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Urenco and Chester Zoo launch £240,000 programme to inspire next generation of scientists
02 November 2026 Global Urenco UKLaunching in 2027, the three-year Green Horizons Programme will work with 60 schools across the north west, aiming to reach 9,000 young people by 2030. It will give 11–13-year-olds hands-on experience of science and introduce them to careers they may not have previously considered.
The programme aims to make STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities more accessible to young people who face barriers to these careers. At least 25% of participants will be eligible for free school meals.
Our funding will enable Chester Zoo’s education team to visit schools to deliver lessons and help teachers build their confidence in teaching STEM subjects. Educational workshops will focus on climate action, biodiversity, conservation and sustainable science careers, including roles in nuclear.
Andrew Cottrell, Managing Director of Urenco UK Operations, Capenhurst, said:
"Urenco is committed to encouraging young people to explore STEM careers and I am delighted to be continuing our partnership with Chester Zoo through the Green Horizons Programme.
“The programme will offer hands on, practical science around climate change, biodiversity and blue and green careers to local 11-13 year-olds at a time when they are thinking about their futures.
"With the project reaching at least 3,000 young people every year, we have a real opportunity to increase interest in STEM-based careers and inspire the next generation of scientists, including nuclear scientists."
Sean Dick, Senior Conservation Education Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “We want to reach young people before they start making decisions about their future, and show them that careers in conservation, sustainability and the environment are open to them.
“It’s particularly important to reach those who might not otherwise see themselves represented in STEM industries, and help them discover opportunities they may never have considered.
“Without ongoing partnerships like the one we have forged with Urenco, projects like this would not be possible.”
This partnership has been ongoing for a number of years and has already seen Urenco successfully fund the new public endocrinology lab experience at Chester Zoo’s Heart of Africa exhibit, as well as part funding the International Centre for Zoo Science.
Find out more in our Social Impact Programme case study:
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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