Horiba UK has launched the Horiba Foundation UK, a new philanthropic initiative designed to advance scientific research and expand participation in STEM higher education across the United Kingdom. The foundation aims to support researchers and students from a wide range of backgrounds by removing barriers to opportunity and widening access to resources in the academic and scientific communities.

The foundation will work with universities through established mechanisms to deliver grants, scholarships, bursaries and advocacy work. Its remit focuses on supporting high-impact research while encouraging broader representation across science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The approach aligns with Horiba’s global mission to apply science and technology to address societal challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The foundation is built around two core pillars. The first will provide support for students from under-represented or deprived backgrounds, making STEM education more accessible and helping to create a more inclusive pathway into scientific careers. The second will fund research that addresses contemporary scientific and technological challenges, strengthening the UK’s research ecosystem and supporting long-term innovation.

In line with its mission, the Horiba Foundation UK is already funding undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships at Aston University, Keele University, Northumbria University and the University of Strathclyde. The foundation is also supporting research projects at University College London and the University of Nottingham as both a funding and technology partner. Its ambition is to expand its partnerships further across the UK, enabling more students and researchers to benefit from tailored support and additional resources.

Simon FitzGerald, head of science and technology at Horiba UK and director of the Horiba Foundation UK, said: “Science, technology and engineering have the power to answer some of the most pressing questions of our time. But to truly make progress, we need to make sure we’re asking the right questions—and that means including voices from all backgrounds. Right now, there’s shocking under-representation in the UK’s STEM education system and industrial workforce, whether considering women, ethnic minorities, or socio-economic backgrounds. To unlock the full potential of science and innovation, we must actively support and empower diverse perspectives.”

He added that wider representation strengthens scientific decision-making by bringing broader viewpoints into research and innovation. According to FitzGerald, increasing diversity helps ensure that scientific questions more accurately reflect the needs of society and lead to solutions with greater real-world impact.

The Horiba Foundation UK reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation, education and social responsibility. By investing in both research and widening participation, the foundation aims to help build a more inclusive, resilient and impactful scientific community across the UK.