Campaigners have levelled serious accusations against BP, alleging the fossil fuel giant has exerted an "insidious" influence over science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) teaching in the UK through its relationship with the Science Museum.
Contractual Control Revealed
Documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws detail the extent of BP's involvement in a research initiative that led to the creation of the Science Museum Group Academy. This teacher training programme, which BP sponsors, has run more than 500 courses for over 5,000 educators.
The contract for the 'Enterprising Science' research project explicitly stated that major decisions would not be valid unless BP's representative voted in favour. This clause has raised significant alarm among education and climate campaigners.
Growing Backlash from Educators and Unions
The controversy has ignited a substantial backlash. More than 400 teachers and scientists pledged to boycott the Science Museum in 2022, a movement that continues to gain momentum. The National Education Union (NEU) is now actively supporting this boycott.
Helen Tucker, the NEU's green representative, stated that educators are increasingly questioning their participation in an academy whose curriculum was developed with oversight from "the very people who are causing climate change." She emphasised the teaching profession's responsibility to resist the "greenwashing" of companies jeopardising children's futures.
Defences and Denials
The Science Museum has robustly dismissed the claims. A spokesperson asserted that while BP funded the initial research and sponsors the academy, it has "no involvement in the research or educational output." The museum maintains full editorial control over all training and resources.
In a statement, BP said the project, which led to the academy's creation in 2018, helps "inspire educators delivering engaging STEM experiences."
A Wider Crisis of Trust
This incident is not isolated. The Science Museum has faced repeated criticism over its ties to BP, particularly after the company abandoned its climate targets in 2023 to focus on increasing fossil fuel production.
Chris Garrard of the campaign group Culture Unstained drew a stark parallel: "We wouldn't allow tobacco companies to be involved in crafting approaches to education, so why should BP?" He suggested the industry is attempting to address a recruitment crisis by embedding itself in education, asking pointedly: "Whose side is the Science Museum really on?"
The institution now faces a coordinated campaign from climate groups, schools, and teachers' unions, challenging the role of fossil fuel funding in shaping the minds of the next generation.
