Why this project is close to our hearts
Bachem is an innovation-driven company specializing in the development and production of peptides and oligonucleotides (TIDES). We work with partners in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, cosmetics and life science research. For this reason, many Bachem employees have backgrounds in science (especially chemistry and biology), technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We now have the world’s largest team of qualified TIDES specialists, but as a company with continued strong growth, we are always on the lookout for new talent. Especially in the STEM field.
As part of a leading life sciences cluster in the Switzerland/Basel region, Bachem regularly collaborates with educational institutions such as the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), the University of Basel, ETH Zurich or EPFL Lausanne.
Bachem attaches great importance to the promotion of young talent. For example, we have our own training center at our headquarters. This offers first-class industrial training in various apprenticeships
For all these reasons, the SimplyScience project SimplyNano is of great importance to us.
The SimplyNano project
Nanotechnology is the science of the “tiny”. Substances and materials at the nanoscale have unique properties that make them attractive for various applications. Accordingly, a lot is invested in research.
SimplyNano experiment kits are an innovative and comprehensive STEM learning medium that can be used in the classroom. The learning medium “SimplyNano 2” is published by the SimplyScience Foundation. It was developed by Innovationsgesellschaft, a St. Gallen start-up company. SimplyScience is a non-profit foundation that aims to get children and young people excited about scientific and technical topics. Since this year, the SimpyNano cases are available free of charge for some secondary schools in Northwestern Switzerland (BL, BS, SO). By 2025, the “SimplyNano 2” experimentation kits should be available throughout Switzerland.
Nano experiments with “AHA effect
Due to their special properties, nanomaterials are found in many technical materials, but also in many everyday products such as cosmetics, textiles, paints or in medicine. With harmless and amazing experiments, students discover, among other things, how baby diapers with “superabsorbers” absorb extremely large amounts of liquid, why geckos with nanostructures on their feet climb up walls, or how the “memory effect” works with metals in braces and medical stents. The experiments thus show the fascinating world of the smallest particles and present concrete applications in products and materials.
Getting young people excited about science and technology
Practical experiments are designed to promote enthusiasm for science and technology and increase young people’s interest in technical professions. This is accompanied by half-day training courses for teachers in companies. In addition to technical knowledge, this also promotes the exchange of experience between teachers and companies and builds a “bridge” from school to the world of work and apprenticeships.
Broad support from cantons, companies and foundations
The project is financed by the Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn lottery funds, the Basel-Stadt Department of Education, and a broad sponsorship of companies, associations, and foundations. The broad support of 39 project partners from various industries underscores the importance of promoting science and technology in schools and fostering young talent in these professions.
Original publication: Inspiring today’s youth for science and technology – Bachem
Image source: Innovation Society