This book offers a comprehensive exploration of innovative research and emerging practices aimed at strengthening physics education in a rapidly changing world. Bringing together contributions from international experts, it examines how physics teaching and learning can evolve to meet the needs of diverse learners and contemporary societies.

The volume highlights new approaches to engaging young learners, showcasing strategies that build curiosity, foster foundational understanding, and support early scientific thinking. At the university level, contributors discuss methods for developing deeper physics competencies, improving student retention, and aligning instruction with modern scientific and technological developments. Several chapters address how physics education must adapt to the challenges of today's world, including preparing students for a technologically driven society and integrating climate change education to foster informed, responsible global citizens. A dedicated section focuses on the professional learning of physics teachers, presenting research based models that support continuous growth, pedagogical innovation, and stronger teaching communities. By sharing perspectives, studies, and classroom experiences from around the globe, this book provides educators, researchers, and policymakers with valuable insights for improving physics education at all levels. It demonstrates how embracing change, pedagogical, technological, and societal, can lead to richer learning experiences and a more resilient, forward looking physics education system.

Dagmara Sokołowska, PhD, is an Associate Professor in didactics at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Computer Sciences of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. She obtained her Ph.D. in physics of soft matter. She is an academic teacher in physics and teaching and learning methods. She mentors academic teachers and PhD students on didactics. She is involved in development and research in physics/science education in Inquiry-based Learning and Practitioner Inquiry at all levels of schooling - from K-1 to higher education. She participated in nine EU projects on physics and STEM education. She is a co-editor, together with Prof. Marisa Michelini, of the book The Role of Laboratory Work in Improving Physics Teaching and Learning (Springer, 2018). Since 2020, she has been a vice-president of the GIREP vzw. In 2024, she led the Local Organizing Committee of the 4th World Conference on Physics Education in Krakow, Poland.

Eilish McLoughlin, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Sciences at Dublin City University (DCU). She is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a Chartered Physicist. She has been a leader of physics education research and physics teacher education at Dublin City University since 2000. Eilish's research is focused on physics education, and in particular physics teacher education at both pre-service and in-service levels. She has led and participated in 10 pan-european projects to enhance physics/STEM teacher education. She has been a member of the GIREP Board since 2020 and has served as President of GIREP since 2024.