BASF Kids’ Lab inspires students to bond together with chemistry

• Various experiments were introduced to 350 children under the guidance of expert mentors
• Hands-on experiments allow children to understand the role of chemistry in daily life

Mumbai, India – March 9, 2020 – Around 350 young students (from class five to nine) had an interactive, fun-filled day at BASF Kids’ Lab at the BASF Innovation Campus in Mumbai. Organized by BASF Chemicals India Private Limited, the event was part of its social engagement held for underprivileged students from local schools at Turbhe. Under the supervision of BASF’s expert mentors and volunteers,  the kids were able to explore the exciting world of chemistry in daily life through hand-on experiments.

The Kids’ Lab event focused on creating interest for chemistry among the young generation by promoting awareness about the science behind various everyday items. For instance, hair gel, superabsorbents (used in diapers and sanitary napkins), as well as vital nutrients like Vitamin C and color chromatography experiments caught their attention. The mentors also shared information about good food habits during the event.

“Chemistry provides solutions addressing the challenges faced by the society today. Through giving the young scientists hands-on experience, the event helps spark curiosity and interest in this area. We are delighted to host the children at our Innovation Campus as part of our social commitment to furthering science-based education and also spark interest in chemistry for their future careers,” said Dr. Dietmar Hueglin, Director Innovation Campus Mumbai and Vice President, Advanced Materials & Systems Research at BASF.

BASF focuses its corporate citizenship activities in India on education and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programs in alignment with the United Nation’s Strategic Development Goals #4 (inclusive and quality education) and #6 (sustainable management of water and sanitation).

The Kids’ Lab program has been introduced to 30 countries globally by BASF since 1997 and was first held in India in 2004. More than 50,000 students in India have participated in various fun-filled experiments via the program to date.

About BASF in India

BASF has successfully partnered India’s progress for more than 125 years. As of the end of 2019, BASF had 2,431 employees in India at 11 production sites and at 34 offices throughout the country. The Innovation Campus Mumbai and the Technical Support Center in Mangalore are both part of BASF’s global technology platform. In 2019, BASF registered sales of approximately €1.3 billion to customers in India. Further information is available on the internet at www.basf.com/in.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 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 €59 billion in 2019. 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.

About BASF Kids’ Lab Program

Education is the key to the future of our children, and it plays an important role in the development of society. With our Social Engagement Strategy, we want to open up learning opportunities and to encourage children's sense of discovery and teach good science methods and skills. This helps us to meet the challenges of tomorrow and to create a sustainable future.

The BASF Kids’ Lab program is an interactive, fun and free chemistry education program designed for kids aged 6 to 12 years to discover the world of chemistry through simple and safe hands on experiments. The program has been brought to more than 30 countries across the globe, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Singapore, India and Japan. It was established in 1997 in Ludwigshafen, Germany.