Katharina Düsing

Dr. Katharina Düsing serves as Acting Professor for Biology Education at the University of Kassel and Head of the Research Coordination and Transfer Department at the Center for Teacher Education, University of Münster. Her academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions including the IPN – Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education in Kiel where she worked as a Research Associate from 2022-2025.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctorate (Dr. paed.) in Biology Education from University of Münster (2016-2021)
• Master of Education in Biology and Latin Philology from University of Münster (2012-2015)
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Latin Philology from University of Münster (2008-2012)
• Study abroad at Università Ca' Foscari in Venice, Italy (2013-2014)

Dr. Düsing's research program focuses on three interconnected strands: scientific thinking and understanding of science, video-based learning and science communication, and systems thinking in biology education. Her work particularly examines how students understand complex biological systems like the carbon cycle, and how video-based tools can enhance students' comprehension of scientific research processes. She employs mixed-methods approaches to investigate conceptual understanding, knowledge coherence, and scientific reasoning development across educational contexts.

Her publication record reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining matter tracing in biological systems, with increasing emphasis on video-based interventions that make authentic scientific processes accessible to students. Recent publications demonstrate her shift toward developing practical classroom tools while maintaining strong theoretical grounding in learning sciences. Her work consistently bridges educational theory with practical classroom applications, particularly through projects like VideT that translate research into teaching materials.

Dr. Düsing leads multiple significant research projects including "SymBioSE: Systemdenken in der Biologie standortübergreifend erforschen" (since 2024), "EngageMINT: Transfer und Vermittlung von Wissen für umweltbewusste Jugendliche" (since 2023), and "VideT: Den Forschungsprozess vermitteln" (2022-2024), involving collaborations with institutions across Germany. These projects have secured substantial funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and other sources.

She maintains active professional engagement through memberships in the German University Association (DHV), Biology Education Section (FDdB), European Science Education Research Association (ESERA), and the Association for the Promotion of MINT Education (MNU), regularly presenting her research at national and international conferences.