Phoenix Energy has renewed its sponsorship of the 'Activate Your Curiosity' initiative for the 2026/27 academic year. This marks the third consecutive year the company has partnered with the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the flagship January event, an educational programme co-founded by world-renowned physicist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS.
Designed to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds, the 'Activate Your Curiosity' initiative engages secondary students through hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). By supporting this programme, Phoenix Energy is actively helping to bridge the gap between classroom education and local industry.
This partnership directly reflects Phoenix Energy’s core values, including investing in local communities, fostering long-term sustainability and actively nurturing the skills required for the future green economy. As Northern Ireland transitions towards cleaner energy solutions, we recognise that the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers is already developing in our schools and colleges.
Phoenix Energy’s Responsible Business Champion, Emma McConkey, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “This event provides Phoenix Energy with a fantastic opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of young people with an interest in STEM. As we look towards a future increasingly shaped by green skills and sustainable innovation, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need has never been more important.
“We are delighted to work alongside Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and our fellow sponsors to make this event possible and give young people the opportunity to explore the exciting careers available to them.”
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon said: “We are delighted to welcome Phoenix Energy as a sponsor of our successful Activate Your Curiosity initiative. The energy sector is at the forefront of innovation and offers an exciting range of career opportunities for the next generation.
“We want to give our young people the chance to discover where their curiosity could take them, and I’m sure they will be inspired by what they learn about this dynamic and forward-thinking industry.”
The initiative will take place in January 2027 at The Braid Civic Centre, Ballymena, packed with hands-on workshops that invite students to explore the world of STEAM through quirky, experimental, and fun-filled activities. The event will also feature a series of TED-style talks from leading industry experts, offering powerful insights and real-world perspectives on innovation, creativity, and the future of STEAM.
For more information on the 'Activate Your Curiosity' programme or to find out how local schools can participate, please visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
To find out more about Phoenix Energy’s Responsible Business Programme, please visit phoenixenergyni.com.
Pictured from l to r: Ursula O’Loughlin, Assistant Director of Growth & Major Projects at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Tom Gordon; Emma McConkey, Responsible Business Champion at Phoenix Energy; Matthew McBride, Labour Market Partnerships, Department for Communities.