Present-Day practicals

Empowering educators to enhance their laboratory education

join the conversation on
lab education!

Present-day Practicals aims to build a global community dedicated to enhancing research-focused thinking and laboratory teaching in higher education.

We believe lab courses are an important foundation for scientific inquiry. They offer unique opportunities but also challenges. 

With Present-day Practicals, we would like to bring people together from different countries and disciplines to: 

  • Share experiences
  • Reflect on teaching practices
  • Explore evidence-based approaches to lab education

Together, we can create more impactful research and laboratory learning experiences to prepare our students for scientific inquiry.

Join our (online) meetings and webinars, and be part of a community that’s shaping the future of laboratory education!

Upcoming event:

Webinar series

From November 2025 to February 2026, Present-day Practicals presents its fifth edition – an engaging webinar series that brings together visionary voices in science education. Each session explores a timely and thought-provoking theme – from sustainability in laboratory teaching to virtual reality, open inquiry in labs, and more.

We’re kicking off the series with Dr. Hendra Agustian, who will share his insights on how students truly learn in the lab – a fascinating look at how students think, feel, and learn through hands-on scientific exploration.

Designed for educators, curriculum designers, and innovators in science education, this series is a space to reflect, connect, and be inspired by new perspectives on the future of lab-based learning.

Join us to explore what’s next in practical science education – and how we can shape it together.

look back at our

Past events

Since 2017, Present-day Practicals has brought together teachers, researchers, and innovators in laboratory education. Each edition has offered inspiring keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences.

After a short break, Present-day Practicals is back! In 2025 we launch a fully online webinar series, welcoming our established network while reaching out to new international colleagues. By going global, we aim to connect lab education enthusiasts worldwide and build an international community.

Organizing partners

The Present-day Practicals webinar series is organised by a dedicated team committed to advancing laboratory education:

  • Janine Geerling
    University Medical Centre Utrecht

  • Marjo de Graauw
    Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research

  • The LabBuddy Team
    Specialists in enhancing laboratory education

Together, we aim to create a platform for inspiration, connection, and innovation in lab-based teaching and learning.