Opened in January 2007, Baylab, a dedicated laboratory for students to better understand the world of chemistry and Bayer, has welcomed more than 5,000 students and some teachers through its doors.

The project gives students from 14 years of age and upwards, the opportunity to gain an insight into, and understanding of, the corporate world of a one of the world’s most innovative science-based companies.

Baylab is believed to be unique and provides a real working environment for schools, trainees, special youth groups, teachers-in-training and teachers who appreciate ongoing hands-on experience as part of their advanced on-the-job training.

But students from technical universities and academic universities, college seniors and Ph.D. candidates, as well as groups of Bayer employees, also take advantage of this program as part of their advanced education and teambuilding training.

“When I joined Bayer MaterialScience in 2007, I was amazed at the commitment of Bayer to education,” says Bayer MaterialScience Chairman and CEO, Patrick Thomas, who also sits on the Advisory Board of the EIIL.

“I am delighted that the Baylab concept has taken off in the way it has done and I personally get a lot of satisfaction to see students being given the chance to see first hand how science and chemistry contribute to solving an issue that really worries them: the environment

“By seeing what we can do to reduce energy consumption or create lighter and safer vehicles, among other innovations, they can really get hooked on science as a career.  I am convinced that our commitment will lead to the development of more chemists and scientists in the future,” concludes Thomas.

More information about the school programs and student scholarships of the Bayer Science & Education Foundation can be found on the Internet at www.bayer-stiftungen.de.