In August 2005, over 500 researchers from the field of science education met at the 5th European Science Education Research Association conference. Two of the main topics at this conference were: the decrease in the number of students interested in school science and concern about the worldwide outcomes of studies on students scientific literacy. This volume includes edited versions of 37 outstanding papers presented, including the lectures of the keynote speakers.

In August 2005, over 500 researchers from the field of science education met at the 5th European Science Education Research Association conference. Two of the main topics at this conference were: the decrease in the number of students interested in school science and concern about the worldwide outcomes of studies on students' scientific literacy. This volume includes edited versions of 37 outstanding papers presented, including the lectures of the keynote speakers.

Teachers matter in school development is the premise of "Professional Development and School Improvement," a book based on case studies from the European-funded project EUDIST (European Development of Innovative Science Teaching). The authors, from Austria, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Sweden, present their national experiences and results from qualitative studies of educational planning in Curriculum Workshops and related science teacher professional development. In a cross-case study a European/Canadian writing team elaborates different aspects of European reform and teachers' chances to raise their voice in this process.

"Manfred Lang" is a senior researcher in the Department of Educational Research at the Leibniz Institute for Science Education, Kiel (Germany).