Kinder-Universität Zürich

Biogen Idec became the exclusive biotechnology sponsor of Kinder-Universität Zürich, a program providing lab-based curricula to third- through sixth-graders. Launched in 2010, this three-year commitment is aimed at making lab learning fun and introducing young students to topics such as microscope use, climate change and electricity. The Kinder-Universität serves approximately 700 children per year.

Supporting Science Education in Zug

In 2011, Biogen Idec employees volunteered at Switzerland’s International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL) to assist students with hands-on laboratory experiments. Employees helped teach an after-school science program in ISZL’s laboratory and plan to continue to partner in this capacity in 2012.

Science Fair Project Mentoring

To further promote a passion for science, the Community Lab runs a science fair mentoring program for select area high school students. Students are matched with Biogen Idec employees, who serve as mentors for their biotech-related science projects. A number of students in this program have been selected to participate in the International Science Fair.

Career Exploration

In 2011, Biogen Idec participated in the annual Massachusetts Biotechnology Job Shadow Day, which paired local students with Biogen Idec volunteer mentors during their visit to Biogen Idec’s Cambridge laboratories and offices. The mentors, as well as other Biogen Idec employees, shared insights about their careers and experiences, providing the students with advice on pursuing careers in the sciences.

Biogen Idec also hosted three Young Women in Bio (YWIB) events in 2011, two at our RTP campus and one at our Cambridge location, where local middle school girls participated in hands-on lab experiments and met a number of our female biotechnology professionals. Part of Women in Bio, YWIB is an educational and career exploration program for middle and high school-aged girls.

Additionally, Biogen Idec employees in RTP have an ongoing volunteer relationship with Futures for Kids, a N.C.-based non-profit focused on helping students explore their career options. Through Futures for Kids’ innovative online mentoring program, approximately 40 employees serve as career coaches for students interested in the field of biotechnology.