About the 2nd WCPE
The 2nd World Conference on Physics Education brought together educators, researchers, and academics in São Paulo, Brazil, in July 2016. The event centered on physics education research and teaching practice, bringing a mix of keynote talks and varied presentation formats to a shared scientific program.
The 2nd World Conference on Physics Education served as a significant gathering point for the global physics education community when it convened in São Paulo, Brazil, during July 2016. The event brought together educators, researchers, and academics who shared a common interest in advancing the teaching and learning of physics across different levels of instruction. Participants came from various countries and institutional backgrounds, creating a rich environment for exchanging ideas about pedagogical approaches and research findings. The conference program was designed to accommodate diverse perspectives on physics education, ranging from theoretical frameworks to practical classroom strategies, all within a collaborative scientific setting that encouraged meaningful dialogue among attendees.
The thematic focus of the conference revolved around current challenges and innovations in physics teaching and learning. Organizers structured the event to address multiple dimensions of physics education, including curriculum development, assessment methods, and the integration of technology into instructional practices. Presenters had opportunities to share their work through various formats, allowing for both broad overviews and detailed discussions of specific research projects. The conference placed particular emphasis on evidence-based approaches to physics instruction, highlighting the importance of grounding teaching practices in rigorous educational research. This commitment to connecting research with practice reflected the evolving nature of physics education as a scholarly discipline.
A distinctive feature of the conference was its attention to the professional development of physics educators at all career stages. The program included opportunities for early-career researchers to engage with established figures in the field, fostering mentorship and collaboration. Sessions were designed to address practical concerns facing physics teachers, such as how to make abstract concepts accessible to students and how to design effective laboratory experiences. The conference also explored cultural and contextual factors that influence physics education in different parts of the world, recognizing that effective teaching strategies must be adapted to local circumstances. This inclusive approach helped create a welcoming atmosphere for participants from diverse educational traditions.
The legacy of the 2nd World Conference on Physics Education extends beyond the immediate presentations and discussions that took place during the event. The conference contributed to ongoing conversations about the direction of physics education research and its implications for classroom practice. Proceedings and shared materials from the conference have continued to inform the work of educators and researchers long after the meeting concluded. The event also strengthened international networks among physics education professionals, creating connections that have led to subsequent collaborations and projects. By bringing together such a diverse group of participants in São Paulo, the conference reinforced the importance of global dialogue in improving how physics is taught and learned worldwide.
Event Focus
Organized around topics in physics teaching and learning, the conference structured its program with Important Dates, Committees, Presentation Types, and Review Criteria sections guiding participation.
Papers and oral presentations were delivered in English, while simultaneous translation was made available for activities directed at high school teachers, reflecting the event's effort to connect research with classroom practice across language groups.
The program featured keynote speakers alongside multiple presentation types, forming the core of the scientific agenda held over the course of the São Paulo gathering.
Event Structure
Keynote Speakers
Featured experts presented as part of the main scientific program during the conference.
Presentation Types
Multiple formats were defined for submissions, alongside stated review criteria and presentation topics.
Language & Access
English was used for papers and oral sessions; simultaneous translation supported high school teacher activities.
