UMass Boston

Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft, Distinguished Professor of Science Education and director of the Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC) at UMass Boston, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award.

Presented by the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA), the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in science education at school, district, regional, national, or international levels. Eisenkraft will be honored with a $1,000 award and plaque at the NSELA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

With a career spanning over four decades, Eisenkraft has transformed science education through innovative curriculum design, professional development, and leadership initiatives that have impacted educators and students worldwide. 

"This award, in no small way, recognizes the value of the projects I have been involved with and the many, many colleagues (and friends) that I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with," Eisenkraft said. "This award underscores the importance of the work we’ve accomplished as a team and I hope it brings visibility to the impact these projects are making at improving science education."

His research encompasses curriculum development and evaluation, problem-based learning, technological literacy, distance learning models, and equity in science instruction. Eisenkraft also contributed to landmark National Research Council (NRC) reports and helped write the National Science Education Standards.

A passionate advocate for teacher leadership, Eisenkraft has directed transformative professional development initiatives like the Wipro Science Education Fellowship. This program has provided over 500 teachers and 40 district science coordinators across 35 districts with leadership training, fostering collaboration and sustainable change in science education. His upcoming book, A Roadmap for Transformative Science Teacher Leadership, captures the program’s impact and offers guidance for districts nationwide.

Eisenkraft is renowned for creating curricula that engage students and support teachers. His groundbreaking Active Physics and Active Chemistry programs were among the first to bring project-based learning to high school classrooms, reaching thousands of teachers and students nationwide. His book Quantoons grew from his work on Quantum, a physics magazine for high school students collaboratively developed by the United States and Russia. Additionally, he served as a consultant for ESPN’s award-winning SportsFigures, bringing science to life through sports contexts.

Eisenkraft has also advanced science education through his leadership in student competitions. He co-created and has chaired the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition for over 30 years, involving nearly 150,000 students annually in imagining future technologies. He played a pivotal role in bringing the United States into the International Physics Olympiad, serving as both academic director and executive director of the U.S. host team, further inspiring excellence in STEM education.

Among his many accolades, Eisenkraft has received the National Science Board Public Service Award, the Robert H. Carleton Award, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. A former president of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), he has shaped educational policies and practices worldwide. While chairing the Science Academic Advisory Board for the College Board, he helped implement redesigned AP curricula for biology, chemistry, and physics.

Read the full announcement on the National Science Education Leadership Association website.