The Science Museum Group has ended its sponsorship relationship with BP, the organisation confirmed, bringing to a close a partnership that lasted more than a quarter of a century. The group said the BP contract had "drawn to a close at the end of the current contract term."
Long-running campaign and institutional concerns
The move follows sustained pressure from campaigners, academics, school groups and some scientists who have argued that relationships with large fossil-fuel companies risk compromising how museums present the climate crisis. The Science Museum Group Academy, which provides training and resources for teachers, museum professionals and scientists, was specifically mentioned in reports about the ending of the BP link.
Activists have targeted sponsorship by energy multinationals for years, citing concerns that funding can result in constraints on critical commentary and influence over exhibitions. Critics have pointed to contractual provisions signed with previous sponsors that included clauses limiting public criticism of those companies, an arrangement that proved controversial when it came to light.
"drawn to a close at the end of the current contract term."
Wider sponsorship changes and context
The decision to cut ties with BP comes against a backdrop of shifting corporate strategies in the energy sector. More than a year ago, BP, together with Shell and Equinor, announced a withdrawal of funding for some renewables activities and a renewed emphasis on oil and gas production. All three had been sponsors of the Science Museum Group.
Reports indicate the museum group has now ended links with BP, Shell and Equinor. However, it continues to accept support from other energy firms; the group is reported to still receive sponsorship from Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani conglomerate. That company has itself been the subject of allegations and scrutiny in other contexts, leading to further debate about who should underwrite public science resources.
Institutional response and the scientific community
Opponents of fossil-fuel sponsorship have long argued such funding can influence institutional choices, from exhibition content to educational programmes. The debate intensified in 2021 when a scientist who served on the museum’s advisory board resigned, citing concerns about the institution's industry ties. In the same year more than 40 senior academics and researchers signed an open letter making clear they would not work with the museum group until it adopted a moratorium on partnerships with fossil-fuel producers.
For now, the Science Museum Group has moved to end specific relationships with some energy companies while continuing to accept support from others. That mixed outcome will be read as progress by some critics and as insufficient by others aiming for a full withdrawal from fossil-fuel industry funding.
What this means for public science and museum funding
The change is likely to prompt renewed discussion about how public-facing science institutions should be funded. Museums commonly rely on a blend of public grants, philanthropic donations and corporate sponsorship to underwrite exhibitions, education programmes and outreach. Critics say donations from fossil-fuel businesses are incompatible with credible climate communication; defenders of corporate support argue that funds enable wider public access to science.
Observers will watch whether the Science Museum Group seeks alternative backers, tightens contractual safeguards against reputation clauses, or changes its fundraising policy. The decisions taken by leading national museums have a signalling effect for the sector and could influence the options available to other cultural and educational organisations.
- More than 25 years — duration of BP’s reported sponsorship of the Science Museum Group.
- 2021 — year in which a member of the museum’s advisory board resigned and more than 40 academics called for a moratorium on fossil-fuel partnerships.
- Current position — ties with BP, Shell and Equinor reportedly ended; sponsorship from Adani Green Energy reportedly continues.
| Company | Reported status with Science Museum Group |
|---|---|
| BP | Relationship ended at contract term |
| Shell | Previously a sponsor; links reportedly ended |
| Equinor | Previously a sponsor; links reportedly ended |
| Adani Green Energy | Reportedly continuing sponsor |
The Science Museum Group’s next steps will determine whether this marks a decisive break from fossil-fuel funding or a recalibration of sponsorship arrangements. For those concerned about institutional independence and climate communication, scrutiny will remain intense; for museums balancing public service with financial reality, the challenge of securing stable, ethical funding continues.
