Tuesday, July 14, 2009
THE ICIS RECRUITMENT BLOG HAS MOVED
The ICIS Chemical Business Recruitment Campaign blog has moved here.
Hemlock donates $2m for ChE lab
Dow Corning's solar joint venture firm Hemlock Semiconductor donated $2 million to purchase lab equipment for a new Chemical Engineering Technology building at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in Clarksville, TN.The money will be utilized to design, engineer and purchase the equipment for the “hands-on” lab stations where students will have the opportunity to run several chemical processes such as distillation, pump and tank operations, filtration and instrumentation.
I know for a fact how important these hands-on lab processing equipments remembering my school's wonderful (although a little outdated at that time) pilot processing lab.
The new laboratory will probably churn out eager Chemical Engineers just in time for Hemlock's planned polysilicon manufacturing facility in Clarksville, which will start in late 2012.
Biotech curriculum funding from Cargill
US agribusiness major Cargill said it has donated $10,000 to Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences to expand the school's biotechnology curriculum.
Cargill’s donation comes on the heels of the company opening a new, biobased polyols manufacturing plant on Chicago’s South side. The Torrence Avenue plant, which began production in Sept. 2008, makes Cargill’s soybean-based BiOH® brand polyols used in polyurethane products such as flexible foam cushioning for furniture, bedding, and automotive products.
The donation will also go toward two college scholarships for seniors who are planning to attend four-year schools and major in agricultural studies, said Cargill.
“Prior to receiving this generous donation from Cargill, we had limited resources and equipment to advance our biotechnology courses,” said Lucille Shaw, master teacher and FFA advisor at the school. “This goes a long way toward helping us equip our lab and support our students.”
Cargill’s donation comes on the heels of the company opening a new, biobased polyols manufacturing plant on Chicago’s South side. The Torrence Avenue plant, which began production in Sept. 2008, makes Cargill’s soybean-based BiOH® brand polyols used in polyurethane products such as flexible foam cushioning for furniture, bedding, and automotive products.
The donation will also go toward two college scholarships for seniors who are planning to attend four-year schools and major in agricultural studies, said Cargill.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Record numbers of students apply for UK chemical engineering courses!
Great news for the UK and Europe's chemical industry. According to the country's Institute of Chemical Engineers, 10,068 applications have been received for university places, 18% up on 2008.
It seems like the UK has been something of a success story in recent years. Between 2001 and 2008 the number of chemical engineering students has doubled, bucking earlier downward trends.
During our campaign we'll aim to highlight the good practice which has given these results.
According to the press release, IChemE Chief Executive, David Brown welcomed a record number of applications to study chemical engineering at UK universities and urged Government not to cap student places.
Please reply to this post if you are a student or have any experience of UK chemical engineering training.
It seems like the UK has been something of a success story in recent years. Between 2001 and 2008 the number of chemical engineering students has doubled, bucking earlier downward trends.
During our campaign we'll aim to highlight the good practice which has given these results.
According to the press release, IChemE Chief Executive, David Brown welcomed a record number of applications to study chemical engineering at UK universities and urged Government not to cap student places.
Please reply to this post if you are a student or have any experience of UK chemical engineering training.
Study: economy is floundering but it's still a good time to start a science career
How much does the public really know about science? Do you think you know more about science than the average American? Why not try this short multiple choice science quiz and compare your scores with 1,005 others who dared to take the test?
The quiz was posed by the Pew Research Center to coincide with the launch of its new study of science and its impact on society.
The research, carried out with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, found that despite the bad economy, 67% of scientists say it is either a very good time (17%) or a good time (50%) to begin a career in their scientific field. They are also pretty upbeat about state of their profession: three-quarters (76%) say this is generally a good time for science and nearly as many (73%) say it is good time for their scientific specialty.
The quiz allows you to compare your science IQ with the average scores of men and women; with college graduates as well as those who didn't attend college; with people who are your age as well as with younger and older Americans.
To read the full study, click here.
The quiz was posed by the Pew Research Center to coincide with the launch of its new study of science and its impact on society.
The research, carried out with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, found that despite the bad economy, 67% of scientists say it is either a very good time (17%) or a good time (50%) to begin a career in their scientific field. They are also pretty upbeat about state of their profession: three-quarters (76%) say this is generally a good time for science and nearly as many (73%) say it is good time for their scientific specialty.
The quiz allows you to compare your science IQ with the average scores of men and women; with college graduates as well as those who didn't attend college; with people who are your age as well as with younger and older Americans.
To read the full study, click here.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
IChemE 2009 award
The IChemE is offering a prize of $10,000 to the entrant who best demonstrates chemical engineering innovation and excellence that supports people living on less than $2 a day.
The Dhirubhai Ambani Award is sponsored by India's Reliance Industries and the $10,000 sum will be donated to support and extend the winning
project.
Last year's winner was a partnership between India's Bengal Engineering and Science University and Lehigh University in the US who developed an arsenic-filtering water treatment system.
Closing date for entries is 31 July.
Go to link for more information.
The Dhirubhai Ambani Award is sponsored by India's Reliance Industries and the $10,000 sum will be donated to support and extend the winning
project.Last year's winner was a partnership between India's Bengal Engineering and Science University and Lehigh University in the US who developed an arsenic-filtering water treatment system.
Closing date for entries is 31 July.
Go to link for more information.
US undergrads get summer work in Delaware
Nearly 50 undergraduates are spending the summer at the University of Delaware's Center for Composite Materials (CCM).
Previous summer programs have typically had 30-35 students, but more funding this year has enabled the university to increase offers.
Some students have managed to turn their research project at CCM into a senior thesis for their degree.
Click on the link to ready the article.
Previous summer programs have typically had 30-35 students, but more funding this year has enabled the university to increase offers.
Some students have managed to turn their research project at CCM into a senior thesis for their degree.
Click on the link to ready the article.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Scotland launches National Skills Academy for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
The National Skills Academy (NSA) has announced that Scotland is to get its own NSA for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Scottish training organisations in the industry will be able to apply for accreditation from the NSA for the first time. The NSA for the process industries, which also includes polymer companies as well as any oil and gas firms that do not work offshore, is in talks with the Scottish Enterprise in an attempt to secure funding for the scheme.
There are seven academy hubs in England and Wales, funded over the past two years by a £4.5m government grant from Westminster. A Scottish hub would likely be based in Stirling.
The Scottish academy is being backed by Tom Crotty, CEO INEOS Olefins and Polymers, based at Grangemouth.
“Employers will benefit from using industry-specific training providers who understand what we want and how we want it delivered, and all to a new gold standard developed by the academy and Cogent Sector Skills Council,” says Crotty.
For more on this, click this link.
Click here for more on INEOS.
Scottish training organisations in the industry will be able to apply for accreditation from the NSA for the first time. The NSA for the process industries, which also includes polymer companies as well as any oil and gas firms that do not work offshore, is in talks with the Scottish Enterprise in an attempt to secure funding for the scheme.
There are seven academy hubs in England and Wales, funded over the past two years by a £4.5m government grant from Westminster. A Scottish hub would likely be based in Stirling.
The Scottish academy is being backed by Tom Crotty, CEO INEOS Olefins and Polymers, based at Grangemouth.
“Employers will benefit from using industry-specific training providers who understand what we want and how we want it delivered, and all to a new gold standard developed by the academy and Cogent Sector Skills Council,” says Crotty.
For more on this, click this link.
Click here for more on INEOS.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
West Virginia, US, seeks chemical workers
The Kanawha Valley chemical industry is looking for up to 200 workers to fill high-paying jobs.
They're introducing a one-year training program for those interested. After completing training, you'll be eligible for positions starting at $45,000 per year.
If you're interested, just click the link for more information.
They're introducing a one-year training program for those interested. After completing training, you'll be eligible for positions starting at $45,000 per year.
If you're interested, just click the link for more information.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Initiatives in allied industries
It's interesting to see what sort of activities are being promoted by other global industries to encourage their younger staff.
The Swiss Institute of Feed Technology has been running a special course to give graduates vocational skills relevant to a career in this sector. They undertook a seven-month preparatory correspondence course and a subsequent seven-week intensive training course in Uzwil, Switzerland. The students dealt with 21 subjects and had to pass no fewer than 12 intermediate tests.
This entitles them to the much sought-after diploma qualifying them as Feed Production Engineer.
It was truly global, with entrants from from South Africa, Spain, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. And also for the first time ever, Namibia and Trinidad/Tobago.
picture credit All About Feed
The Swiss Institute of Feed Technology has been running a special course to give graduates vocational skills relevant to a career in this sector. They undertook a seven-month preparatory correspondence course and a subsequent seven-week intensive training course in Uzwil, Switzerland. The students dealt with 21 subjects and had to pass no fewer than 12 intermediate tests.
This entitles them to the much sought-after diploma qualifying them as Feed Production Engineer.
It was truly global, with entrants from from South Africa, Spain, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. And also for the first time ever, Namibia and Trinidad/Tobago.
picture credit All About Feed
Friday, July 03, 2009
This is like Google for students!
By Lara McNamee
During my day to day searching for information for ICIS company intelligence and chemical intelligence I stumbled upon this student focused US website Go Get Papers and found that it has a vast collection of papers, questions and videos under a range of different subjects.
If you're interested in becoming a chemical engineer then this link may be of interest to you.
During my day to day searching for information for ICIS company intelligence and chemical intelligence I stumbled upon this student focused US website Go Get Papers and found that it has a vast collection of papers, questions and videos under a range of different subjects.
If you're interested in becoming a chemical engineer then this link may be of interest to you.
Henkel helps students meet Nobel Prize winners
It's not every day you get to rub shoulders with Nobel Prize Winners but 60 lucky chemistry students have been doing just that for the past week.
Germany's Henkel helped to take the young scientists to Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance for the annual Nobel Prize-Winner Conference that was first held in 1951. They were among some 580 students from 67 countries who had convened to discuss sustainable chemistry during the week-long meeting from June 28 to July 3.
While there, Henkel also invited them to an exclusive dinner where they could talk to two of the Nobel Prize winners and members of the company's senior management. The applicants - some of the most promising scientific talents - were put forward by their universities and research institutions.
“Forging personal contacts with committed students is of great importance for us. The dinner provided a good opportunity to get to know a range of young yet already highly qualified scientists from around the world,” said Jessica Thiel, global head of talent, leadership and learning.
Germany's Henkel helped to take the young scientists to Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance for the annual Nobel Prize-Winner Conference that was first held in 1951. They were among some 580 students from 67 countries who had convened to discuss sustainable chemistry during the week-long meeting from June 28 to July 3.
While there, Henkel also invited them to an exclusive dinner where they could talk to two of the Nobel Prize winners and members of the company's senior management. The applicants - some of the most promising scientific talents - were put forward by their universities and research institutions.
“Forging personal contacts with committed students is of great importance for us. The dinner provided a good opportunity to get to know a range of young yet already highly qualified scientists from around the world,” said Jessica Thiel, global head of talent, leadership and learning.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Singapore Gets It Right on Education
By John Richardson
Are you ever glad you are more towards the end rather than the beginning of your career – and just because the rose garden or the golf course are beckoning?
This has certainly been the case for me in working with (and I genuinely mean with – not just the false man management-speak meaning of the word) undergraduates from the National University of Singapore’s Chemical Engineering Department.
ICIS training has employed interns from the NUS for the last three years.
I have been impressed (and also mightily relieved that I won’t be competing with them for jobs!) at the students’ ability to think outside the box on all the big issues from the economy to environmental challenges. It almost goes without saying, given the quality of science-based education in Singapore, that they also possess excellent chemicals engineering knowledge.
This is the result of a coordinated government policy aimed at supporting the Singapore chemical industry’s need for a constant stream of new talent.
The NUS runs its degree course in chemical engineering with Temasek Polytechnic offering a diploma.
And on Jurong Island, where Singapore’s chemicals production hub is located, the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences carries out process and application research.
When you talk to undergraduates you realise that apart from being scientifically literate (not a particularly widespread aptitude back in my home country of the UK) they are, as I said, aware of the environmental issues.
They want to make a contribution to finding solutions to this problem, rather than ignorantly condemning an industry which is essential to our modern-day way of life.
It’s also worth mentioning the work of the Economic Development Board in upgrading the skills of industry employees as part of efforts to keep people working in chemicals during the current downturn.
Details about Singapore’s success in training chemicals engineering – and keeping them in the industry – will be provided over the next few weeks.
Are you ever glad you are more towards the end rather than the beginning of your career – and just because the rose garden or the golf course are beckoning?
This has certainly been the case for me in working with (and I genuinely mean with – not just the false man management-speak meaning of the word) undergraduates from the National University of Singapore’s Chemical Engineering Department.
ICIS training has employed interns from the NUS for the last three years.
I have been impressed (and also mightily relieved that I won’t be competing with them for jobs!) at the students’ ability to think outside the box on all the big issues from the economy to environmental challenges. It almost goes without saying, given the quality of science-based education in Singapore, that they also possess excellent chemicals engineering knowledge.
This is the result of a coordinated government policy aimed at supporting the Singapore chemical industry’s need for a constant stream of new talent.
The NUS runs its degree course in chemical engineering with Temasek Polytechnic offering a diploma.
And on Jurong Island, where Singapore’s chemicals production hub is located, the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences carries out process and application research.
When you talk to undergraduates you realise that apart from being scientifically literate (not a particularly widespread aptitude back in my home country of the UK) they are, as I said, aware of the environmental issues.
They want to make a contribution to finding solutions to this problem, rather than ignorantly condemning an industry which is essential to our modern-day way of life.
It’s also worth mentioning the work of the Economic Development Board in upgrading the skills of industry employees as part of efforts to keep people working in chemicals during the current downturn.
Details about Singapore’s success in training chemicals engineering – and keeping them in the industry – will be provided over the next few weeks.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
BASF offers support and experience
By Lara McNamee
German major BASF is really making a firm commitment to students by offering the chance to complement their studies with practical experience within the company and the possibility of employment at the end.
If you have considered writing your bachelor, diploma or master thesis at BASF, then it states on the company website that it will not only provide you with advice and support all through your research project, but will also support you whichever career you chose to embark on within the company.
But BASF doesn’t stop there! The company also offers students the chance of getting a job in their vacation period.
Whether you want to work in R&D, engineering and production or in a business and corporate function, BASF says that there is a place for you: a "career-building experience" and a great "learning tool from people already in the trade".
If this is the kind of opportunity you are looking for, then BASF check out this link.
Has anyone ever got a job via this route? If so then please let us know...
German major BASF is really making a firm commitment to students by offering the chance to complement their studies with practical experience within the company and the possibility of employment at the end.
If you have considered writing your bachelor, diploma or master thesis at BASF, then it states on the company website that it will not only provide you with advice and support all through your research project, but will also support you whichever career you chose to embark on within the company.
But BASF doesn’t stop there! The company also offers students the chance of getting a job in their vacation period.
Whether you want to work in R&D, engineering and production or in a business and corporate function, BASF says that there is a place for you: a "career-building experience" and a great "learning tool from people already in the trade".
If this is the kind of opportunity you are looking for, then BASF check out this link.
Has anyone ever got a job via this route? If so then please let us know...
Deadline looms for Bayer scholarships
The clock is ticking for students wishing to apply for the Bayer Fellowship Program... applications for the scheme should be submitted before 31 July.
According to the German producer's website, the program is aimed at those studying biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and biological process engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, pharmaceutics and physics.
"The Bayer Fellowship Program enables young people with scientific ambitions to realize individual projects and study plans both within and outside of Germany through the granting of scholarships."
The Board of Trustees of the Bayer Science and Education Foundation previously awarded scholarships totaling €142,000 to 21 students.
Applicants should have good final school marks as well as a particularly good intermediate diploma or an above-average bachelor’s exam.
To download the application form, visit here or to read the rules and conditions, click here.
According to the German producer's website, the program is aimed at those studying biology, biochemistry, biotechnology and biological process engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, pharmaceutics and physics.
"The Bayer Fellowship Program enables young people with scientific ambitions to realize individual projects and study plans both within and outside of Germany through the granting of scholarships."
The Board of Trustees of the Bayer Science and Education Foundation previously awarded scholarships totaling €142,000 to 21 students.
Applicants should have good final school marks as well as a particularly good intermediate diploma or an above-average bachelor’s exam.
To download the application form, visit here or to read the rules and conditions, click here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
ExxonMobil behind $300,000 science grant
By Lara McNamee
Petrochemical giant ExxonMobil has awarded a grant of $300,000 (€213,000) to SECME, an Atlanta-based non-profit alliance of universities, schools, industrial and governmental organisations in the US. The money will help to promote education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for young minority students.
“ExxonMobil believes it is critical to America’s future competitiveness to encourage US students, in particular young women and under-represented minority groups, to pursue careers in science, technology, education and math,” says Truman Bell, senior programme officer for education and diversity at ExxonMobil.
In the past decade, ExxonMobil has pledged more than $2.5m to SECME to support its educational programmes.
SECME's key strategy is to provide teacher training that helps to enhance student interest with the support of 37 member university engineering schools. These include universities such as Georgia Tech, Tuskegee University, Howard University and the University of Houston in the US.
In surveys of graduating high school seniors who had participated in SECME, more than 90% said they planned to join a college and 50% said they will major in STEM related fields.
The SECME scheme really does sounds like a great solution for increasing the already flagging STEM numbers for the years ahead.
But what do you think? Is this scheme as good as it sounds? Do you know of any other similar schemes around the globe? Let us know…
Petrochemical giant ExxonMobil has awarded a grant of $300,000 (€213,000) to SECME, an Atlanta-based non-profit alliance of universities, schools, industrial and governmental organisations in the US. The money will help to promote education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for young minority students.
“ExxonMobil believes it is critical to America’s future competitiveness to encourage US students, in particular young women and under-represented minority groups, to pursue careers in science, technology, education and math,” says Truman Bell, senior programme officer for education and diversity at ExxonMobil.
In the past decade, ExxonMobil has pledged more than $2.5m to SECME to support its educational programmes.
SECME's key strategy is to provide teacher training that helps to enhance student interest with the support of 37 member university engineering schools. These include universities such as Georgia Tech, Tuskegee University, Howard University and the University of Houston in the US.
In surveys of graduating high school seniors who had participated in SECME, more than 90% said they planned to join a college and 50% said they will major in STEM related fields.
The SECME scheme really does sounds like a great solution for increasing the already flagging STEM numbers for the years ahead.
But what do you think? Is this scheme as good as it sounds? Do you know of any other similar schemes around the globe? Let us know…
Monday, June 29, 2009
Chemical firms search for qualified workers
By Lara McNamee
A report in the Metro News, West Virginia, US has led me to check out the chemical process operator-training program that has been created by a consortium of chemical companies, known as the Chemical Alliance Zone.
It is offered in partnership between the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Chemical Industry Committee and a number of community and technical colleges.
The aim is to find a number of new workers in Kanawha Valley, West Virginia, to replace the high number of workers that are currently retiring or due for retirement. The program highlights that jobs are widely available for qualified applicants and offers a "lucrative salary and benefit packages" with major employers within the region's chemical industry.
In addition, the site offers access to the West Virginia Manufacturers Association’s job database. Local industry supporters of the scheme include Dow, DuPont, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience amongst others.
Open days in 2009 are planned for 30 June, 30 July and 11 August.
A report in the Metro News, West Virginia, US has led me to check out the chemical process operator-training program that has been created by a consortium of chemical companies, known as the Chemical Alliance Zone.
It is offered in partnership between the West Virginia Manufacturers Association Chemical Industry Committee and a number of community and technical colleges.
The aim is to find a number of new workers in Kanawha Valley, West Virginia, to replace the high number of workers that are currently retiring or due for retirement. The program highlights that jobs are widely available for qualified applicants and offers a "lucrative salary and benefit packages" with major employers within the region's chemical industry.
In addition, the site offers access to the West Virginia Manufacturers Association’s job database. Local industry supporters of the scheme include Dow, DuPont, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience amongst others.
Open days in 2009 are planned for 30 June, 30 July and 11 August.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lanxess launch education initiatives in China
A lot of chemical companies announcing education partnership the past few days.
This one is from German rubber company Lanxess who launched an education initiative in collaboration with the Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST) in Qingdao, China.
Last May, graduate students from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at QUST attended a five-day advanced study program conducted by LANXESS’s Technical Rubber Products business unit. The students worked through some of the most complex technical and scientific problems in polymer physics and rubber chemistry.
At the end of program a final examination was held to select the winner of the LANXESS Rubber Student Award, which was introduced in the initiative to recognize outstanding students in polymer and rubber science.
Ms. Wang Shuang Shuang, a postgraduate student from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at QUST, became the first recipient of the award and will benefit from one month of technical training at LANXESS’s headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.
That's good to put in a resume!
This one is from German rubber company Lanxess who launched an education initiative in collaboration with the Qingdao University of Science and Technology (QUST) in Qingdao, China.
Last May, graduate students from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at QUST attended a five-day advanced study program conducted by LANXESS’s Technical Rubber Products business unit. The students worked through some of the most complex technical and scientific problems in polymer physics and rubber chemistry.At the end of program a final examination was held to select the winner of the LANXESS Rubber Student Award, which was introduced in the initiative to recognize outstanding students in polymer and rubber science.
Ms. Wang Shuang Shuang, a postgraduate student from the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at QUST, became the first recipient of the award and will benefit from one month of technical training at LANXESS’s headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.
That's good to put in a resume!
Xperimania winners revealed
A team of British students from Smithycroft Secondary School in Glasgow, Scotland, have emerged victorious in the Xperimania school competition.The contest was launched to promote science education with easy and fun experiments on properties, materials and their impact on daily life.
Almost 900 secondary school students from 20 European countries participated, with 430 submissions in the competition during the school year 2008/09. Winners were chosen by judges from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and European Schoolnet.
The winning entry saw students, Jack and Nicola, investigate the properties of disposable baby nappies, and test the material – polyacrylate – which makes nappies water absorbent.
Click here for the top 50 entries.
See also:
Mad Science initiative makes science fun
Heard about a great initiative on the website of Wired magazine...Mad Science - headquartered in Montreal, Canada - aims to encourage "scientific literacy in children in an age when science is as vital as reading, writing and arithmetic".
The scheme runs after-school programs, workshops, pre-school programs, summer & vacation programs, parties and special events - and has franchises in 19 countries.
Check out the Mad Science website here.
The scheme runs after-school programs, workshops, pre-school programs, summer & vacation programs, parties and special events - and has franchises in 19 countries.
Check out the Mad Science website here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
APPE Xperimania project attracts students
Earlier this year, I took a flight to Brussels, Belgium, and visited Cefic’s headquarters to participate in an online discussion with children from 12 secondary schools across Europe.
The trip was part of the Xperimania project (click here for more information about my visit) - an initiative launched in the 27 EU member states in 2007 and coordinated by European Schoolnet on behalf of the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe.
The aim is to help students in lower and secondary schools - from 10-20 years old - and their teachers understand the wide variety of applications of petrochemistry and increase their interest in the sector.
In the 2007-2008 school year, around 1,000 pupils participated in the scheme’s various activities including internet-based seminars and competitions. Some 50,000 students visited the web site.
For any questions about the project, its activities and competition send an email to xperimania@eun.org.
Do you know of any other initiatives like this? Let us know...
The trip was part of the Xperimania project (click here for more information about my visit) - an initiative launched in the 27 EU member states in 2007 and coordinated by European Schoolnet on behalf of the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe.
The aim is to help students in lower and secondary schools - from 10-20 years old - and their teachers understand the wide variety of applications of petrochemistry and increase their interest in the sector.
In the 2007-2008 school year, around 1,000 pupils participated in the scheme’s various activities including internet-based seminars and competitions. Some 50,000 students visited the web site.
For any questions about the project, its activities and competition send an email to xperimania@eun.org.
Do you know of any other initiatives like this? Let us know...
Dow partners with King Abdullah University
Dow Chemical is expanding its research and development in areas such as carbon capture, enhanced oil recovery, water desalination, solar energy, and wind energy, by hooking up with grad students from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.It's new partnership with KAUST will also look to develop new routes for producing chemical derivatives using catalysis.
KAUST is a graduate-level research university aiming to promote the advancement of science and technology in Saudi Arabia.
The University is scheduled to open in September 2009.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Cognis funds University Chair in green chem
Germany specialty chemicals supplier Cognis said today that it is endowing a Chair of Communications and Management of Chemical Processes in Industry at the University of Wuppertal (Germany).
The endowment is intended to promote teaching, research and development activities relating to sustainable chemistry, and to strengthen the company’s ties with the university.
Cognis will fund the post for three years, after which time the costs will be borne by the university.
The endowment is intended to promote teaching, research and development activities relating to sustainable chemistry, and to strengthen the company’s ties with the university.
Cognis will fund the post for three years, after which time the costs will be borne by the university.
University builds world's first racing car from renewables
The UK's Warwick University has developed the world's first racing car made from renewable materials. BASF contributed catalyst technology to the 'green' car.
This is a great example of academia and industry working together. I'm sure students would love to work on a project like this.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/racing_car
http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-262
This is a great example of academia and industry working together. I'm sure students would love to work on a project like this.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/racing_car
http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-262
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Schools sought for US science education alliance
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the US is holding a competition to find 12 colleges and universities to join the Science Education Alliance (SEA) to engage students through authentic research experiences at the start of their academic careers.
Schools have until October 1, 2009 to submit their applications. 12 schools will be selected and given teaching and laboratory resources.
Students from the 2008-2009 academic year are currently working on genomics.
Go to http://www.hhmi.org/news/sea20090527.html for more info.
Schools have until October 1, 2009 to submit their applications. 12 schools will be selected and given teaching and laboratory resources.
Students from the 2008-2009 academic year are currently working on genomics.
Go to http://www.hhmi.org/news/sea20090527.html for more info.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
student discovers polystyrene-eating bug
Thought I'd highlight our ICIS chemicals confidential blog (http://www.icis.com/blogs/icis-chemicals-confidential/) that mentions an article in the Taiwan News about a high school girl who has discovered a polystyrene-eating bacterium.
The article, Top awards in last month's Intel International Science Fair go to Tseng I-Ching from Taiwan who discovered a 'red bacterium' derived from mealworm beetles that metabolizes polystyrene, is here: http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/blogs/high-school-girl-discovers-styrofoam-eating-bacterium
Maybe stuff like this will encourage more kids to take up science!
The article, Top awards in last month's Intel International Science Fair go to Tseng I-Ching from Taiwan who discovered a 'red bacterium' derived from mealworm beetles that metabolizes polystyrene, is here: http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/blogs/high-school-girl-discovers-styrofoam-eating-bacterium
Maybe stuff like this will encourage more kids to take up science!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Bayer foundation: €150,000 for foreign scholarships
This is just in from Bayer. The company is offering cash for students to undertake foreign scolarships in natural sciences. The first two sets of awards benefitted 40 students. This has to a fantastic way to encourage people into the industry. Money speaks louder than words!
Kids holiday science camps
Nice to see that in my local area, southeast UK, there is a program run for kids in the summer holidays that focuses on science.
The camps are run throughout the southeast (and possibly elsewhere in the UK) from 9.30 to 15.30 for three days and include hands-on experiments, games and demonstrations.
There are also some free taster sessions.
Check them out at www.madscience.org/southeast.
In fact, a quick peek at their website shows that they operate worldwide and even offer kids science parties!
The camps are run throughout the southeast (and possibly elsewhere in the UK) from 9.30 to 15.30 for three days and include hands-on experiments, games and demonstrations.
There are also some free taster sessions.
Check them out at www.madscience.org/southeast.
In fact, a quick peek at their website shows that they operate worldwide and even offer kids science parties!
Environmental internships for students
ExxonMobil is providing work experience and educational opportunities for Dallas-area high school students from low- to moderate-income families. Please let us know if you hear of any similar initiatives. Are they worthwhile?
Friday, June 12, 2009
Borealis Student Innovation Award 2009
Austria-headquarted plastics supplier Borealis is encouraging students to submit entries for its Student Innovation Awards.
The aim is to recognise the most innovative research papers on polyolefins, olefins or melamine to engage young people in the company's vision of "shaping the future with plastics. Entry will be open to graduates worldwide.
There will be two awards, one for a master’s degree and another for a doctorate degree graduate. The lucky winners will receive certificates and prize money of €3,000 and €5,000, respectively.
"Knowledge is an integral part of the future – and it is for this reason that we have decided to recognise outstanding contributions to innovation through this award scheme,” said Christian Paulik, manager for External Research and Funding.
Each thesis that is submitted must be no more than two years old, with the final date for entries 27 November. A jury of independent academics and Borealis representatives will then wade through them all and select the winners.
Borealis piloted this scheme last year and received over 200 applications. One of the winners now works for the company!
If you're interested in entering, click here.
The aim is to recognise the most innovative research papers on polyolefins, olefins or melamine to engage young people in the company's vision of "shaping the future with plastics. Entry will be open to graduates worldwide.
There will be two awards, one for a master’s degree and another for a doctorate degree graduate. The lucky winners will receive certificates and prize money of €3,000 and €5,000, respectively."Knowledge is an integral part of the future – and it is for this reason that we have decided to recognise outstanding contributions to innovation through this award scheme,” said Christian Paulik, manager for External Research and Funding.
Each thesis that is submitted must be no more than two years old, with the final date for entries 27 November. A jury of independent academics and Borealis representatives will then wade through them all and select the winners.
Borealis piloted this scheme last year and received over 200 applications. One of the winners now works for the company!
If you're interested in entering, click here.
Dupont talks tempt students towards science
It's essential that chemical companies raise their efforts to communicate with students, promoting science and a future for them in the industry.
DuPont China is doing just that, with a series of science lectures aimed at children in primary and high schools.
The "DuPont Science Lecture” program in Dongying City, eastern China, started in May with 20 scientists and technicians from the company's R&D Centre volunteering to take part.
Students were able to participate in fun interactive presentations and demonstrations, and hear talks on a diverse range of topics including Colorful Chemistry, Material & Safety, and the interestingly titled Omnipotent Corns.
Catching their attention and offering some inspiration at such a young age is exactly what's needed.
Are you running a similar initiative? We'd be interested in hearing from other companies who are working to encourage fresh faces into the industry!
DuPont China is doing just that, with a series of science lectures aimed at children in primary and high schools.
The "DuPont Science Lecture” program in Dongying City, eastern China, started in May with 20 scientists and technicians from the company's R&D Centre volunteering to take part.
Students were able to participate in fun interactive presentations and demonstrations, and hear talks on a diverse range of topics including Colorful Chemistry, Material & Safety, and the interestingly titled Omnipotent Corns.
Catching their attention and offering some inspiration at such a young age is exactly what's needed.
Are you running a similar initiative? We'd be interested in hearing from other companies who are working to encourage fresh faces into the industry!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Campaign: a call to action!
We may be in the midst of one of the worst global recessions of all time but there may be a far greater threat to the chemical sector.
The industry's workforce is aging, students are looking elsewhere and essential knowledge and expertise is at risk of being lost.
It's no secret that the industry is experiencing a severe labour shortage; whether it's staff in the laboratories, engineers out in the field or truck drivers moving from site to site, the industry desperately needs to recruit.
In mature economies such as North America and Europe, the cost base can't compete with emerging markets. This makes it all the more important to attract the most talented young people to the industry to help it innovate and survive.
But where have all the students gone and what is the solution?
Over the coming months, ICIS Chemical Business and its network of journalists aims to stimulate discussion amongst industry and spark interest among students on this global issue.
There are signs of improvement. National trade associations have been raising efforts to increase awareness, targeting youngsters through schools, colleges and career fairs to encourage them to follow a career in science.
Schools and colleges have been striving to make science and engineering more exciting, while chemical companies have also upped their game, increasing investment in internships, apprenticeships and in-house training programs.
But is this enough?
We'll be looking at current strategies, evaluate and analyse the successes and failures, propose alternatives and improvements, and consider the repercussions if nothing is done.
Is the industry doing enough to convince prospective employees that this is a sector full of opportunity with amazing travel prospects, lucrative salaries, superb career progression and job security?
Let us know your thoughts.
The industry's workforce is aging, students are looking elsewhere and essential knowledge and expertise is at risk of being lost.
It's no secret that the industry is experiencing a severe labour shortage; whether it's staff in the laboratories, engineers out in the field or truck drivers moving from site to site, the industry desperately needs to recruit.
In mature economies such as North America and Europe, the cost base can't compete with emerging markets. This makes it all the more important to attract the most talented young people to the industry to help it innovate and survive.
But where have all the students gone and what is the solution?
Over the coming months, ICIS Chemical Business and its network of journalists aims to stimulate discussion amongst industry and spark interest among students on this global issue.
There are signs of improvement. National trade associations have been raising efforts to increase awareness, targeting youngsters through schools, colleges and career fairs to encourage them to follow a career in science.
Schools and colleges have been striving to make science and engineering more exciting, while chemical companies have also upped their game, increasing investment in internships, apprenticeships and in-house training programs.
But is this enough?
We'll be looking at current strategies, evaluate and analyse the successes and failures, propose alternatives and improvements, and consider the repercussions if nothing is done.
Is the industry doing enough to convince prospective employees that this is a sector full of opportunity with amazing travel prospects, lucrative salaries, superb career progression and job security?
Let us know your thoughts.
(Photo credit: James Sarmiento)
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