Press release
Corporate Press
May 21, 2015

Evonik creates new opportunities for young European chemists

Evonik and the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN) are ramping up their collaboration, signing a three-year cooperation agreement at the 10th Delegate Assembly in the Erwin Schrödinger Center at Berlin’s Humboldt University. This agreement is a groundbreaking innovation.

Among other things, the new cooperation agreement lays down guidelines for Evonik’s support and sponsorship of the EYCN, thereby creating a stable basis for implementing projects aimed at nurturing young European chemists. On the basis of this agreement, Evonik will also fund travel grants and internships for students of the Network. The EYCN brings together young chemists in Europe under the age of 35 within the framework of the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS). Currently, 24 youth organizations from 20 European countries are affiliated with the network.

Prof. Cole Hamilton, President of the EuCheMS, pointed out that the cooperation agreement between the EYCN and a company is setting a precedent: "Evonik and the EYCN are together entering unchartered territory. This will set an example for others and create good opportunities to promote knowledge, exchange of expertise, and experience. It is the first agreement of its kind, but hopefully not the last."

The cooperation agreement will give Evonik direct access to highly qualified interns from European member states including non-EU countries such as Russia and Israel. In addition, Evonik will be allowed to present itself to young European scientists as an employer in the EYCN’s media activities.

"This agreement demonstrates Evonik’s clear commitment to supporting young natural scientists in Europe," said Anne McCarthy, head of Employer Branding. "As a highly innovative international company, Evonik wishes to open up its own network of contacts to young scientists so that they can develop further and maximize their opportunities."

The collaboration with the European Young Chemists’ Network is an important element of Evonik’s employer branding strategy and underpins the specialty chemical company’s employer value proposition: “Exploring opportunities. Growing together.”

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2014 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €12.9 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €1.9 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.