Reimagining science: BASF inspires STEM uptake through partnership with Science Gallery

• BASF partners with Science Gallery Melbourne to launch Mediator program for 2019
• Mediators are the public face of gallery to engage visitors about the collision of art and science
• Unique approach to inspire young adults in science careers

Melbourne, Australia – August 15, 2019 – BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, has entered a partnership with Science Gallery Melbourne to support the gallery’s Mediator program. Comprising of a team of science students and recent graduates, the mediators play a vital role in hosting visitors through the gallery and challenging their perspectives on the thought-provoking works.

Through the partnership, BASF and Science Gallery hope to encourage a greater uptake in students pursuing a higher education and a career in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). With the innovative program, the two parties are committed to increasing the representation of women in science and enhancing public’s awareness of the importance of science for our society.

“Science Gallery is reflective of BASF’s progressive nature to embrace new ways of thinking in our core mission to create chemistry for a sustainable future,” said David Hawkins, Chairman and Managing Director of BASF Australia and New Zealand.

“We are proud to be supporting the Mediator program and the talented young people who bring the Science Gallery experience to life. They challenge the audience’s way of thinking, whilst helping to attract new talent into our industry.”

“We are thrilled to be building a long-term partnership with BASF. Sharing a common vision, we are passionate about engaging young people into the STEM industries as well as increasing diversity in the STEM workforce. Our Mediator Program is designed to encourage high school students to learn directly from tertiary students,” said Rose Hiscock, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne.

Science Gallery Melbourne’s third temporary exhibition will feature the program, DISPOSABLE, from August 1 to September 1. The program highlights experimental and creative ways to tackle ever-growing excess of waste through transdisciplinary and collaborative practices of innovators.

“Chemistry and science play a vital role in our everyday life and Science Gallery brings this to the forefront, challenging how science can provide solutions for the future. The exhibition is incredibly compelling, as we shift to become a world with an indispensable need to integrate sustainability in everything we do,” added Hawkins.

Science Gallery Melbourne, now in its third year, is designed to enhance societies’ understanding of science, art and innovation, aiming to engage a primary audience of 15 - 25 years old.

In 2020, Science Gallery will open in a permanent location as part of a new innovation precinct being developed by the University of Melbourne on the corner of Grattan Street and Swanston Street in Carlton.

View the full DISPOSABLE program here.
 

About BASF in Australia and New Zealand

BASF serves key industries in the agriculture, coatings, construction, manufacturing and mining sectors, and posted sales of about €432 million in Australia and New Zealand in 2018. As of the end of 2018, the company had 552 employees and operated 12 production sites across agricultural solutions, performance products and functional materials and solutions. BASF has been active in Australia for more than 90 years, and for about 60 years in New Zealand. Further information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/au.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.