Overview

  • Posted Opportunities 0
  • Founded Since 1863

Company Description

About Us

Why do we exist?

Today’s accelerating rates of change present amazing opportunities to help the world’s growing population to thrive while ensuring that our planet survives. This is why…

Our Purpose at Bayer Foundation is to catalyze science and social innovation for a world with Health for All and Hunger for None!

Who are the people behind the Foundation?

Foundation Leadership Monika Lessl

Dr. Monika Lessl (View CV)

Monika is the Executive Director of the Bayer Foundation and leading the Bayer Foundation. She is also VP and Head of Corporate R&D and Social Innovation at Bayer AG.

Monika says: “I am honored to lead the Bayer Foundation and to work with leaders in science and social innovation to impact societal progress”

Foundation team:

Simone Jonek

I am Simone and responsible for the Foundation Office, as well as taking care of our Science Awards and communication topics.

My Motto: “Create the tomorrow that you talked about yesterday.”

 

Dr. Peng Zhong

I’m Peng and I am responsible for the social innovation engagement at Bayer Foundation, for example, communications and social innovation partnerships.

My motto: “We are waves of the same sea, leaves of the same tree, flowers of the same garden. 身若付波,与子同海;若为落木,与子同枝;若为兰草,与子同室”

 

Dr. Karl Collins

I’m Karl and I am responsible for the Science Portfolio at the Bayer Foundation and our scientific communication strategy. I am also working to bring our Science Network of boundary breaking scientists together to enhance the impact of science for the benefit of society.

Karl says:  “If we want science to serve a global population we must strive for true equality in science. Everyone needs both a seat at the table and the ability to engage in constructive debate. Science is for everyone.”

 

Julie Lüttgen

I‘m Julie, responsible for part of Bayer Foundation’s Science portfolio, focusing on educational programs and  empowering scientists in sub-Saharan Africa.

Julie says: “Whether it’s early STEM education or supporting outstanding scientists – I am happy to be able to contribute in bringing society and science closer together. Only through science we will be able to face the future challenges.”

 

Stefan Wilhelm

I’m Stefan, responsible for part of Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation program portfolio as well as Impact Management.

Stefan says: “If we unleash potential where others see problems, we have a real chance at generating lasting positive change in the world.”

 

Lars zur Mühlen

I’m Lars and responsible for Bayer Foundations digital communications and social media activities as well as taking care of different programs and events. Next to my work I currently complete an executive masters degree in marketing and communication at IE University Madrid.

Lars says: “Discovering new things and learning new skills is one of the best things about my job at the Bayer Foundation” 

 

Fabian Hass

I’m Fabian and I support the Bayer Foundation during my advanced training to become a specialist in office and project organization.

My motto: “Never be afraid to strive for new goals.” 

 

Selbi Annayeva

My name is Selbi and I’m happy to support Bayer Foundation as a working student.  I work on communications activities, as well as support the science programs of the foundation.

Quote: “Action comes before motivation.”

 

 

Foundation Strategic Advisors:

Dr. Michael Metzlaff

Dr. Michael Metzlaff is the Foundation’s Strategic Advisor for topics related to Science.  Until December 2019 he was Bayer’s Vice President of Science Relations.

Michael says: “To progress sciences, it always needs enthusiastic young scientists who dare to knock down walls and open new horizons.”

Dr. Michael Schwall

Dr. Michael Schwall is the Foundation’s Strategic Advisor for topics connected to Social Innovation. Until 2021 he worked as a Strategist for Bayer’s Crop Science business.

Michael says: “Bayer Foundation is forging partnerships with leading social innovators, who have joined us in our goal to achieve systemic change. Together, we are building an ecosystem that provides health for all, hunger for none. That’s what makes my day!”

Foundation Governance:

Our Science Impact programs are run by the Bayer Science and Education Foundation.
Our Social Innovation programs are run by the Bayer Cares Foundation.
Both Foundations are governed by the respective Board of Trustees, which is tasked to support with regards to strategic, content and funding decisions. Both Foundations are steered by an Executive Board of which Dr. Monika Lessl is a member.

 

Board of Trustees for Science Impact

Our Board of Trustees for Science Impact support the Foundation’s Executive Directors with regards to strategic, content and funding decisions.

 

Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer (View CV)

Prof. Dr. Patrick Cramer Is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bayer’s Science and Education Foundation since 2019. He is also Professor and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biology.

Patrick says: “With free science and education we can shape the future.”

 

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Plischke (View CV)

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Plischke is Senator of the Helmholtz Association for the research area of Health. Until end of 2021 he was member of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG. He was a member of Bayer’s Board of Management, with responsibility for Technology, Innovation and Sustainability at Bayer until 2014.

Wolfgang says: “The recognition of outstanding scientists is more important than ever, because only their scientific insights enable desired groundbreaking innovations.“

 

Dr. Robert Reiter (View CV)

Dr. Robert Reiter is Head of Research & Development (R&D), Crop Science. He also serves as a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Robert says: “Science is critical to illuminating the path to solving the world’s social and environmental challenges.“

 

Dr. Christian Rommel (View CV)

Dr. Christian Rommel is Global Head of Research & Development (R&D), Pharmaceuticals. He also serves as a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Christian says: “Science provides us with a treasure trove of opportunities to tackle society’s most pressing medical needs. Harnessing them is our greatest challenge.”

What we do

At Bayer Foundation, we catalyze the power of science and social innovation by focusing on two strategic pillars, namely:

1. Advancing science as a basis for societal progress by:

 

– Recognizing scientific achievements with awards

– Supporting scientific research with fellowships and funds

– Advancing education with support programs

– Curating collaborative ecosystems with global partners

2. Driving social entrepreneurship as an enabler for long-lasting change by:

 

– Catalyzing the impact of social enterprises with funds

– Empowering women with role-model awards

– Springboarding solutions with entrepreneurial programs

– Curating collaborative ecosystems with global partners

What we do not fund

everything besides our main programs including:

– Individual funding

– Fundraising

– Personal fates

– Profit organizations

– No sponsoring at all

– Sports or culture clubs

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