Science PD Tour | London & Cambridge
8 Days | July 5 - 12, 2026 | 26+ Professional Development Hours | Based on HSC Curriculum
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, Professor Geraint Lewis and more!
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
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Bookings Close Soon!
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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.
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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 LeaderNot 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
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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.
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*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 Educators┃Leading 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
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
Syllabus Links
This document outlines how the 2026 UK Science PD Tour aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB), Australian Science Curriculum (AC) as well as NSW (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
IB The Extended Essay (EE): interdisciplinary approach encouraged in the EE; Theory of Knowledge (ToK): exploring questions through multiple Areas of Knowledge
Sciences (Group 4): Skills Tool 3: Mathematics
NSW Stage 5–6 Working Scientifically and AC AC9S10104
Comment: Strong alignment with the expanded focus on data literacy. Helps teachers build confidence using datasets and integrating critical thinking into inquiry tasks.
Session B – Genetic Technologies & Ethical Frontiers
Focus: Genetics, Ethics & Society
IB Biology Core Topic 3: Genetics, Core ; Topic 5: Evolution and Biodiversity; HL- Topic 10: Genetics & Evolution
As well as the core topics, the discussion on artificial intelligence and its ethical implications aligns perfectly with the IB's recently developed policies on AI use. This activity provides an excellent foundation for students to understand the appropriate and ethical application of AI in their academic work, specifically in Internal Assessments (IAs) and the Extended Essay (EE)
NSW and Australian Curriculum AC9S10U01, AC9S10U02 ; Stage 5 Science- Applications of genetic technologies in conservation, health, agriculture. Social, ethical, and economic implications; Stage 6 Biology – M6 Population genetics, DNA sequencing and profiling, CRISP, Ethics, Case studies from large-scale genomic data, Heredity and continuity of life
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
IB Physics - Topic E1: Nuclear and quantum physics: Structure of the atom
NSW Stage 4 Science and ACSSU177, ACSSU186, ACSSU151, –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, Geiger-Marsden/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
IB Astronomy - IB Astronomy - School-based syllabus offered in the Sciences.
IB Physics - topic “Space, time and motion” – includes astrophysics and cosmology and theme “Nuclear & quantum physics” – includes stellar fusion
NSW Stage 5 Science and ACSSU080 - Light behaviour and EM spectrum Stage 6 Physics – M8 - 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
IB Communication forms an integral part in Science in the DP and specific subject guides, as well as assessment
NSW Stage 5–6 Working Scientific Skills; Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4 - How scientists communicate their finding
Comment: Practical strategies for improving clarity, storytelling, and public engagement in science education.
Session F – STEM Applications & Inquiry
IB Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP): an interdisciplinary and collaborative project done by students from different science disciplines. Environmental systems and societies (ES&S) - an interdisciplinary course
Nature of Science (NOS) Aim 7: develop technology skills in a scientific context and/or Skills Tool 2: Technology
NSW and Australian Curriculum AC9S9H02: Stage 5–6 – Inquiry-Based Learning, Human Endeavour
Comment: Reinforces the importance of equity, relevance, and real-world context in STEM teaching.
Session G – Climate Science & Data
IB Physics Topic B2: The particulate nature of matter: Greenhouse effect.
NSW and Australian Curriculum AC9S10U04 Stage 5 – Environmental Sustainability: Climate Science Stage 6 – Earth & Environmental Science; Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 3 – Data Modelling
Comment Uses current data and climate modelling to enhance data literacy and environmental awareness in science classrooms.
Session H – Digital Futures & STEM Inclusion
NSW Stage 5–6 – Digital Literacy, Inclusion in STEM
Comment: 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
IB Nature of Science (NOS) - Aspect: Global Impact of Science
IB learner profile: Principled
NOS Aim 9: develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.
Assessment Objective 4 (AO4): 4. Demonstrate the application of skills necessary to carry out insightful and ethical investigations.
Approaches to Learning (ATL): Thinking Skills: Evaluating and defending ethical positions
Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP) and Internal Assessment (IA): recognition and appreciation of the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology.
TOK: TOK framework in the Natural sciences: EthicsNSW and Australian Curriculum AC9S9H04 Stage 6 Science – Ethical Science; Stage 6 Science Extension - Mod 1 - ethics and Mod 3 - Big data
Comment: 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
IB
NOS Aspects: Experiments, Models, Evidence, Theories, Falsification.
IB learner profile: Inquirer
AO3: Analyse, evaluate, and synthesize: experimental procedures, primary and secondary data, trends, patterns and predictions.
TOK: Methods and tools in the production of scientific knowledge.NSW 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
IB
Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP): an interdisciplinary and collaborative project done by students from different science disciplines
NOS Aspects: Experiments, Models, Evidence, Theories, Falsification.NSW Stage 6 Biology – Module 6: Genetic Change; Stage 6 Science Extension – Module 1: Scientific Thinking | Module 2: Scientific Process; Stage 5–6 – Human Endeavour
Comment: 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
NSW Stage 5–6 – Science as a Human Endeavour | AC9S10H01; Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4 - How scientists communicate their finding
Comment: A meaningful visit that situates curriculum content within the broader story of science and society.
Science Museum & Natural History Museum – Enrichment & Integration
IB Nature of Science
NSW and Australian Curriculum AC9S9H02; Stage 4– 6 – Applied Science, Cross-disciplinary Learning
Comment: Inspires teachers to link syllabus content with museum experiences and real-world science applications.
Royal Institution – Science Demonstration & Public Engagement
IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning Skills (ATT and ATL)
NSW Stage 5–6 – Science Communication & Application; Stage 6 Science Extension - Module 4
Comment: Demonstrates how public science communication can enhance classroom teaching through storytelling and live demonstration.
Royal Observatory – Astronomy & Reflection
NSW Stage 5–6 – Space Science, Human Endeavour
Comment: 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.