BP Russia launches five year investment in technology, education and cultural programmes

BP announced today the launch of a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme in Russia, one of the biggest of its kind undertaken by a foreign company. The five year (2011-2105) $50 million programme in a range of technology, education and culture projects is designed to bolster research and skills in the energy sector.

This new investment will enable BP to build on the successful five year programme it started in 2004 in partnership with three leading Russian universities, and which has since been extended to include ten additional educational and research centres across Moscow and St. Petersburg.

David Peattie, Head of BP Russia, said: “Today's announcement is another example of BP's commitment to Russia. BP intends to be a part of Russia's energy future, through our investment in TNK-BP as well as our partnerships with Russia's leading universities and research institutes to further the development of Russia's human capital and technical capabilities.”

The education aspect of the programme focuses on supporting eminent professors in energy studies at leading Russian universities, as well as talented students interested in pursuing energy and economy related studies (such as geology, chemistry/petrochemistry, physics, project management and environmental studies). As part of the initiative, BP will provide scholarships to BA, MA, and PhD students, annual teaching grants of up to $100,000 to Russian professors, and research grants for young scientists. BP will also contribute to building links between Russian and other leading universities around the world with which BP has strong existing relationships, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Oxford University.

Endorsements by leading Russian figures in technology, education and culture

Sergey Guriev, dean of the New Economic School, said: “BP has been supporting higher education in Russia for a long time, and we are pleased and excited to be a part of its corporate social responsibility programme. I strongly believe that providing scholarships to the best students, as well as Russian professors who would like to return and work in Russia, is a great contribution to the development of Russia’s economy and society.”

Andrei Volkov, dean of the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, said: “Investments in educational projects by corporations such as BP contribute positively to the country’s future. The integration of business expertise into the educational process allows us to create learning products which correspond to current challenges, provide students and young scientists with access to cutting edge technologies, and develop a better understanding of modern business realities. All this would have been impossible without the active participation of companies like BP in supporting general and specialised education in Russia.”

Through the cultural part of the programme, BP will continue to support the arts and culture in Russia. This includes deepening BP’s commitment to its long term partnership with the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, joining the Board of Trustees of the Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, cooperation with the Tretyakov Gallery and becoming the largest corporate sponsor of the Moscow Conservatory.

Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, said: “This is a substantial investment by BP in the implementation of joint projects with the Mariinsky Theatre. I am grateful to BP for the warm friendship we have enjoyed for such a long period of time. Moreover, we have big plans for the future. For instance, this year BP has pledged its support for Mariinsky Company to tour the UK, which will give British music lovers a unique opportunity to experience the very best of Russian opera, ballet and classical music.

Starting in 2011, BP will also be supporting programmes run by the Podari Zhizn and Vo Blago charity funds, which help children suffering from serious diseases.

Further information

Contacts

BP press office, Moscow, +7 (495) 363-6262

Notes to editors

BP is one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies serving customers every day in more than 90 countries across six continents. BP’s activities are Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Alternative Energy, its low-carbon energy business. BP is one of the biggest foreign investors in Russia. The company has been operating in Russia since 1990 with activities in oil and gas exploration, refining, lubricants, marine products and trading operations. BP has a 50% interest in TNK-BP (a large Russian integrated oil and gas company).

Among BP partner universities and research centers are the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO, St Petersburg Mining Institute, Gubkin University of Oil and Gas, St Petersburg Polytechnic University, St Petersburg Marine Technical University, Russian School of Economics, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), European University at St Petersburg and Moscow State Institute of International Relations.