The sponsorship is focused on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of science and technology talent and will include the employment of a 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 programs—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 program.
SAMS Director Prof Nicholas Owens said: “Science and technology are 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 BlueFloat Energy | 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.”
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 Program.
BlueFloat Energy and Nadara came together ahead of the ScotWind leasing program delivered by Crown Estate Scotland in 2022 and were successful in securing seabed leases for two floating wind sites off the east and northeast coast of Scotland. Broadshore, north of Fraserburgh, and Bellrock, east of Aberdeen, seek to combine innovative technology with a plan to attract and grow a skilled workforce and stimulate a thriving local supply chain. Together, these wind farms could generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent electricity needs of over 2 million homes.
The partnership also holds the majority stake in a consortium with Ørsted to develop the Stromar project east of Caithness.
This sponsorship is part of a much larger program 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/
