Formula for success: Edinburgh Instruments partnership continues to champion education

The new agreement sees Edinburgh Instruments continue as an Official Community Partner, playing a pivotal role in backing and supporting the club’s innovative community programmes and initiatives.

At the heart of this renewed partnership is the ‘Tackle Science’ programme, a unique educational initiative designed by Edinburgh Instruments. This programme uses the power of rugby as a lens to make science engaging and accessible.

Through hands-on activities, participants get a real-world look at scientific principles. This includes collecting grass samples from the hallowed turf of the Scottish Gas Murrayfield international pitch, measuring the ingredients in hydration drinks, and even using a spectrometer for drug testing to analyse samples for anomalies.

The highly successful programme has already seen two classes of students benefit from the curriculum-connected experience, which is hosted at Hive Stadium and the wider estate, as well as Edinburgh Instruments’ state-of-the-art lab in Livingston. The new deal ensures that this bespoke educational programme will continue to grow and inspire more young minds for years to come.

As a community partner, Edinburgh Instruments will also continue to support the ‘Tickets to Inspire’ initiative. This programme, developed with the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), brings the magic of the 1872 Cup to local charities across Scotland.

By donating complimentary tickets to the highly anticipated derby clash between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in December, the initiative aims to uplift and inspire individuals from a wide range of causes, including those affected by homelessness, social housing issues and food inequality.

Beyond the community, Edinburgh Instruments’ commitment to the club is also on display through their player sponsorship of promising young stand-off and club academy graduate Cammy Scott for the 2025/26 season.

Their branding also features prominently on the Hive Stadium coaching box, giving them brilliant in-bowl exposure as Edinburgh competes in both the BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup.

With a 50-year history, Edinburgh Instruments has grown from a spin-out of the city’s Heriot-Watt University into a global leader in molecular spectroscopy. Their comprehensive product range, which includes Photoluminescence, Raman, and FTIR spectrometers, are all designed and manufactured in the UK.

Headquartered just outside Edinburgh, they have built a global reputation for quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer service and support.

On the renewed partnership, Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Edinburgh Instruments for another three seasons. It’s a huge boost for the club to have a thriving local business like Edinburgh Instruments continue their support.

“Their commitment to our community is particularly special, especially through their bespoke Tackle Science programme. This initiative is a brilliant example of how we can use the power of sport to engage with real students and bring science to life in a fun and tangible way.

“The continued support from our partners is a huge vote of confidence and allows us to build on our shared ambitions for the future. We’re excited to see this partnership continue to grow and make a real, lasting impact both on and off the pitch.”

Roger Fenske, Edinburgh Instruments CEO added: “Since becoming a sponsor in 2021, Edinburgh Instruments has seen its partnership with Edinburgh Rugby grow in reach, strength, and shared purpose. What began with a logo on the pitch-side boards has evolved into a collaboration that reflects our own values as a Scottish technology company including commitment, integrity and empowerment.

“We are proud not only to support the team but also to invest in our Tackling Science programme. We hope this will bring the excitement of science and innovation to schools and help inspire the next generation of scientists across Scotland. As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season, we do so with belief in our people, and the lasting impact that both rugby and science can have beyond the pitch.”