Science, Curiosity, and Creativity: 11th “Science and Me” Science Fair Successfully Held in Skopje

Around 45 students from seven primary schools presented their science projects to more than 350 fellow students, marking the beginning of the fourth year of the “Science and Me” project, implemented by Macedonia2025 with the support of Johnson Matthey.

On 29 October 2026, the 11th “Science and Me” Science Fair took place at Primary School “Kocho Racin” in Skopje, bringing together exciting experiments, creative science projects, curiosity, and an atmosphere full of positive energy. The fair gathered around 45 student presenters from seven primary schools across Macedonia, supported by nine dedicated teachers, as well as more than 350 visiting students from Skopje and the surrounding area.

The event also marked the official launch of the fourth school year of the “Science and Me” project, implemented by Macedonia2025 thanks to the continued support of the Johnson Matthey Community Impact Programme.

The project aims to improve science education in primary schools through teachers’ professional development, hands-on experiments, mentoring support, and opportunities for students to experience science in engaging and meaningful ways. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring equal opportunities for girls, students from rural areas, ethnically diverse communities, and children from socially vulnerable backgrounds.

Inspiring Messages for Young Scientists

The Science Fair opened with a special programme and welcoming remarks highlighting the importance of science, exploration, and experiential learning in the development of younger generations.

Participants were welcomed by Gordana Janevska, Principal of Primary School “Kocho Racin”, who emphasised the importance of initiatives that encourage students’ curiosity, creativity, and teamwork.

Motivational messages were also delivered by Mare Bojcheska Saveska, Advisor at the Bureau for Development of Education; Zvonko Tanev, Quality Manager at Johnson Matthey Macedonia; and Nikica Mojsoska Blazevski, Chief Executive Officer of Macedonia2025.

In their remarks, the speakers highlighted the importance of practical learning, scientific curiosity, perseverance, and the courage to ask questions and seek new solutions. Their shared message to the young participants was that science is not simply a collection of facts learned at school, but an opportunity to discover, create, and change the world.

Seven Schools, Nine Teachers, and Dozens of Inspiring Science Experiments

The central part of the Science Fair was dedicated to the students, who enthusiastically presented their science projects and practical experiments. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition stands, ask questions, participate in demonstrations, and discover fascinating scientific phenomena firsthand.

The host school, Primary School “Kocho Racin” – Skopje, under the mentorship of teacher Irina Shoreva, with support from teachers Irena Kostovska, Jasmina Apostolova, and Katica Mitovska Hristovska, presented experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology, including a magnetic maze, protein detection in chicken eggs, and an investigation of xylem in plants.

Students from Primary School “Hristo Uzunov” – Ohrid, led by teacher Vera Zoroska, demonstrated fascinating physical and technological principles through solar panels, a miniature Tesla transformer, radar, electromagnets, Pascal’s law, and communicating vessels.

An especially diverse programme was prepared by students from Primary School “7 Marsi” – Chel opek, supported by teachers Ajtene Ademi and Merita Emini. Their experiments included a hydraulic bridge and mechanism, an artist robot, chemical reactions, the removal of bacteria from mud, and three-dimensional models of plant and animal cells.

Under the mentorship of teacher Vesna Okardova, students from Primary School “Pere Toshev” – Rosoman sparked visitors’ curiosity with experiments such as a rainbow created using natural indicators, invisible ink revealed by heat, colour movement, inflating a balloon through a chemical reaction, making plastic from milk, and a model of the human heart.

Students from Primary School “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” – Kuchevishte, together with teacher Elena Palankova, presented experiments involving a volcanic eruption simulation, carbon dioxide production, and compost preparation, demonstrating how scientific principles can be explained through simple yet impressive experiments.

Representatives of Primary School “Kuzman Josifovski Pitu” – Skopje, mentored by teachers Aleksandra Kjurchevska and Frosina Gjorgievska, demonstrated experiments involving a magic paper boat, the “Black Mamba” chemical reaction, natural indicators made from red cabbage, and a model of the circulatory system, helping visitors understand natural processes and chemical reactions that take place around us.

Students from Primary School “Vera Ciriviri – Trena” – Skopje, led by teacher Divna Karapancheva, presented investigations into photosynthesis, endemic species using QR codes, alternative light sources, DNA extraction from bananas, bioplastic production from milk, and the impact of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.

The programme was further enriched by the participation of Johnson Matthey Macedonia employees, who volunteered to organise interactive mini-experiments using test tubes, allowing students and visitors to discover how science is applied in industry. Their involvement is an important part of the project, connecting what students learn at school with real scientific and technological processes.

Gratitude to Everyone Supporting Science

Macedonia2025 extends its sincere gratitude to the Johnson Matthey Community Impact Programme for its continued trust and support over the past four years, as well as to the company's employees, whose volunteer engagement inspires young people to consider futures in science and technology.

Special thanks go to Primary School “Kocho Racin” – Skopje and the entire school team for being wonderful hosts, for their excellent organisation, warm hospitality, and dedication to making the 11th Science Fair a successful and memorable event.

We also express our appreciation to the Bureau for Development of Education, all partner and participating schools, teacher-mentors, school principals, parents, volunteers, and other supporters who enable the project to continue growing and reaching more students each year.

Above all, we thank the young scientists, whose curiosity, dedication, and creativity once again demonstrated that science can be exciting, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone.

We will continue creating opportunities for every child to explore, ask questions, and believe in their ideas. Because every great discovery begins with curiosity, and the future of science begins in our classrooms!