On December 1st, HORIBA celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founder, Dr. Masao Horiba, a visionary whose pioneering contributions to science and innovation have left an enduring legacy. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, HORIBA UK partnered with KidsOut — The Fun and Happiness Charity — to support some of the UK’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable children by donating 100 scientific kits.
Dr. Masao Horiba, born on December 1st in Kyoto, Japan, achieved groundbreaking success despite post-war scarcities. While still a student at Kyoto Imperial University (now Kyoto University), he developed Japan’s first electrode-type pH meter and founded the HORIBA RADIO LABORATORY in 1945. This humble beginning laid the foundation for HORIBA, Ltd., incorporated in 1953 with just eight employees. Today, the company has grown into a global leader in measurement and analysis, with 50 group companies across 29 countries and nearly 9,000 employees worldwide.
Central to Dr. Horiba’s leadership was his unique philosophy of “Joy and Fun,” which remains the company’s corporate motto. He believed that finding purpose and meaning in work enables employees to lead fulfilling lives and drive innovation. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor from the Government of Japan and the distinction of being the first non-American to receive the Pittcon Heritage Award in 2006. In 2003, he established the Masao Horiba Awards to spotlight advancements in analytical measurement technologies and support emerging researchers and engineers.
Sara Williams, CEO of KidsOut, expressed her gratitude: “We are truly honoured to partner with HORIBA UK to commemorate the incredible legacy of Dr. Masao Horiba. Their generous donation of 100 scientific kits has made a real difference in bringing joy and learning opportunities to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children we support. This thoughtful contribution perfectly aligns with our mission to give children access to experiences that spark creativity and inspire their futures. By encouraging curiosity and learning through science, HORIBA has helped empower young minds, perhaps even inspiring future scientists and innovators. We extend our heartfelt thanks to HORIBA UK for their support and commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of children across the UK.”
Stuart Knight, President of HORIBA UK, shared similar sentiments: “Supporting our community and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable, and better future for all is of great importance to us. Partnering with KidsOut to mark this milestone for our company was the perfect way to honour the legacy of our founder, whose life and work have been an endless source of inspiration for all HORIBARIANS. Moreover, KidsOut’s mission aligns closely with our STEM strategy to contribute to an all-inclusive education by supporting young people from all backgrounds, especially those who are underrepresented and from deprived environments. We sincerely hope our donation brought big smiles to the faces of those children on Christmas day and inspired some to pursue future careers in the spirit of Joy and Fun.”
This meaningful collaboration between HORIBA UK and KidsOut exemplifies how partnerships can create opportunities for children, fostering a love for learning and sparking imaginations. Through such initiatives, both organisations continue to make a positive and lasting impact, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
