The cooperation is initially planned for five years. About 20 new post-doctoral positions will be created at the three universities.
| This collaboration with these prestigious American universities is an important expansion of our international research network. It is part of BASF's strategy to further extend our global research and development activities. We rely on strong partners for this project. |
| Dr Hans-Ulrich Engel, CEO of BASF Corporation and CFO of BASF SE |
The topics to be researched will be decided jointly by the researchers participating in the initiative. Topics already identified include micro- and nanostructured polymers with new properties, as well as biomimetic materials that emulate nature. For example, the scientists are working on lightweight construction materials for wind turbines and automotive construction.
The research scientists are supported and advised by a scientific committee consisting of BASF scientists together with Prof. George Whitesides and Prof. Dave Weitz from Harvard, Prof. Robert Langer and Prof. Mary Boyce from MIT and Prof. Todd Emrick and Prof. Alan Lesser from UMass Amherst.
The American research initiative will build on the successful cooperation between BASF and Harvard University. During the five years' cooperation to date, 13 academic research groups have been working together with BASF scientists.
