BASF Asia Pacific PhD Challenge: calling for ideas to address challenges of future mobility

• Regional competition will be held during BASF’s 150th anniversary celebration year
  
• Prizes include all-expense paid trip to BASF International Summer Course in Germany and invitation to major science event in China
  
• Online application open to full time chemistry, engineering polymer and material sciences PhD candidates in Asia Pacific from October 31, 2014 to December 31, 2014

BASF today launched the BASF Asia Pacific PhD Challenge, a regional competition for PhD candidates majoring in chemistry, engineering, polymer and material sciences to think critically and provide answers to future mobility problems using their expertise and creativity. The winning team will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to BASF International Summer Course in Germany in August 2015, and to take part in a major science event in China in November 2015.

“BASF is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2015. While we celebrate the past, we also want to look to the future and find solutions for the challenges ahead. By connecting the chemists and engineers of tomorrow in Asia Pacific, we aim to encourage the development of innovative solutions from the world of chemistry to tackle the enormous global challenges facing our planet today,” said Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Vice Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, responsible for Asia Pacific.

By 2020, there will be 1.2 billion cars in the world, an increase of nearly 300 million vehicles compared to today. As the world’s largest supplier of chemical products to the automotive industry, BASF develops solutions for energy efficient mobility in the future. To encourage cross-country and cross-discipline idea exchanges on how to drive sustainable mobility, this competition challenges PhD candidates to submit their ideas and proposals online on topics related to future mobility challenges: alternative fuel, lightweighting, emissions reduction, comfort and sustainable production.

“Open innovation in BASF is a channel through which we lower the barriers to scientific innovations through collaboration. This competition enables BASF to tap into the diverse pool of talent in Asia Pacific and allows us to collaborate to develop new ideas and innovations that are essential for the success and growth of BASF,” said Dr. Karl-Rudolf Kurtz, Senior Vice President, BASF Research Representative Asia Pacific.

Applicants are required to form teams of two to submit an application. Online application opens on October 31, 2014 and closes on December 31, 2014.

Applications must include:

• Curriculum vitae
• An abstract of a written proposal (less than 300 words - template provided)
• A brief summary of the proposal in PowerPoint format (template provided)
• An introduction video (less than three minutes) that explains their personal background and proposal.

All applications will be reviewed by expert panels comprised of BASF management, technical and discipline experts, and scientists from the region. Five pairs of shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their proposals in person at the final round of the competition on March 24 and 25, 2015, in Shanghai, China. The winning team will be announced at the end of the competition on March 25, 2015.

Details on the rules _¹ and submission procedures of the competition are available at Creator Space™ online at www.basf.com/phd-challenge. On this online interactive platform, businesses, scientists, the public and BASF experts are invited to exchange thoughts and ideas on developing solutions to global challenges related to urban living, smart energy and food throughout the anniversary year.

Additional questions regarding the call for proposal application process can be emailed to the project team at asia-phd-challenge@basf.com.

¹ Applicants are required to ensure that they are physically available for travelling to attend all the key milestone activities before entering the competition. These key milestones are the final round of the competition in Shanghai, China on March 24 and 25, 2015 (both days inclusive), BASF International Summer Course in Germany in August 2015 and a major science event in China in November, 2015.

 

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.