Sir David King, one of the UK’s leading scientific figures, has intervened in the row over fossil fuel sponsorship at the Science Museum, calling for the institution to end any deals with big oil corporations unless the companies meet strict environmental criteria. The UK’s former chief scientific adviser said fossil fuel companies should have to prove they were serious about winding down their oil and gas operations before being awarded high-profile deals with prestigious scientific institutions. “You need to lay down your conditions before giving credit to them in the Science Museum,” King said. “One of those conditions should be a commitment to no further investment in oil discovery and no further investment in [oil and gas] infrastructure – that is a relatively simple thing and would have a very significant impact.” King’s comments will add pressure to the Science Museum, which has faced several resignations and growing protests over its relationship with Shell and a recently announced deal with the renewables company Adani Green Energy, part of the Adani Group, which has major holdings in coal. Last month the Guardian revealed how two scientists had refused to allow their work to be featured by the museum, with dozens more coming out in support a few days later. Earlier this month indigenous leaders on the frontline of the climate crisis called on the museum to cancel its deal with Adani Green Energy because of the destructive impact of coal exploration being carried out by Adani Group. King’s intervention came as the row between scientists boycotting the museum and senior management intensified. On Wednesday the group of academics and public figures backing the boycott wrote to the museum criticising its response to their concerns and reiterating their demands. The letter concluded: “We hope you are now willing to engage with your critics in a genuine and meaningful way; not just scientists but the Indigenous communities and young people who have raised deeply held concerns and been brushed off.” King said he would not personally join the boycott of the museum as the institution was “too important in our research and outreach agenda in the UK”. But he said that although boycotts and divestment campaigns were often a “blunt tool” they did serve an important function in the fight against climate breakdown. “If this sort of action puts pressure on them to change then I think it is worthwhile … the bottom line is the attention being paid to oil and gas companies is absolutely right and I do support the move to divest from oil and gas companies.” A spokesperson for the Science Museum defended its stance, saying it reached “millions with the sponsorship it receives”. They said engaging people with humanity’s greatest challenge – the fight against devastating climate change – was a major priority, adding: “Energy companies involved with fossil fuels are causing climate change but they also have the skills, money and geographical reach to be a big part of some of the solutions. “Where a company is showing a willingness to change, our trustees believe it is valid to continue to engage, while urging these companies to show more leadership in accelerating the shift to renewables instead of fossil fuels.” Sir Ian Blatchford, the chief executive of the Science Museum, had previously said: “Adani Green Energy already has one of the world’s largest renewable portfolios and plans to invest $20bn in clean energy over the next 10 years.” But King said that by continuing to associate with fossil fuel companies on the present terms, the Science Museum risked giving credibility to their extraction plans which – as they stand – would drive up emissions with devastating consequences for the climate. “We have to wake up these companies, who have lots of expertise, to where the real opportunities of the future are and, if these campaigns help do that, I do support them.”