Science in Action: Macedonia2025 Brings Together Over 250 Students at the Regional Science Fair in Skopje

On May 28, 2025, the multipurpose hall of “Lyuben Lape” Elementary School in Skopje Aerodrom was filled with energy, curiosity, and scientific creativity.

The Regional Science Fair, organized as part of the “Science and Me” project, brought together over 50 student presenters from seven elementary schools:

• “Kuzman Shapkarev” Elementary School, Drachevo – Mentor: Iva Lazarova

• “Rajko Zhinzifov” Elementary School, Drachevo – Mentor: Biljana Naunova

• “Dimitar Makedonski” Elementary School, Aerodrom, Skopje – Mentor: Dijana Ivanovska

• “Gjorǵija Pulevski” Elementary School, Aerodrom, Skopje – Mentor: Katerina Antovski

• “Lyuben Lape” Elementary School, Aerodrom, Skopje – Mentors: Ljubica Stojkova-Stojanovska, Sanja Stanisavovska, and Dobrila Jovanoska Gorgon

• “Anton Zako Chajupi” Elementary School, Otnja (Lipkovo Municipality) – Mentor: Azimene Fetai

• “Kuzman Josifoski-Pitu” Elementary School, Kičevo – Mentor: Slađana Josifoska

With great dedication, the students shared their scientific projects and experiments. The audience included over 250 primary school students from the host school as well as several schools from the Aerodrom municipality.

Through interactive presentations and hands-on experiments, students showcased the results of their work in natural sciences—geography, biology, chemistry, and physics—inspiring their peers and encouraging curiosity and interest in science. The event was further enriched by live demonstrations of scientific experiments by representatives from Johnson Matti, bringing the world of science closer to the students in an interactive and engaging way.

Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from Johnson Matti (Zoran Nikolov, Production Manager), Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski from Macedonia2025, Dejan Miteski, Mayor of Aerodrom Municipality, and Fonika Stanoeva, Principal of Lyuben Lape Elementary School.

The Science Fair is part of the broader “Science and Me” project, which over the past two years has trained over 100 young science teachers from various schools and reached around 3,500 students across Macedonia. The project is supported by the Johnson Matti Community Support Program and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Bureau for Development of Education.

Mentorship among teachers was a key component of this year’s program—mentorship pairs were created in which experienced teachers supported their younger colleagues in lesson preparation, execution, and preparing students for science fairs. This collaboration encouraged the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovative teaching approaches, strengthening the community of natural science teachers.

The event once again highlighted the importance of collaboration among the public, private, and civil sectors in improving education in Macedonia. Joint investments in the scientific literacy of youth are key to the future of our society.

A short video showing the atmosphere of the Fair: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ljf4bDZdEJM

Here are some impressions shared by participating teachers:

“Participating in the Science Fair was extremely useful and an excellent experience. We had the opportunity to present our work with students, exchange ideas with other participants, and gain new knowledge from various scientific fields. It was particularly meaningful to see the innovation, creativity, and enthusiasm among young researchers. The fair contributed to our personal and professional growth and strengthened interest in science and research. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an event and look forward to future meetings and challenges, perhaps even hosting the next fair at our school. The students were thrilled and excitedly shared the experience with their classmates. The impressions are excellent! Thank you!”

“The fair was a true experience—full of positive energy, idea exchange, and a sense of pride in the students’ achievements. The atmosphere of collaboration and enthusiasm made the event inspiring for everyone present. The organization and positive energy helped everyone feel valued and motivated. The students were amazed by the interest from visitors and the chance to share their work. They learned to confidently present, work as a team, and express themselves creatively. For them, this was an encouragement for new challenges. Warm greetings and thanks to you all.”

“I sincerely thank you for allowing us to be part of the Regional Science Fair. The event was wonderfully organized, with a positive atmosphere, inspiring projects, and many curious students. My students were truly excited to share their knowledge, work, and creativity with a broader audience. For them, this was not just a school event but a real scientific experience they will remember for a long time. As a teacher, it was a great honor to guide them through this process and witness their growth, confidence, and genuine joy. Thank you for making the ‘Science and Me’ project so meaningful and inspiring.”

The “Science and Me” project continues with new activities and scientific adventures. We are delighted to invite you to the next Regional Science Fair, which will take place on June 3, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM, in the multipurpose hall of “Goce Delchev” Elementary School in Prilep.