Awards

I have been fortunate enough to receive a number of awards in recognition of the work that I do in science education.

In November 2024, I was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Excellence in Primary Education Prize, which was presented by members of the RSC judging panel at The Royal Institution of Great Britain in 2025.

For a significant contribution to STEM education in the last 20+ years, inspiring children and supporting teachers in the UK and around the world.

Smiling Dr Jo and details of the award as per description

RSC Excellence in Primary Education Prize

I was also part of the Team Prize in the same year, with my work at The University of Manchester’s Science & Engineering Education Innovation Research Hub (SEERIH) and the Great Science Share for Schools campaign in its 10th anniversary year.

In 2026, I was awarded the Babraham Institute KEC (Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation) Prize for initiatives that drive lasting improvements in research culture, impact, and create sustainable platforms for knowledge and future innovation.

In 2025, The Royal Institution Demo Team was awarded The Royal Society Hauksbee Award, which recognises outstanding achievements in science to an individual or team whose work is mostly ‘behind the scenes’ or in support.

The Royal Society Hauksbee Award 2025 is awarded to The Royal Institution Demonstration Team for being global leaders in spectacular science demonstrations, which are vitally important for effective education and communication of scientific concepts. The Ri Director, Katherine Mathieson, kindly acknowledged all of us who have contributed to the work of the Demo Team, saying, “To everyone who has been part of this fantastic team, this award is for you too – congratulations!”

I was also awarded the Research Integrity and Open Science Prize at The Babraham Institute Lab Talks in 2025 in recognition of my work co-developing training for scientists.

2020 STEAM in the sector category, Nexus Education Awards

Publications

Reimagining the Science Learning Journey: Celebrating Science Identity, hands-on Learning and Innate Curiosity. OUP (2021) A white paper for International Educators p20-25 Putting Our learning into Practice (Jo Montgomery).

ASE’s Primary Science Journal (2019) 158:28-30. My personal journey from science to teaching.

ASE’s Primary Science Journal (2021) 166: 11-14. The what, why, how, where and when of running STEM clubs.

Teach Primary magazine: Air Resistance KS2 (2025); Science is Material – science capital and STEM careers (2025); Exploring Materials by Thinking Nano (2021); Winter Science (2022); Healthy Eating (2023).