As part of the upcoming “Science and Me” 2025/2026 cycle, and in line with the project’s mission to connect classroom learning with real-world science, a group of students and teachers visited the Johnson Matthey factory in Skopje for an inspiring educational visit.

On December 1, 10 students from grades 6–9 and two science teachersfrom primary schools “Anton Zako Chajupi” from village Otlja (Lipkovo) and primary school “Pere Toshev” from Rosoman explored JM’s advanced production and research environment. This activity directly reflects the project’s 2025 objective to expose students – especially those from underserved and rural communities – to authentic STEM experiences and to strengthen the role of teachers as science mentors in their schools.

The visit provided students with hands-on exposure to scientific processes, including demonstrations of material production, quality testing, and applied engineering. Guided by JM professionals, the group gained insight into how scientific principles taught in the classroom translate into cutting-edge industrial innovation. For many of the pupils, this was their first encounter with a high-tech industrial workplace – an experience that visibly strengthened their curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm for science.

For teachers, the visit served as a practical extension of the project’s 2025 focus on professional development and mentorship. Observing real-world applications of physics, chemistry, and engineering provided new ideas for designing inquiry-based lessons and integrating hands-on activities into their classrooms – key components of the updated training model outlined in the 2025 proposal.

The visit also reinforces Science and Me’s commitment toequity and inclusion. Both participating schools serve communities with limited access to advanced science resources, and this opportunity ensured that students who are often underrepresented in STEM – including girls, ethnic minorities, and students from rural backgrounds – could directly engage with inspiring scientific environments.

This study visit is part of the project’s broader strategy to:

• Strengthen early student engagement through practical STEM exposure,
• Foster collaboration between schools, teachers, and the STEM industry,
• Inspire young learners to explore future STEM pathways,
• Support teachers in developing engaging, inquiry-based science instruction, and
• Build the foundations of a long-term science mentorship ecosystem across Macedonia.

“Science and Me” continues to grow into a national platform that empowers teachers, inspires students, and connects education with innovation. The Johnson Matthey plant visit is one more step toward shaping a future generation of confident, curious, and STEM-ready young people.