Science Day: Inspiring the next generation of STEM talent

 What will the energy system of tomorrow look like, and who will help shape it? 

Those were some of the questions on the agenda when more than 40 students visited TotalEnergies in Copenhagen and Esbjerg for Science Day on 30 September. 

Science Day is a nationwide initiative that brings students closer to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by giving them an opportunity to experience how these disciplines are used in practice. 

At both locations, the students were introduced to the energy industry and some of the opportunities it offers. They also met colleagues from across TotalEnergies, who shared their personal career journeys and experiences as role models, giving the students a chance to ask questions and discover the many different paths that can lead to a career in energy. 

From there, the programmes took different directions. In Copenhagen, the sixth-grade students took part in a hands-on LEGO workshop, putting their teamwork and project management skills into practice. In Esbjerg, the ninth-grade students rotated through a three-part workshop focused on offshore operations and safety. They learned about first aid, took part in a cybersecurity exercise and visited the Tyra Control Room, offering a glimpse into the variety of skills and disciplines involved in the energy industry. 

For Christina Petersen, the students' curiosity was one of the highlights of the day: 

“What I will especially take with me from today is the students’ engagement and the many good questions. The energy solutions of tomorrow will need people who dare to be curious, ask questions, analyze and think differently. That is why initiatives like Science Day are so important. They give children and young people the opportunity to experience science beyond the classroom and see how it is applied in the real world, perhaps opening their eyes to a career path they had never considered before.” 
 
TotalEnergies partners with Science Day to give young people a concrete look at the opportunities within STEM and the energy sector, while introducing them to some of the many different people, skills and professions that make up our industry. 
 
Because while we may not know exactly what the energy system of tomorrow will look like, we do know that building it will require the curiosity, ideas and skills of a new generation. 
 
A big thank you to the students for joining us.