BASF Kids’ Lab to ignite a passion for STEM in Perth kids

• Hundreds of Perth primary students will become scientists for a day with hands-on experiments at Curtin labs from August 27-31
• Educational program highlights to children how chemistry plays a role in daily life

Perth, Australia – 22 August, 2018 – Following National Science Week, leading chemical company BASF will give hundreds of children the opportunity to become scientists for a day at Curtin University. BASF’s Kids’ Lab program provides children with the opportunity to discover the world of chemistry through simple, fun-filled experiments that highlight how chemistry plays an important role in enriching our daily lives.

Over five days, from 27 August, the children, aged between nine and twelve from primary schools across Perth, will carry out experiments under the supervision of experienced chemists at Curtin University’s Bentley Campus.

“Our Kids’ Lab program is designed to spark the interest of students from an early age and show them how a career in science can be exciting and innovative, through hands-on, safe experiments,” David Hawkins, Chairman and Managing Director, BASF Australia and New Zealand said.

The need to attract kids into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is more important than ever.

“STEM skills are critical to the management and success of research and development projects as well as the day to day competitiveness of business, through Kids’ Lab we’re able to engage their interest from an early age,” Hawkins said.

Professor Mark Buntine, Curtin University’s Dean of Science said, “We are looking forward to working with BASF for a fifth consecutive year and helping to awaken great scientific minds of the future.

“It is vital that we find ways to inspire in our next generation a real love of science and the BASF program is a fantastic way to do this,” Professor Buntine said.

“This is a rare opportunity for aspiring young scientists to realise that the possibilities of a science career are endless because science is such a big part of day-to-day life.”

About Curtin University
Curtin University is Western Australia’s largest university, with more than 56,000 students. Of these, over 14,000 are international students. The University’s main campus is in Bentley near the Perth CBD. Curtin has five other campuses across WA, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Curtin also has a presence at a number of other global locations.

The University has built a reputation around innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, being at the forefront of many high-profile research projects in astronomy, biosciences, economics, mining and information technology. It is also recognised globally for its strong connections with industry, and for its commitment to preparing students for jobs of the future. For further information visit curtin.edu.au.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 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 five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

Photo opportunities:
Photo opportunities are available at this event.