* Developing students’ knowledge and understanding: addressing the primary science initial teacher training national curriculum is the theme of a conference on April 16 organised by SCICentre (the national centre for ITT in primary school science) at Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe. It will cover the role of the higher education institution, students’ role and response, and student assessment. Details: SCICentre, School of Education, 21 University Road, Leicester LE1 7RF, tel: 0116 252 3659; e-mail: mw47@leicester.ac.uk * World of physics: creating the future, this year’s Institute of Physics annual congress, takes place at Salford University, April 12-15. The programme includes nine meetings on such topics as GNVQ science and engineering, the behaviour of biomolecules and nuclear and particle physics (details from Fiona Tatteossian, tel: 0171 470 4800 ext. 4839). Plus four entertaining public lectures (details: Ann Conway, 0171 470 4800 ext. 4816) and Physics in Action sessions for pupils in years 6 to 13 (details: Mary Wood, tel: 0171 470 4800 ext. 4872).

* “The challenge of change”, a SCICentre conference onteacher education in primary science, is being held on July 7-9 at Durham University. Details: Hazel Hopper, School of Education, Leazes Road, Durham DH1 1TA, tel: 0191 374 3509; e-mail: Hazel.Hopper@durham.ac.uk * The annual meeting and science festival of the British Association for the Advancement of Science takes place, September 13-17, at Sheffield University on the theme “Prospering through science”. Key speaker: Sir Richard Sykes, chief executive of Glaxo Wellcome Worldwide. Details: Sandra Koura, BAAS, 23 Savile Row, London W1X 2NB, tel: 0171 973 3076.