Aberdeen Science Centre has renewed its sponsorship agreement with Apache Corporation, allowing it to continue inspiring the scientists, engineers and innovators of the future.
Investment from the oil and natural gas exploration and production company will go towards the centre’s lab area, a fully equipped laboratory and classroom space for school pupils, community groups and visitors to learn more about science and try out hands-on experiments.
The continued agreement underscores Apache’s commitment to supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education, and allowed Aberdeen Science Centre to welcome more than 2,400 school pupils through The Lab’s doors in 2024.
Steph McCann, head of fundraising at Aberdeen Science Centre, welcomed the ongoing support from Apache and highlighted how important industry partnerships are for continued success as a STEM charity.
She said: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Apache, through which we can continue delivering STEM workshops, lessons and events from our laboratory area. The Lab is a popular and well-used resource in our centre, and thanks to Apache’s generous support we were able to host more than 100 classes from schools across the North-east of Scotland and Moray in 2024, for a variety of science activities, experiments and demonstrations.
“As a registered charity, corporate partnerships and sponsorship are invaluable in allowing us to continue developing impactful science engagements for people of all ages, not only within our centre, but in schools and local communities.”
Apache’s 2024 sponsorship allowed children to explore fun scientific topics in the specially equipped laboratory, including making and testing electronic circuits, analysing evidence from ‘crime scenes’ to solve mysteries, exploring the inner workings of floating offshore wind turbines and discovering more about the water cycle.
Pupils also got to craft exploding volcanoes, with around 150 erupting models being made in The Lab, in addition to the area hosting almost 100 birthday parties for more than 1,300 children who were able to explore STEM subjects while celebrating with their friends.
Pauline Fraser, senior corporate communications, UK & Egypt, at Apache Corporation, said: “As the energy industry in the U.K. continues to evolve in the coming years, it is more important than ever to ensure the North-east continues to encourage and develop the skilled workforce of the future.
“The Lab at the Aberdeen Science Centre is a superb space that drives the importance of STEM subjects to children of all ages.”
Through invaluable sponsorships, Aberdeen Science Centre will continue delivering engaging activities for the North-east of Scotland and help to safeguard the legacy of Scotland’s oldest science centre.
In addition to corporate sponsorship opportunities, the VisitScotland 5-star rated visitor attraction, which is open seven days a week, also offers exclusive venue and room hire for corporate, social, and private events.
To book a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre or find out more about corporate support, visit https://aberdeensciencecentre.org/