Research for the future

Effective and efﬁcient research and development is a prerequisite for innovation as well as an important growth engine for BASF. We develop innovative processes, technologies and products for a sustainable future and drive forward digitalization in research worldwide. This is how we ensure our long-term business success with chemistry-based solutions for our customers in almost all sectors of industry.

Our innovative strength is based on a global team of highly qualiﬁed employees with various specializations. At BASF, more than 11,000 employees are working worldwide in research and development at approximately 70 locations.

BASF R&D sites with proximity to customers and markets

Klimaschutz ist ein zentraler Bestandteil der BASF-Strategie. Bereits seit vielen Jahren reduziert das Unternehmen kontinuierlich seine CO2 Emissionen. Zur weiteren signifikanten Reduktion werden in der Forschung innovative Verfahren entwickelt wie zum Beispiel die Synthesegasdirektumwandlung als Baustein der Olefinsynthese. Olefine sind Zwischenprodukte beispielsweise bei der Produktion von Reinigungsmitteln, Aromachemikalien oder Superabsorbern. Durch neue Prozesstechniken und Katalysatoren kann der CO2-Fußabdruck bei der Olefin-Herstellung um bis zu 50 Prozent reduziert werden. Chemielaborant Oliver Secosan steuert die neue Anlage zur Synthesegasdirektumwandlung.

Our research focus – we create chemistry for a sustainable future

See examples of current research projects

In the new research building B007, BASF research moves closer together. Here, scientists from material physics, formulation and specialty chemicals research work door-to-door. They develop new solutions together with polymer chemists in the neighboring building. A bridge, shortening paths, interconnects the two buildings.
Furthermore, open communication areas facilitate exchange between the scientific disciplines. This stimulates creative ideas, and benefits the efficient development of effective solutions.
Sabine Hirth (left), Karsten Seidel (middle left) and Bernhard von Vacano (middle right), from Material Physics, together with Fangfang Chu (right), chemist at Formulation Research, exchange experience and discuss research findings.

We bundle our competencies

Within our unique global Know-how Verbund we bring together our manifold competencies: Together with partners from science and business we work for sustainable products and solutions.

Collaborations

We pursue bold ideas. Partnerships play an important role in these activities. In a highly diversified, global and international network, new ideas are generated and new impulses are given to research.

Our Collaborations

Our way to innovations

We follow a clear-cut yet flexible innovation process comprising all steps from ideation to product launch.

Images from the world of research

Spectacular scanning electron microscopy images from BASF’s research allow the viewer unique insights into the shapes and structures of the microcosm and visualize what is normally hidden to the human eye.

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150 years periodic table

This year, the international community celebrates what is probably the most famous table of the world: the periodic table of the elements.