Scientists, engineers, medical professionals and statisticians are all at the forefront of our battle against SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have perhaps never seemed so important.

In addition to eradicating this devastating virus, many other challenges facing society, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, can only be addressed by a strong and diverse STEM workforce. Building a robust STEM community is dependent upon innovative and inclusive education, from primary school to university and beyond. Therefore, this issue showcases an inspiring collection of projects, each seeking to enhance STEM education worldwide.

Our first section of the edition focuses on the development and application of innovative teaching methods. Through providing immersive educational experiences, facilitating student collaboration and harnessing technology, the initiatives featured here are ensuring better academic outcomes for students, towards building a strong STEM community.

Next, we feature a range of programs that aim to increase diversity in STEM, by inspiring young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM subjects, and supporting underrepresented students on their journeys to successful careers. By enhancing diversity amongst graduates, these initiatives will ultimately lead to a stronger STEM community with greater potential for generating new ideas, and a better ability to take on humanity’s greatest challenges.

Each initiative featured in our final section is designed to address a specific societal need – from teaching engineering students how to devise solutions that are socially responsible, to cultivating a new generation of environmental scientists that can tackle climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.