years 7–10. Helps teachers build confidence using datasets and integrating critical thinking into inquiry tasks.

Session B – Genetic Technologies & Ethical Frontiers
Focus:
Genetics, Ethics & Society
Curriculum Links: 

  • Stage 5 ScienceGenetics and Evolutionary Change | VC2S10U04 | AC9S10U01

    • Applications of genetic technologies in conservation, health, agriculture

    • Social, ethical, and economic implications

  • Stage 6 Biology – Module 6

    • Population genetics

    • DNA sequencing and profiling, CRISP, Ethics

    • Case studies from large-scale genomic data

Comment:
→ Highlights the ethical and scientific relevance of emerging genetic tools across both junior and senior science.

Session C – Rethinking Physics Education
Focus:
Atomic Structure & Pedagogical Literacy
Curriculum Links:
Stage 4–6: Literacy, Pedagogy

  • Stage 4 SciencePeriodic Table and Atomic Structure

    • Subatomic particles and atomic models

    • Historical developments in atomic theory

  • Stage 6 Physics – Module 8: Universe to the Atom

    • Evidence supporting the structure of the atom

    • Key experiments: Thomson, Rutherford, Chadwick

Comment:
→ Especially valuable for non-physics specialists needing greater confidence in teaching atomic theory through models and evidence.

Session D – Cosmology & The Wonder of the Universe
Focus:
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5 ScienceWaves and Motion: Light Waves

    • Light behaviour and EM spectrum

  • Stage 6 Physics – Module 8

    • Cosmology, Big Bang, stellar spectra

    • HR diagram, black body radiation, nucleosynthesis

Comment:
→ Supports delivery of astronomy content by linking observational tools to curriculum concepts and building cosmic literacy.

Session E – Science Communication & Storytelling
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Communicating Results | VC2S10I08, AC9S10I08

  • Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4 - How scientists communicate their finding

→ Practical strategies for improving clarity, storytelling, and public engagement in science education.

Session F – STEM Applications & Inquiry
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Inquiry-Based Learning, Human Endeavour | VC2S10H02, AC9S9H02

→ Reinforces the importance of equity, relevance, and real-world context in STEM teaching.

Session G – Climate Science & Data
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5Environmental Sustainability: Climate Science

  • Stage 6Earth & Environmental Science | VC2S10U11, AC9S10U04

  • Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 3 – Data Modelling

→ Uses current data and climate modelling to enhance data literacy and environmental awareness in science classrooms.

Session H – Digital Futures & STEM Inclusion
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Digital Literacy, Inclusion in STEM

→ Highlights ways to use media, technology, and creative expression to diversify and energise science education.

Additional Aligned Sessions:

Alan Turing Institute – AI, Data & Ethics
Focus:
Ethical Science, AI & Large-Scale Data
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 6 ScienceEthical Science | AC9S9H04

  • Stage 6 Science Extension - mod 1 - ethics and Mod 3 - Big data

→ Introduces real-world ethical dilemmas related to emerging technologies—ideal for fostering critical thinking and debate.

Cavendish Laboratory Tour – Discovery & Atomic Physics
Focus:
Experimental Physics & Science Legacy
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 4–6 Physics – Structure of the Atom, Discovery of Subatomic Particles

  • Stage 6 Science Extension – Module 2 - Scientific Process

→ Connects curriculum content to historical breakthroughs, supporting deep understanding of scientific process.

Francis Crick Institute – Biomedical Discovery & Interdisciplinary Science
Focus:
Genetics, Human Health & Scientific Research
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 6 Biology – Module 6: Genetic Change

  • Stage 6 Science Extension – Module 1: Scientific Thinking | Module 2: Scientific Process

  • Stage 5–6 – Human Endeavour

→ Offers insight into one of Europe’s leading biomedical research centres, showcasing how cross-disciplinary science is used to tackle global health challenges. Supports discussions around genetics, inquiry, and the evolving nature of scientific research.

Royal Society – Science Legacy & Human Endeavour
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Science as a Human Endeavour | AC9S10H01

  • Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4 - How scientists communicate their finding

→ A meaningful visit that situates curriculum content within the broader story of science and society.

Science Museum & Natural History Museum – Enrichment & Integration
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 4–6Applied Science, Cross-disciplinary Learning | AC9S9H02

→ Inspires teachers to link syllabus content with museum experiences and real-world science applications.

Royal Institution – Science Demonstration & Public Engagement
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Science Communication & Application

  • Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4 

→ Demonstrates how public science communication can enhance classroom teaching through storytelling and live demonstration.

Royal Observatory – Astronomy & Reflection
Curriculum Links:

  • Stage 5–6Space Science, Human Endeavour

→ A fitting close to the tour, encouraging teachers to reflect on their practice and inspire students through astronomy.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.Bookings 
You are booking with Libertas Travel Pty Limited, 20-40 Meagher Street, Chippendale NSW 20087 (ABN 30 154 091 433). By booking with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out below. 

2. Tour price 
The tour price is AUD $9,700 per person (land only – single room accommodation); or AUD$8,900 per person (land only – twin-room accommodation) 

3. Tour inclusions 
The land price of the tour includes: 

  • Single room or twin-room accommodation in a 3-star hotel in central London 

  • Daily breakfast & two group dinners (Welcome drinks and food) 

  • Eight (8) expert-led sessions with leading international professionals in science and education and debrief with tour Academic Leader

  • Guided/self-guided visits including: 

    • Alan Turing Institute 

    • Whipple Museum of the History of Science 

    • Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge 

    • University College London Observatory 

    • The Francis Crick Institute 

    • The Royal Society 

    • Science Museum, London 

    • Natural History Museum 

    • The Royal Institution, London 

    • Royal Observatory Greenwich 

    • Thames River cruise 

  • Private coach for visit to Cambridge 

  • Comprehensive tour pack and pre-departure information 

  • Taxes and tipping for included services 

  • On-tour Libertas Travel Tour Manager and Academic Leader

4. Not included 
The tour price does not include: 

  • Return UK international airfares 

  • Airport transfers 

  • Travel insurance 

  • Passport and UK-ETA visa waiver costs 

  • Personal spending 

  • Lunches 

  • Five (5) dinners 

5. Tour registration and payments 
Registrations open on 6 August 2025 and close on 30 November 2025 (unless the tour is fully subscribed prior to that date). 

Deposit 
A non-refundable deposit of AUD $1,500 is payable once a Booking Form is submitted. You will receive an invoice and can pay either by EFT to the Libertas Travel bank account, or online by Visa or Mastercard (a surcharge of 1.7% applies). 

If the tour does not reach the minimum number of participant to proceed, then the deposit will be refunded in full. 

Early Bird registration 
Early Bird registration applies until Sunday 31 August 2025. Booking Forms and deposit payments received by that date will entitle you to one night’s free, single-room accommodation and breakfast at the group hotel in London – to be taken either on the night of Saturday 4 July or the night of Sunday 12 July 2026. 

Tour balance payments 
Balance payments will be invoiced and are due on 5 November 2025, 5 February and 5 April 2026. Failure to make your final payment by 5 April 2026 may result in the cancellation of your booking and loss of any payments made to date. 

Minimum tour numbers
The tour will proceed with a minimum of 35 participants. If minimum numbers are not reached by 30 November 2025, then you will receive a refund of all moneys paid. 

6. Changes by us 
Every effort will be made to adhere to the agreed touring itinerary; however, Libertas Travel reserves the right to change or modify the agreed itinerary whenever, in its judgement, conditions warrant or if it deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. 

If a service or facility becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (‘force majeure’) and no alternative arrangement of comparable monetary value is available, we will attempt to substitute the best alternative available. 

7. Force Majeure 
Force majeure includes any event which Libertas Travel or its suppliers could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid (e.g. advice against travel from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, epidemics, pandemic, health risks, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of airline or aircraft type). 

8. Cancellation by us 
Libertas Travel reserves the right to cancel a tour for any reason, including failure to reach minimum tour participant numbers. Except for force majeure (as outlined above) or your failure to pay the final balance, we will make a final decision to proceed or cancel a tour no less than 90 days before departure. 

If you have paid in full, we will refund all moneys paid, excluding an administration fee and any payment made for travel insurance. No other compensation will be paid in the event of cancellation by Libertas Travel. The refund of moneys paid for tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. 

9. Cancellation by you 
If, after confirmation that the tour is proceeding, you decide to cancel your tour booking, the following charges apply, based on the day we receive written notification: 

  • More than 90 days before departure: Forfeit of tour deposit 

  • 90-45 days: Cancellation fee of 25% of the total tour price 

  • 44-35 days: Cancellation fee of 75% of the total tour priced 

  • 34 days or less: Cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour price 

  • No show: Cancellation fee of 100% of the total amount due 

10. Unused portion of the tour 
Refunds are not provided for any unused portions of the tour. 

11. Travel insurance 
Libertas Travel requires all tour participants to obtain personal travel insurance covering the full duration of their time on tour. Libertas Travel can arrange a policy with our insurance partner, Cover-More if requested. 

In the event of any act, omission or otherwise whilst on tour, relating to or arising from the tour, travellers must call on the terms of their own travel Insurance before any call or claim is made on Libertas Travel or its insurers. Travellers must agree to indemnify Libertas Travel and all its entities against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of their participation in the tour. 

12. Passport and visa 
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport for your travel, together with all necessary visas, innoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the tour duration. Passports must be valid for six months after the last date of travel with Libertas Travel as set out in the tour itinerary. Any information about these matters provided by Libertas Travel is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of Libertas Travel. 

13. Illness or disability 
If you have a disability or medical condition and need special assistance whilst on tour, please notify Libertas Travel at the time you pay the non-refundable tour deposit. We will use our best efforts to work with Third Party suppliers to make reasonable accommodation for you. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and may result in you being excluded from the tour, in which case all moneys paid will be forfeited. 

14. Third Party suppliers 
Libertas Travel makes bookings with airlines, accommodation providers, coach companies, tour and local guides, and other suppliers to provide some or all components of the tour. Third Party suppliers may also engage the services of local operators and sub-contractors. Although Libertas Travel takes all reasonable care in selecting Third Party suppliers, it does not supervise their activities and therefore cannot be responsible for their acts or omissions. Any services provided by Third Party suppliers are subject to the terms and conditions they impose including their respective cancellation policies. 

15. Privacy and personal information protection 
To process tour bookings, Libertas Travel must collect personal (and possibly sensitive) information about travellers so that it can provide essential identifying information to Third Party suppliers. Libertas Travel may share the following information with suppliers: name, address, birth date, gender, dietary or medical requirements, and any other information required by law. 

Libertas Travel will not use this personal information for any other purpose unless otherwise notified to the traveller or where expressly permitted by the traveller. 

16. The limit of our liability 
We accept responsibility for all ingredients of your tour, except those to which the principle of force majeure prevails, as set out herein. Our obligations and responsibilities are limited to those to which international conventions apply in respect of air, sea or rail carriers, including the Warsaw Convention and its various updates. 

17. Applicable law 
The laws of New South Wales, Australia govern these Booking Terms and Conditions. Nothing in these Booking Conditions affects your rights as a consumer to rely on any applicable local laws.