Prof Thasmai Dhurumraj
Organising Committee
University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Connect on LinkedInAbout
She is an Associate Professor at the School of Science and Maths Education at the University of the Western Cape, specializing in science education, equitable curricula, and teacher development.
Biography
Prof.Thasmai Dhurumraj is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of science education, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Science and Maths Education at the University of the Western Cape. Her work is centred on advancing equitable and socially responsive science curricula that meaningfully engage with the lived realities of diverse learners. Her research and teaching are grounded in critical frameworks, including Nancy Fraser’s theory of parity of participation and Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy. Through these perspectives, she challenges conventional approaches to science education and promotes transformative practices that foster inclusion, participation, and social justice within the classroom. A passionate advocate for inclusive education, Professor Dhurumraj integrates socio-cultural relevance, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and humanising pedagogies into teacher education programmes. She is deeply committed to developing educators who are not only skilled practitioners but also agents of change. Her leadership in postgraduate supervision and professional development initiatives reflects her dedication to enhancing access, representation, and success across varied educational contexts. In addition to her role at UWC, she contributes to global education as a specialist at the International Open University, where she engages with innovative, cross-border teaching and learning approaches. This work allows her to bring a global perspective to her practice while remaining firmly rooted in the South African higher education landscape. Professor Dhurumraj’s contributions continue to inspire educators, researchers, and scholars to reimagine science education as a powerful tool for equity, inclusion, and societal transformation.