BayerMaterial Science sponsors initiative to attract girls to STEM

Bayer MaterialScience has signed a sponsorship agreement with an international orgnaisation that encourages more girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

‘Greenlight for Girls’ (g4g) is dedicated to inspiring girls of all ages and backgrounds to pursue STEM careers, by introducing them to the world of science in fun and exciting ways.

Bayer MaterialScience wants the collaboration with g4g to help encourage girls into the industry - tackling the problem of shortage of people with STEM qualifications. It also aims to include girls from across the world, at locations where it has a presence.

"We are keen to fire up the interest of girls of all ages and backgrounds in STEM subjects, particularly in developing countries where they might not have the same opportunities as their counterparts in other parts of Europe and the world,” commented Bayer MaterialScience’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Richard Northcote.

“This is why our goals are perfectly in line with those of g4g, which has a clear passion for instilling confidence in girls, and encouraging them to share in the fun of science in all its forms."

Northcote added that Bayer MaterialScience is an attractive employer for dedicated talents: "Our high-tech materials are making significant contributions in areas such as energy and resource efficiency - mobility, construction and home living, but we cannot do this without encouraging new and enthusiastic young people into the industry. They help us develop the products and processes that improve people’s lives, help conserve the planet and move the business forward, so they are a hugely important part of our sustainability strategy.”

The founder of g4g, Melissa Rancourt, herself an engineer, commented: “We are always looking for like-minded partners who endorse our activities in countries all over the world, so it’s fantastic to have a global company like Bayer MaterialScience on board.

“Its scientists, technicians, strategists and marketers can provide first-hand experience of what it’s like working in innovative and forward thinking environment, and can demonstrate how rewarding it is being involved in the exciting world of science."