Industry partnership stands true through pandemic: 3M

3 July 2020

Global industry giant 3M has demonstrated its commitment to supporting STEM in Australia during COVID-19 by continuing to provide funding support to the Australian Academy of Science in partnership despite planned events and activities being cancelled.

3M began collaborating with the Academy in 2019 by supporting the inaugural Science at the Shine Dome Schools Program.

The Schools Program provided an opportunity for 10 secondary students and their teachers involved in the New South Wales’ Science Extension course to attend the Academy’s Science at the Shine Dome 2019 event. This unique experience inspired the participants to become even more interested in science and research and highlighted why science matters now and into the future.

Funded by 3M, the program had intended to continue in 2020 with the partnership planned to expand into Victoria, to incorporate more diverse opportunities, wider participation and the provision of STEM education resources.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Science at the Shine Dome 2020 was cancelled and the program could not occur. Despite this, 3M generously released the Academy from its partnership obligations.

Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive, Anna-Maria Arabia, said the support of industry during these unprecedented times is something to celebrate.

“3M has shown exceptional generosity and flexibility in allowing the Academy to retain the partnership support during the pandemic,” she said.

“On behalf of the entire Academy, thank you 3M for your unwavering support and intention to support the Academy in the future.”

3M Australia Managing Director, Chris LeBlanc, thanked the Academy for its tireless work and support.

“We are proud to be able to support the Academy with this flexibility in use of the grant and funding,” he said.

“I hope that this outcome will support your team while focusing on ramping up to better days on the other side of this COVID-19 pandemic.”

3M’s partnership support will contribute to the provision of independent, authoritative and trusted advice to the nation.

This includes work such as the recognition of exceptional scientists and research leaders; the formulation of scientific evidence to inform decisions; and the provision of education and communication resources.