Our flagship programme that improves access to quality science and education for all.
Science and Me is our global community impact programme with a goal to improve access to quality STEM education and opportunities for young people.
It encompasses local charitable partnerships and projects, volunteering and grants across JM sites and directly contributes towards our community investment pillar, Science for a sustainable future.
The programme promotes science, and the subjects underpinning it, as a key enabler to protecting people and the planet, and contributing to a diverse, skilled workforce for the future, by empowering the next generation of STEM professionals.
Through our programme, we target five key areas:
Science and Me aims to target learners who are typically excluded from STEM because of personal characteristics or socio-economic background. By 2030 we aim to reach 10,000 young people, typically excluded from STEM, through quality STEM-related interactions and experiences involving our people.
At the heart of Science and Me is our employee-led grant scheme. It allows our sites to access two types of funding for their communities:
Tier one > providing up to £20,000 to run local Science and Me projects in partnership with local charitable/educational delivery partners.
Tier two > providing up to £5,000 to local schools to improve STEM learning for their students.
We encourage our people to reach out to our Group Charity team with ideas or projects they’d like to endorse.
In its first four years, Science and Me...
has awarded 41 grants to 22 non-profits and 11 local schools.
has invested £570k+ in Science and Me projects around the world.
is on track to reach 43,000 young people through STEM-based interactions.
has engaged 17 of our sites across five countries.
Enhancing science education in primary schools
In partnership with Macedonia2025, we’re supporting the teaching of natural sciences in primary schools across Macedonia. This includes specialised teacher training, science fairs, hands-on learning activities, and student-led presentations to inspire scientific curiosity from an early age.
Empowering minority ethnic students in chemical sciences
This year-long personal and professional development programme, delivered in collaboration with the Royal Society of Chemistry, is designed to support the retention and progression of minority ethnic students within chemical sciences. Activities include mentoring and work experience placements across our UK sites.
Connecting students with STEM professionals
Now in our fourth year in partnership, our funding helps Mangorolla connect schools across the UK with STEM professionals, via a student-led online platform. Johnson Matthey volunteers actively participate on the platform—answering questions, sharing insights, and helping young learners explore and expand their career horizons.
We’re grateful to all the Johnson Matthey volunteers who shared their powerful personal stories. Our students left your beautiful offices energised and inspired. I must mention that one staff member is considering a career change! We’re already looking forward to October for another opportunity to nurture our young leaders – some of whom are now hoping to apply to Johnson Matthey one day.
My placement at Royston, as part of the Broadening Horizons programme, gave me the opportunity to develop specific skills and boost my confidence within the field. It was clear to see that everyone loved what they do at Johnson Matthey, I saw it radiate from them. Sustainability and EHS seemed to be major components to this. Since then, I've been able to progress with the support from my mentors and managers. I joined the Clean Air team in 2023.
Thanks so much to the Johnson Matthey scientists for giving up their time to answer our questions. The students have learnt a lot and are now feeling inspired to use their chemistry A-Level in their future studies and career.
I volunteered with “I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here” as I believe the issues our planet faces need technological solutions. Part of this is the need to inspire the next generations to study STEM subjects and join our industry. This JM-funded project allowed me to interact with classrooms all over the UK via live chats. It was an opportunity to help the students understand the importance of Cleantech and provide them with hope for the future.
During the Science and Me science fair, we had the chance to practically explore new concepts, showcase our creativity, and improve our presentation skills. Participating heightened my interest in studying natural sciences. Visiting the Johnson Matthey factory and seeing the laboratory and production firsthand was an unforgettable experience.
Broadening Horizons has given participants the chance to see what chemistry looks like in a commercial setting and created new avenues for young chemical scientists from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds. I’m proud of JM’s contribution to this programme and look forward to seeing our impact grow.
We’re excited about the potential of our partnership with Macedonia2050, and the opportunities it will create for young minds to explore the wonders of science in North Macedonia. It is our collective responsibility to nurture the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem solvers, and this collaboration is a significant step in that direction.
If you think we can work together to make science more accessible, enjoyable and aspirational for young people, please get in touch.
