John P. Keeves died peacefully on Saturday 4th April aged 95. John taught science and mathematics for 15 years prior to joining the Australian Council for Educational Research in 1962. First as a senior researcher and later (1977-1984) as Director, John spent much time and effort on facilitating Australia’s participation in large-scale international comparative studies. John’s outstanding scholarly contributions throughout his career in education and higher learning at the national level was recognized in 2005, with the awarding of a Member of the Order of Australia.
As an honorary IEA member, John was a great friend to IEA and a valued collaborator and mentor for our international research network. John was involved in IEA studies since the 1960s, serving as a national research coordinator for the First International Mathematics Study (FIMS), steering committee member of the First International Science Study (FISS), and project council chair for the Second International Science Study (SISS). John contributed as author or editor to countless IEA-related publications and also held the position of chair of the IEA Technical Executive Group between 1982–1989.
IEA Executive Director, Dr Dirk Hastedt:
On behalf of IEA, I would like to extend my deepest condolences for John’s passing. He was an invaluable and highly respected member of our organization. We will not forget the great efforts that members like John made at the beginning of IEA times, efforts that made of our organization the successful entity that it is today.
We also cannot forget the impact that John had on the educational field as a whole, first as a secondary school teacher and later as a researcher. We are sure he will be missed by students and colleagues that were lucky enough to work with him, and are sure that his work will not soon be forgotten.
My heartfelt sympathies to John’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.