Amanda Smith

I was awarded the prestigious Pfizer Science Prize for microbiological research before making a career in secondary teaching, where I held the responsibility as Head of Science and developed and delivered a range of innovative CPD and resources based in original research through my LA and local school clusters. I worked closely with the MMU and Manchester University developing secondary science mentoring processes for ITT students.

On leaving school teaching in 2003 I took up an academic role as Director of the Science Learning Centre North West, a centre of excellence for science CPD for teachers, technicians and teaching assistants, funded by the DCSF and Wellcome Trust. In this role I forged a working partnership with science related stakeholders across the region and developed a high quality CPD programme for all the schools and colleges of the region.  Currently I lead the STEM Education Centre at MMU. 

I am an active member of the North West ASE committee and National Advisers and Inspectors Group for Science. In addition, I have represented MMU on a number of North West strategic planning groups such as the HE STEM programme steering group, the Science Alliance and STEM cohesion group. In 2010, I was awarded Chartered Science Teacher status by the Association of Science Education and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Educational Assessors. 

Prizes and awards

Winner of the Pfizer Science Prize for Microbiological research.

Membership of professional associations

Member of the Association for Science Education.

Member of the National Advisors and Inspectors Group for Science.