Social Initiatives

We Promote the Most Valuable Resource: Knowledge

Bayer’s achievements as an inventor company with a long tradition are based on progress in science and research. We focus not only on our own research activities, however, but also on promoting and strengthening education and research in general. Through various initiatives, therefore, we systematically support the development of scientific talent and the training of young people.

~~School programs~~
In the context of the “Making Science Make Sense®” program, several thousand Bayer employees in the United States volunteer their time to visit schools and show children how exciting science can be. Similar programs have been introduced in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Colombia, Japan, India, Taiwan and Singapore. In Germany, Bayer for many years has supported a research competition for schoolchildren “Jugend forscht” (in German) and also gives school classes the opportunity to supplement their scientific instruction with work in specially established laboratories known as “BayLabs” of Bayer HealthCare (in German) and Bayer MaterialScience.

~~Bayer Foundations for the promotion of education and social activities~~
Established in 2007, the Bayer Science and Education Foundation pursues the primary goals of honoring outstanding research achievements, assisting talented young scientists and supporting important scholastic projects. The support projects focus on science and medicine. The also newly established Bayer Cares Foundation promotes social self-initiative and projects of particular social relevance.

~~Preparatory vocational training program~~
Bayer also supports young people with learning disadvantages. A special initiative gives young people who do not have sufficient qualifications to directly enter a vocational training program the opportunity to catch up on their qualifications and acquire vocationally relevant knowledge during a one-year preparatory course. Bayer has thus helped nearly 700 youngsters to qualify for a vocational training placement within the company over the past 17 years.

~~The "Global Exploration Fund" of Bayer and National Geographic~~
The "Global Exploration Fund" established in 2005 by Bayer and National Geographic Germany represents the synthesis of social responsibility and innovation. In 2006, the fund will support innovative research aimed at protecting global freshwater and potable water reserves.