London Science Museum ends decades-long partnership with BP

The London Science Museum Group has concluded its decades-long partnership with the oil and gas company BP, marking what has been described as a "seismic shift" for the institution. The Science Museum Group academy announced on Friday that the collaboration had "drawn to a close at the end of the current contract term."

Sir Ian Blatchford, director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group, stated that BP's "generous contributions" had helped inspire over 11,000 education, museum, and science professionals through research-informed science engagement training. This training supported efforts to spark curiosity and bring science to life for more than 1 million young people across the country.

BP's long-standing relationship with the museum had previously faced criticism from campaigners who accused the company of exerting an "insidious influence" over STEM education in the UK through its association with the museum. Activists have demonstrated against sponsorships from companies like BP, Adani, and Equinor.

In 2024, the museum severed ties with oil company Equinor, citing its insufficient progress in lowering carbon emissions to align with the Paris climate agreement's goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C.

Chris Garrard of the campaign group Culture Unstained characterized the decision as a "seismic shift" that followed years of campaigning and mounting pressure from educators and schools, some of which had threatened to boycott museum trips. Garrard commented that while BP's commitment to climate action was questionable, the museum has "finally come to its senses" and followed other cultural institutions in ending its association with BP.

However, Garrard also stated that this decision represents only a "partial victory," as the museum continues to accept funding from Adani Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, a major conglomerate involved in coal mining and energy.