The National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development is an extension arm of the University of the Philippines whose goal is to raise the level of science and mathematics education in the Philippines at the basic and teacher education levels.

Philosophy. Learners learn most effectively from experiences that are engaging, meaningful, challenging and relevant, and from teachers who facilitate construction of knowledge from such experiences.

Ganap na natututo ang mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng mga gawaing makabuluhan, may hamon sa kakayahan at nakatutugon sa pang-araw-araw na buhay. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng mga gurong gumagabay sa kanila upang makabuo ng karunungan mula sa ganitong mga karanasan.

Functions. UP NISMED has three major functions: curriculum development, teacher training and research. It also performs extension work as natural outgrowth of these three major functions.

Organization. UP NISMED is organized according to science and mathematics subject areas. Its basic organizational unit is the Group. The major concern of the subject area groups is the teaching and learning of science and mathematics at the elementary, secondary and teacher education levels.