The Institut fur die Padagogik der Naturwissenschaften (IPN) is the research institute for science education, with a national function in the Federal Republic of Germany. The IPN consists of biology education, chemistry education, physics education, educational science, research methodology/statistics, and administration/general services departments. IPN history, research directions, institutional organization and boards, financing, interdisciplinary activities, research planning, and continuing institutional services are discussed. Areas of research according to a 3-year plan (1983-85) are also discussed. These include areas of general concern (such as health education and teacher training), areas of preliminary investigation (such as ecotechnology and science education), areas of major concentration (including curriculum development, and attitudes, values, and interests in science education), and areas of applied research. Also included are summaries of completed research projects, lists of IPN symposia and seminars, lists of IPN publications (in German unless otherwise noted) in biology, chemistry, physics, and science for handicapped children, and lists of IPN research reports and reports-in-brief. The latter contain information about the IPN and its scientific studies, summaries of extensive anthologies of reports, concepts, and reviews of science-related research. Lists of IPN board and staff members are also provided. (JN)