Event Category: JM Science and Me

On April 22, 2026, we celebrated the 10th Regional Science Fair in Sveti Nikole, a part of the “Science and Me” project, organized by Macedonia2025 in partnership with Johnson Matthey Community Impact Program. This milestone event gathered over 40 students from across the region, all eager to showcase their creativity, scientific curiosity, and innovative thinking through a variety of projects and experiments.

The fair was held at OOU “Goce Delchev” in Sveti Nikole, where the school’s warm hospitality and excellent organization ensured a successful event. Eight dedicated science teachers mentored the participating students, guiding them in their experiments and projects. The fair featured a wide range of exciting presentations, including experiments with wind turbines, hydraulic lifts, and density demonstrations, as well as chemical reactions and biology models. Each student team presented their findings to over 250 peers from the host school and other primary schools in the municipality, who actively engaged in the experiments and discussions.

This is the 10th Regional Science Fair we have hosted, and over the years, the “Science and Me” project has made a significant impact on the science education landscape in Macedonia. To date, 64 schools have participated in the program, with 74 science teachers mentoring 409 students who have presented their experiments and projects. The fair has seen over 2,440 peers as visitors, contributing to an environment of active learning and collaboration.

We are proud to have the following schools and teachers participate in this event:

• OOU “Goce Delchev”, Sveti Nikole
  Mentored by Eleonora Arsevska and Cvetanka Nikolova Menchova
  Presented projects on wind turbines, water turbines, and experiments with atmospheric pressure. Their students also organized a quiz for Earth Day, with sweet rewards sponsored by Leona Leon from Sveti Nikole. 
• OOU “Kosta Racin”, village Podresh and OOU “Sv. Kiril I Metodij”, village Oraovica (Radovish)
  Mentored by Katerina Trajanova
  Projects included acid-carbonate reactions and indicators in acidic and basic environments. 
• OOU “Hristijan Todorovski Karposh”, Rankovce
  Mentored by Igor Nikoloski
  Students demonstrated experiments using the Van der Graaf generator to create static electricity and explored the efficiency of pulleys. 
• OOU “Kocho Racin”, Kratovo
  Mentored by Lupcho Lazarovski
  Students presented on windmills, earthquake measurement, and a model of a modern bus station. 
• OOU “Kocho Racin”, Skopje
  Mentored by Irina Shoreva
  Projects included microscopic preparations, lava lamps, and a density measurement tower. 
• OOU “Naum Ohridski”, village Bulachani (Skopje)
  Mentored by Elena Maksimovska and Katerina Trifunova Lozanovski
  Students showcased cress as an indicator, dissolving styrofoam in acetone, and a reaction demonstrating energy released from a rubber candy. 

In addition to these excellent school projects, we were delighted to have a team from Johnson Matthey Macedonia, who conducted presentations and mini experiments, allowing students to gain firsthand insights into the application of science in industry.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our socially responsible partners, Triglav Osiguruvanje, Alkaloid, Trimaks, and Leona Leon from Sveti Nikole, for supporting the event and enriching the experience with the Earth Day quiz and sweet rewards for the students.

This event was truly a reflection of how science can inspire and unite young minds from different regions, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and future exploration in STEM fields. We are thrilled to have hosted this memorable event, and we look forward to continuing to empower the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers in Macedonia.

Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our young scientific leaders!

On April 15, 2026, the Regional Science Fair was held at OOU “Dr. Vladimir Polezhinoski” in Kichevo, as part of the Science and Me project, implemented by Macedonia2025 in partnership with Johnson Matthey.

The fair brought together 9 primary schools and over 40 students, who presented their creativity, curiosity, and knowledge through interactive experiments and projects to more than 200 visiting students. The event was a true celebration of science, where students not only demonstrated experiments but also actively engaged with their peers, explaining scientific phenomena in a simple and understandable way.

The fair began with a short musical and drama performance, followed by welcome remarks from representatives of the host school, the local municipality, the Bureau for Development of Education, Johnson Matthey, and Macedonia2025. The event also featured an address by Nikica Mojsoska Blazhevski, Chief Executive Officer of Macedonia2025, who provided a brief overview of the importance of the Science and Me project in advancing science education and inspiring younger generations.

During the fair, students presented a wide range of experiments in natural sciences – from chemical reactions and biological models to environmental topics and physical phenomena. Visitors had the opportunity to move from stand to stand and observe the experiments live, contributing to a dynamic and interactive atmosphere.

The following schools participated in the fair:

• OOU “Dr. Vladimir Polezhinoski”, Kichevo 
• OOU “Edinstvo”, v. Oktisi, Struga 
• POU “Kliment Ohridski”, v. Samokov, Makedonski Brod 
• OOU “Petar Pop Arsov”, Karposh Municipality, Skopje 
• OOU “11 Oktomvri”, Centar Municipality, Skopje 
• OOU “Kuzman Josifoski-Pitu”, Kichevo 
• OOU “Hristo Uzunov”, v. Drugovo 
• OOU “Faik Konica”, v. Greshnica 
• OOU “Gjergj Kastrioti-Skenderbeu”, v. Srbica 

In addition, a team from Johnson Matthey Macedonia participated with a presentation and demonstrations of mini experiments, providing students with direct insight into the real-world application of science in industry. 

Check the atmosphere here:

We extend special thanks to the host school, OOU “Dr. Vladimir Polezhinoski”, for the excellent organization and the wonderful opening music program, which further enriched the atmosphere of the event.

The fair is part of the broader Science and Me initiative, which aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in science among students through hands-on and experiential learning.

Special thanks to the Johnson Matthey Community Impact Programme for supporting the project, as well as to our partners and socially responsible companies, including Triglav Osiguruvanje AD Skopje, Trimaks, and others, whose support makes it possible for this initiative to continue inspiring new generations of young scientists.

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.

На 28 ноември 2025 година, во просториите на ООУ „Александар Македонски“ во Скопје, се одржа вториот целодневен тренинг во рамки на проектот „Науката и Јас“.

Обуката собра 21 наставник по природни науки од основни училишта низ цела Македонија, кои заедно учествуваа во динамична и инспиративна работилница посветена на унапредување на наставата преку современи, интерактивни и истражувачки пристапи. Новина во овогодинешниот проект е што покрај наставници приправници и наставници ментори по предметна настава по природни науки, биологија, хемија и физика вклучивме и наставници ментори по одделенска настава, кои реализираат предмет природни науки од 1-5 одделение. 

Настанот започна со воведни обраќања од директорката на училиштето-домаќин Маја Буклеска, претставничката на Македонија2025, Нена Манчев, и м-р Иванка Мијиќ од Бирото за развој на образованието, кои ја истакнаа важноста на континуираниот професионален развој на наставниците како клучна алка за подобрување на квалитетот на образованието и поттикнување љубопитност кај учениците.

Програмата понуди четири едукативни сесии водени од експерти од академската и стручната заедница. Се дискутираше за мотивација и менаџирање на училница, учење преку истражување и експерименти во физика, искуствено учење преку теми од биологија и климатски промени, како и за инвентивност во наставата по хемија и квалитетно планирање на наставни активности. Активностите беа практични, применливи и фокусирани на развој на критичко размислување и активно учество на учениците.

Голема благодарност до:

• Џонсон Мети – за визионерската поддршка преку програмата „Науката и Јас“
• Министерството за образование и наука и Бирото за развој на образованието – за професионалниот ангажман и стручната поддршка
• Тримакс и Литература.мк – за активно вклучување и поддршка на иновативна настава
• ООУ „Александар Македонски“ од  Аеродром, Скопје – за срдечното домаќинство и организациска поддршка.

Во рамки на проектот „Науката и Јас“ следуваат нови активности

а/ пролетта 2026 година ќе се реализираат регионални научни саеми на кои ученици, заедно со нашите обучени наставници, ќе презентираат сопствени научни проекти.

б/ студиска посета на фабриката на Џонсон Мети во Скопје, со цел учениците и наставниците одблиску да се запознаат со научно-технолошките процеси во индустријата.

в/ ќе бидат донирани 20 комплети за настава по природни науки во основни училишта низ државата, како дополнителна мотивација и поддршка кон практична настава.

г/ воведувањето на структурирана менторска соработка помеѓу наставниците. Целта е да се создаде простор за долгорочно споделување на знаења, искуства и поддршка во наставната практика – преку воспоставување мрежа на професионални односи меѓу поискусни и помлади колеги.

Проектот “Науката и Јас„ продолжува да ја зајакнува улогата на наставниците како носители на промени и инспирација за новите генерации млади научници.

On November 27, 2025, over 20 enthusiastic science teachers from primary schools across Macedonia gathered in Skopje for a full-day professional development training under the program “Science and Me”, supported by Johnson Matthey’s Community Impact Program.

Held at the welcoming premises of Primary School “11 Oktomvri” – Skopje (Centar), the workshop focused on strengthening teachers’ practical skills and confidence through inquiry-based learning, innovative classroom techniques, and hands-on science experiments in physics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Nena Manchev, representative of Macedonia2025, who emphasized the importance of empowering educators and investing in early science education as a foundation for long-term social and economic development.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to boost both teaching quality and student engagement, exploring new ways to ignite curiosity and critical thinking in the classroom.

The training featured inspiring sessions delivered by distinguished experts:

• Prof. Ana Tomovska Misoska – Motivation and classroom management techniques
• Mare Bojchovska Saveska – Physics experiments and principles of fair testing
• Vjolca Mehmeti-Nuredini – Experiential learning, climate education, and environmental awareness
• Ivanka Mijić, MSc – Creative chemistry experimentation and planning for effective science instruction

This capacity-building event is part of our shared mission to support science educators with practical tools, peer learning, and long-term mentoring. The initiative is implemented in close cooperation with the Bureau for Development of Education, under the Ministry of Education and Science of N. Macedonia.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Primary School “11 Oktomvri” Skopjefor their generous hospitality and excellent cooperation in making the event a success.

As we continue our journey, “Science and Me” will soon expand into the next phase of activities, including:

• A new round of teacher training
• Regional science fairs in spring 2026, where students will present their projects and experiments in front of peers, teachers, and guests
• An exclusive study visit to the Johnson Matthey factory in Skopje, where selected teachers and students will have the opportunity to explore real-world scientific and technological processes in industry
• The donation of 20 science education sets to selected primary schools across the country, prioritizing active participants and schools with limited resources

Stay tuned as we continue to build a stronger community of educators, learners, and partners united by a shared passion for science and innovation!

Today, 24 curious 5th -8th-grade students from six primary schools across Macedonia (OOU “Dimitar Miladinov” Skopje (Centar), OOU “Sv. Kliment Ohridski” s. Drachevo, OOU “Krste Petkov Misirkov” Radovish, OOU “Goce Delchev” Vasilevo, OOU “Goce Delchev” Sveti Nikole and OOU ”Goce Delchev” Negotino), accompanied by their dedicated teachers, visited the Johnson Matthey plant near Skopje as part of our “Science and Me” Community Impact Program.

 The students explored cutting-edge scientific processes, discovered how innovation powers real-world impact, and interacted with JM professionals who generously shared their knowledge and passion for science.

This hands-on learning experience is designed to spark curiosity, foster scientific thinking, and inspire future STEM leaders. A huge thank you to the JM team for opening your doors and minds to our young explorers!

We’re excited to share highlights from the second “Science and Me” professional development session, held on May 8th, 2025 at Primary School “25 Maj” in Skopje. Another group of around 30 passionate science teachers came together to explore modern, student-centered approaches that bring science to life in the classroom. 

The day began with inspiring welcome remarks by Nena Manchev Trajkovska from Macedonia2025, and Marko Belakaposki from Johnson Matthey, setting the stage for a full day of learning, collaboration, and innovation.

This training featured an outstanding lineup of trainers whose expertise and energy made the day both impactful and inspiring:
– Prof. Ana Tomovska Misoska (University American College Skopje) – led an engaging session on motivation and classroom management.
– Mare Bojchovska Saveska (Bureau for Development of Education) – introduced inquiry-based learning through physics experiments and strategies for interpreting and presenting results.
– Vjolca Mehmeti-Nuredini (Bureau for Development of Education) – guided participants through experiential learning in biology and climate education, and introduced project-based approaches.
– Ivanka Mijić, MSc (Bureau for Development of Education) – concluded the training with inventive approaches to chemistry experiments and a roadmap to delivering high-quality science instruction from planning to execution.
We are deeply grateful to all the trainers for sharing their knowledge and passion

This event is part of the “Science and Me” initiative, supported by Johnson Matthey’s Community Impact Program, and implemented in partnership with the Bureau for Development of Education (Министерство за образование и наука | Биро за развој на образованието).

We extend our sincere thanks to the primary school “25 Maj” (SH.F.K “25 MAJI”) in Skopje for hosting the event and creating a warm and engaging environment. Furthermore, we’re also pleased to welcome Ars Lamina and Тримакс as supporters of this initiative — your engagement makes a difference!

Stay tuned as we prepare for the regional science fairs, where students, guided by their teachers, will showcase their creativity, teamwork, and scientific curiosity in action

On May 7th, around 30 passionate science teachers gathered in Skopje for the first professional training – focused on modern, inquiry-based methods to bring science to life in the classroom! 

The day began with warm welcome remarks from the school director Tatjana Jankulovska, Macedonia2025 representative Nena Manchev, and Johnson Matthey representatives Martina Stefanovska, setting the stage for a productive and engaging day of learning and inspiration.

During the full-day training, teachers explored:

• Motivation and classroom management strategies
• Inquiry-based learning and fair testing through physics experiments
• Hands-on activities in biology, climate change, and environmental education
• Critical and creative thinking through problem-solving
• Chemistry experiments and inventive approaches in science teaching
• Project-based learning and individual project planning for future science fairs.

This initiative is part of the Johnson Matthey Community Impact Program “Science and Me,” and implemented in cooperation with the Bureau for Development of Education (Министерство за образование и наука | Биро за развој на образованието).

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Primary School “Jan Amos Komenski” Skopje for generously hosting this important event and creating a welcoming space for our community of educators. Furthermore, we’re also pleased to welcome Ars Lamina and Тримакс as supporters of this initiative — your engagement makes a difference!

Overall, this event marks the continuation of our mission to empower educators across Macedonia and spark a lifelong love for science in young minds. Stay tuned as we expand our impact to even more schools and students throughout the country!

Македонија2025 го организира петтиот регионален Саем за наука на 17 октомври 2024 година, кој се одржа во поливалентниот простор на ООУ „Владо Тасевски“ во Скопје.

Овој настан ја одбележува продолжената соработка помеѓу Македонија2025 и Џонсон Мети, како дел од програмата „Науката и Јас“ за влијание во заедницата, која ќе се имплементира во учебната 2024/2025 година. Покрај тоа, претставува и зајакнато партнерство со Министерството за образование. Целта на Саемот е да ги поттикне учениците да се заинтересираат за науката и да ги презентираат своите научни проекти пред пошироката јавност. 

Во своето обраќање, Никица Мојсоска Блажевски истакна: „Проектот ‘Науката и Јас’ има значително влијание врз унапредувањето на образованието по природни науки во нашата земја. Минатата година, обучивме 23 наставници од 20 основни училишта низ Македонија, кои со својата работа директно влијаеја на околу 1100 ученици од шесто одделение. Учениците, преку практични проекти и експерименти, развија нова љубов и интерес кон науката. Организиравме четири регионални саеми во Скопје, Велес, Делчево и Струга, каде учениците имаа можност да ги презентираат своите проекти и да разменат идеи со врсниците. Во учебната 2024/2025 година, целиме кон проширување на опфатот на проектот со организирање професионална обука за повеќе од 100 наставници ментори од областа на природни науки и одделенска настава, како и организирање повеќе регионални научни саеми во дополнителни региони.„

Боријан Борозанов, Оперативниот директор за Европа од Џонсон Мети нагласи дека науката игра клучна улога во обликувањето на иднината и дека компанијата е посветена на поддршка на образовни иницијативи и промовирање на одржливост и иновации. “Нашата компанија верува дека инвестициите во образованието се инвестиции во иднината,„ рече тој. 

Саемите се насочени кон унапредување на образованието по природни науки, овозможувајќи активно учество на учениците во практични проекти и експерименти, кои ќе го разбудат нивниот интерес за науката. На настанот се претставија четири наставници-ментори со тимови од над 30 ученици, и тоа:

• Елена Панова Наумовска од ООУ “Владо Тасевски”- Скопје (Карпош)               
• Драгана Ончевска-Ковачева од ООУ „Невена Георгиева-Дуња„ – Скопје (Кисела Вода)               
• Даниел Стојановски од ООУ „Браќа Миладиновци„ – Скопје (Аеродром)               
• Семиал Синани од OOУ “Емин Дураку” село Буковиќ (Сарај)

Тие демонстрираа експерименти и проектни задачи од областа на природните науки (биологија, географија, хемија и физика) пред над 500-тина свои врсници од училиштето домаќин и училиштата во општината.

Посебна благодарност до волонтерите на Џонсон Мети, чие учество беше клучно за успехот на настанот. Тие ја отелотворуваат посветеноста на компанијата за волонтеризам и корпоративна општествена одговорност. 

Искрено не радува што преку вакви и останати настани и проекти во областа на образованието, работејќи заедно со нашите корпоративни партнери: Костал Македонија, Триглав осигурување, Алкалоид АД Скопје, А1 Македонија ДООЕЛ и ВФП Фонд манаџмент АД Скопје, и поддржувачи: Тримакс.мк и Литература.мк можеме да инспирираме, поттикнеме и едуцираме и најважно од сѐ, да ја разгоруваме страста за наука во срцата на основците и да создадеме идни генерации подготвени да се соочат со глобалните предизвици. 

Енергијата и ентузијазмот што ги покажаа учениците и нивните наставници на Саемот за наука се доказ за трансформативното влијание на нашите напори, но и дополнителна мотивација да вложуваме во образованието.

May 22nd in Struga was absolutely amazing! At the primary school “Brakja Miladinovci” in Struga, we celebrated the grand finale of our regional Science Fair and hosted the 4th Science Fair under the Johnson Matthey “Science and Me” community impact program.

Over 30 exceptionally talented sixth-grade students, guided by their natural sciences teachers, presented their innovative projects to an enthusiastic audience of more than 150 peers from the host school and other local schools. These young scientists came from:

• Primary School “Brakja Miladinovci” in Struga, under the mentorship of teacher Shronjza Tela
• Primary School “Pere Toshev” from Rosoman, under the mentorship of teacher Vesna Okardova
• Primary School “7 Marsi” from Chelopek, under the mentorship of teacher Ajtene Ademi
• Primary School “Emin Duraku” from the village Bukovikj in the municipality of Saraj, Skopje, under the mentorship of teacher Semial Sinani

The students’ projects reflected a deep understanding of scientific principles and a creative approach to problem-solving, impressing everyone in attendance.

We are incredibly grateful to the “Brakja Miladinovci” school for their warm hospitality and open-heartedness. Their support and enthusiasm set the perfect stage for this celebration of young scientific minds. A huge shoutout goes to the amazing Johnson Matthey volunteers—Vesa, Ivana, Marјan, and Bojan—whose dedication embodies the company’s commitment to volunteerism and corporate social responsibility. Their contributions were invaluable, making this event truly memorable!

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our corporate partners—Kostal Macedonia, Triglav Osiguruvanje Makedonija, Alkaloid AD Skopje, and WVP Fund Management AD Skopje—and our supporters Trimaks and Literatura.mk. Their unwavering support enables us to inspire, encourage, and educate young minds. Through their contributions, we aim to spark a lifelong passion for science in primary school students and empower them to explore the wonders of the scientific world.

Together, through the power of science and education, we are forging a brighter future for everyone.

The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students and their teachers at the Science Fair are a testament to the transformative impact of our efforts.

Stay tuned for more exciting events under the Johnson Matthey “Science and Me” community impact program!

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