This issue of SSR has the theme of 'Science with and for society'. How can science be taught through social contexts without sacrificing substantive knowledge? Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a European Commission initiative promoting citizen participation in the development of science and technology. Its purpose is to ensure that techno-scientific innovations reflect society’s needs and that they are socially desirable, ethically acceptable and sustainable. Its thematic elements include gender equality, ethics, open access, public engagement, governance and, importantly, science education. Science education should aim to attract young people into STEM-related careers, supporting them in understanding that the products of science are both for and developed with people. In this way, science becomes democratised and ethically underpinned.