معرفی
Rauno Neito is a Junior Research Fellow in Educational Science at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Physics. His current appointments include a 0.50 FTE position from September 2025 to December 2025, a 1.00 FTE position from June 2024 to August 2025, and a 0.30 FTE position from April 2022 to May 2024.
Neito holds a Master's Degree in Physics (2021) with thesis on binary stars W Ser, RX Cas and SX Cas, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Educational Sciences since 2021. His educational background includes Bachelor's studies in Physics at the University of Tartu (2016-2019).
His research focuses on physics education, particularly situational interest and engagement in project-based learning. His work bridges astronomy and educational science, examining how students perceive relevance in physics learning modules and how instructional activities influence situational interest. His astronomical research includes contributions to the ExoClock project, which involves exoplanet ephemerides and transit timing analysis.
Neito is involved in the trans-national STEM teacher education project (2023-2026) focusing on transversal competences and sustainable education, funded by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency with 424,325 EUR.
His publication record shows a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining physics education with astronomical phenomena. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on educational psychology aspects of physics learning, while maintaining connections to astronomical research through large collaborative projects like ExoClock.