The University of Bayreuth (UBT), founded as state university of Bavaria, is characterized by interdisciplinarity, individuality, innovation and internationality. Its seven faculties are granting standard degrees (Diploma, Magister Artium, State Examination, Bachelor, Master, PhD, Habilitation); Faculty I (Mathematics & Physics), Faculty II (Biology, Chemistry & Geosciences), Faculty III (Law, Business Administration & Economics), Faculty IV (Linguistic & Literary Studies), Faculty V (Cultural Studies), Faculty VI (Applied Sciences). The UBT enjoys partnerships with over 40 universities and research institutions across the globe and is particularly active in European mobility programmes.

The specific Centre of Math & Science Education (Z-MNU) provides the school-relevant training scenario for pre-service teachers in Mathematics and Science and is the focal point for frequent teacher enhancement courses. There are approximately 14.000 students on the campus, many of whom are trained to become a teacher. Students aspiring to become teachers study three subjects: Two major scientific subjects as well as Pedagogy/Psychology. The courses also include structural teaching programmes for secondary teachers. Furthermore, in-service teacher training courses are offered for qualified teachers. Within the 10 Bavarian universities, the Z-MNU is the only institution of this specification.

The Z-MNU under the directorship of Prof. F. Bogner has worked for many years in close to 20 EU-projects in the field of Science Education in contributing to the fields of inquiry-based science education, informal learning environments, professional development and e-learning. Additionally, Prof. Bogner had coordinated (i) the large scale PATHWAY-project (2011-2013), which succeeded to train over 10.000 science teachers all over Europe and was selected as a “Best Practice” by the European Commission, (ii) the H2020 project CREATIONs (2015-2018) which combined Arts with STEM to STEAM as well as (iii) the H2020 project STORIES of TOMORROW (2016-2019) which successfully had integrated students’ visions on the future of space exploration.