LANXESS considers it important to have links with universities and their students. As part of its commitment to education, the company sponsors grants in a number of scientific and business disciplines. LANXESS management staff are also keen to talk to students. Zhengrong Liu, head of Human Resources at LANXESS, regularly delivers lectures to students and explains what a career at a specialty chemicals company involves. Afterwards, the young people can ask questions in a relaxed atmosphere. In return, Liu discovers how tomorrow’s experts see their ideal employer – a valuable piece of information in the “war for talent”.

Dialogue between theory and practice
LANXESS systematically encourages contact between research and practical applications. Groups from universities often visit the company’s sites to get an idea of the challenges in the specialty chemicals industry. In March 2010, for example, German undergraduate and postgraduate students visited LANXESS’s Brazilian site in Duque de Caxias. They found out how to make synthetic rubber and obtained information about management processes. The inspiring experience was rounded off by a tour of the plant and a number of interesting presentations.

Making progress together
In 2008, LANXESS opened a center for rubber research and product development in the Chinese city of Qingdao. This center is also available for the use of students at the local university – an arrangement that is of mutual benefit. Students get a taste of research work at the highest level during their studies and LANXESS has its finger on the academic pulse.