Picture caption: SAMS scientists teach schoolchildren about the capabilities of remotely operated vehicles in the marine environment.

A new partnership aimed at improving access to science and technology education in rural areas of Scotland has been formed between the BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).

Focussed on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of science and technology talent, the sponsorship will also include the employment of a STEM officer to provide hands-on science-based activities for schools in more rural parts of the country.

BlueFloat Energy and Nadara are supporting SAMS’ core ocean literacy and STEM programmes and directly funding the new STEM post through the partnership’s Broadshore and Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm projects.

Delivered in parallel, the sponsorship will also broaden 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.

David Robertson, Portfolio Director at BlueFloat Energy | Nadara Partnership, 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.”

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.”

SAMS has been committed to ocean literacy in Scotland and further afield since its inception in 1884 and, as a partner of UHI, runs a highly rated BSc Marine Science and postgraduate studies. SAMS delivers outreach activities from its Ocean Explorer Centre and has an existing STEM post through the UHI STEM Outreach Programme.

The sponsorship is part of a much larger programme of skills engagement and sector attraction to inspire as many young people as possible to consider careers in STEM and highlight the range of opportunities available as we transition to renewable energy sources, like offshore wind.

SAMS is now seeking applications for the new STEM officer role. For more information, see: https://www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies/stem-officer-d2324am/