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Aussie uni protests oil & gas company branded sponsorship of childrens' science event

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By Danielle Long, Acting APAC Editor

September 16, 2022 | 4 min read

One of Australia’s leading universities has dropped the branding of an oil and gas production company from a children's science event after complaints.

Santos

Santos sponsorship of a children's science event has come under fire

APAC oil and gas company Santos is the naming right sponsor of a children’s science event, The Santos Science Experience, which is run in universities and tertiary institutions across the country.

However, Macquarie University has dropped the brand from its event after complaints from senior Australian climate scientist Professor Lesley Hughes, who argued a fossil fuel-producing company was an inappropriate sponsor for the event.

According to reports in The Guardian, Hughes said, “We wouldn’t enter into a year 10 science experience program sponsored by Benson & Hedges. I don’t think that should happen for an oil and gas company either.”

Hughes stated her concerns that the university should not be working with a company that is expanding fossil fuel production.

“I also don’t think [Santos] should be sponsoring a science program when the science is clear that we can’t have any more oil and gas exploration if we want to get to net zero.

“The paradox here is that they are hosting a high school science program when the science is so clear and it is those kids’ future that is at stake.”

The Santos Science Experience is promoted as a program of science activities for students in Years 9 and 10, which offers a chance to “engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work.”

Macquarie University has been officially removed from the event program. However, it will continue hosting the scheduled student events but has dropped all Santos branding.

It’s the latest company to take a stand against the brand. Earlier this year, Tennis Australia dropped Santos as a major partner following a huge backlash. The contract termination came one year into a multi-year sponsorship deal, which saw the company appointed the Official Natural Gas Partner for the Australian Open and ATP Cup.

Santos is the official major partner of Australia’s national rugby union team, The Wallabies, it also sponsors a host of sporting events, including the road cycling Santos Tour Down Under and the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup.

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