Lene Møller Madsen

Lene Møller Madsen is a Professor in Science Education at the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen (KU). She was promoted to Professor in 2024 after serving as a Lektor (Associate Professor equivalent) from 2007-2024, Postdoc from 2005-2007, and previously worked as a researcher in natural resource management at the Danish Ministry of Environment from 2001-2005. She currently serves as Study Leader for the Master's in Science Teaching program since 2022, previously holding roles as PhD Coordinator (2021-2023) and Vice-Institute Leader for Education (2017-2019).

Education:

• PhD in Geography from the University of Copenhagen (2001)
• Cand. Scient (MSc) in Geography from the University of Copenhagen (1996)

Professor Madsen's research focuses on student learning processes and identity formation within science education, with particular expertise in geography and geology disciplines. Her work examines academic and social integration, spatial thinking skills, and the pedagogical use of fieldwork, drawing on extensive field experience in both Danish and African educational contexts. As a qualitative researcher, she has substantial expertise in methodological approaches and has developed PhD courses in qualitative methodologies. Her research increasingly addresses the internationalization of higher education and its implications for teaching and learning.

Analysis of her recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on geographical thinking in curricula, internationalization of higher education, gender dynamics in science classrooms, and identity negotiations among science students. Her work spans multiple educational contexts including upper secondary schools, university teacher education, and international comparative studies across European and African settings.

Professor Madsen is actively involved in teaching and faculty development, responsible for courses including 'Introduction to Science Didactics' and 'Geography Didactics.' She has served as a pedagogical supervisor for assistant professors and postdocs since 2011, providing guidance through dialogue and classroom observations. Additionally, she has contributed to science faculty training projects in West and East African universities over the past decade, working directly with departments to enhance teaching practices.

Her professional activities include extensive lecturing (83 oral contributions), committee memberships (3 review committees, 1 organizational committee), and media engagement (2 press contributions). Notable recent activities include presentations on geography curricula in Norwegian and Danish upper-secondary education (May 2025), inquiry-based science teaching in practice (multiple 2025 dates), and explorations of internationalization geographies (September 2023).