Rural areas of Scotland will have improved access to science and technology education, thanks to efforts by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and the BlueFloat Energy-Nadara partnership.
The sponsorship is focussed on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of science and technology talent.
It will include the employment of a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) officer to provide hands-on science-based activities for schools in more rural parts of the country.
Through its Broadshore and Bellrock offshore wind farm projects, BlueFloat Energy and Nadara are supporting SAMS’ core ocean literacy and STEM programmes – directly funding this brand-new STEM post.
Delivered in parallel, the sponsorship is also broadening access to robotics and innovation via a funding boost to SAMS’ Scientific Robotics Academy, as well as supercharging student, early career scientist and STEM training opportunities for young people through a £22,500 contribution to SAMS’ student bursary and internship programme.
SAMS Director Prof Nicholas Owens said: “Science and technology is everywhere around us, and with STEM jobs being the future of our economy, and arguably even more so in Scotland, boosting our capacity to deliver STEM engagement couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
“As a marine research and education charity, we don’t solely look at creating new scientists – with innovation, technology and digital at the forefront of much of our work, we need talent from across the full STEM remit if we’re to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.”
Portfolio Director at the BlueFloat Energy and Nadara partnership, David Robertson, said: “Inspiring young minds around the many career opportunities that our future renewable energy system will create is a key priority for our partnership and the wider offshore wind industry.
“Through our windfarm projects, and working with charities like SAMS, we can drive forward a focus not only on environmental and educational impact, but also help coastal and rural communities thrive.”
BlueFloat Energy and Nadara came together ahead of the ScotWind leasing programme delivered by Crown Estate Scotland in 2022 and were successful in securing seabed leases for two floating wind sites off the east and north east coast of Scotland.
The partnership also holds the majority stake in a consortium with Orsted to develop the Stromar offshore wind project east of Caithness.