With considerable sadness, IEA notes the passing of Honorary Member, Bob Garden on January 28, 2022.
After studying mathematics at the University of Canterbury and education at the University of London, Bob taught secondary-level maths in New Zealand, where he was later appointed as a curriculum officer and later, Director of Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Education.
As an honorary IEA member, Bob was a valued collaborator to the international research network. He played a highly valued role as Project Director during the initial development stages in TIMSS. Bob served as the mathematics National Research Coordinator for the 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007 cycles of TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced 2008.
Bob’s contribution to the work of IEA is in-estimable not only because of his contributions to the study of Mathematics and long-standing commitment to the Publications and Editorial Committee but also because of his unwavering commitment to the work of IEA. Together with a small group of like-minded scholars who were committed to the work of IEA, he was instrumental in securing IEA’s longer-term future.
Bob is survived by his daughters Kathy and Barbara, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
IEA Executive Director, Dr Dirk Hastedt:
“On behalf of IEA, I would like to extend my deepest condolences for Bob’s passing. He will be remembered for his commitment to the work of our organization and the significant work he conducted in developing the TIMSS study and representing New Zealand in the early Second International Mathematics Study. Bob was an invaluable and highly respected member of IEA and the Publications and Editorial Committee. My thoughts are with his friends and beloved family during this time.”