Press announcement
Strengthening practical education - 1,000 euros for the school laboratory at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences (HoMe)
InfraLeuna GmbH and the Nordostchemie associations are supporting the “Hands-on Chemistry” school laboratory at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences with a total of 1,000 euros.
nfraLeuna GmbH and the Nordostchemie associations are supporting the “Hands-on Chemistry” school laboratory at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences with a joint donation totaling 1,000 euros. While InfraLeuna is donating 500 euros as part of its long-standing commitment, the Nordostchemie associations are doubling this amount as part of the “Pro-Chemieunterricht” initiative. The financial support will be used to further develop the school laboratory and to purchase modern equipment and materials for practical chemistry lessons.
The school laboratory at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences opens the doors to the world of science for pupils from Year 7 onwards. For over 20 years, the state-of-the-art laboratory has been promoting interest in chemistry with curriculum-based, everyday experiments and contributing to contemporary STEM education in schools.
“With our donation, we not only want to support the school laboratory, but also raise awareness of the importance of science in our society,” explained Claudia Donath, responsible for personnel recruitment and development at InfraLeuna, during the symbolic handover of the donation. "Our long-standing partnership with Merseburg University of Applied Sciences is a valuable building block for us in promoting young talent. Numerous young people have already found their way into working life with us as part of dual
degree courses, internships or final theses - many of them are now successfully working for us as specialists. We are continuing this commitment with great conviction."
At the handover on June 25, Claudia Donath and Kai Bieler, branch manager of the Northeast Chemical Employers' Association in Halle, symbolically handed over a periodic table of the elements to Dr. Eileen Bette, coordinator of the student laboratory at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences. They then took part in a tour of the premises and were given an insight into the current series of experiments and teaching concepts.
“More than 150 schools in eastern Germany have benefited from the ”Pro Chemieunterricht" funding program since 2004. With this successful fundraising campaign, the German Chemical Industry Association Northeast (VCI Nordost) and its member companies are strengthening experimental chemistry teaching - directly, simply and effectively. After all, well-trained specialists are the basis for innovative strength and competitiveness - in Berlin, eastern Germany and throughout Germany," emphasizes Nora Schmidt-Kesseler, Managing Director of VCI Nordost.
The cooperation between InfraLeuna and Merseburg University of Applied Sciences is multifaceted: in addition to supporting the student laboratory, the company has been involved in practice-oriented and study-related projects, specialist conferences and excursions for many years. There is also close cooperation in dual study programs as well as internships and final theses. The theoretical content is taught by the university, resulting in a seamless transfer between practice and theory.
Two students from the fields of applied chemistry and applied computer science are currently completing their dual study program at InfraLeuna. In the coming winter semester of 2025, two more students will begin their dual studies in applied computer science and electrical engineering/automation technology.
With the donation to the student laboratory, InfraLeuna and the Nordostchemie associations are reaffirming their commitment to promoting young talent and strengthening the next generation of STEM students in the region.
Press contact
Contact person for press and public relations
Claudia Herrmann
Corporate Communications
P +49 3461 43-3106
pr@infraleuna.de
About InfraLeuna GmbH: The Leuna chemical site stands for dynamism, innovative strength and maximum efficiency. Both international corporations and medium-sized companies have invested over 9 billion euros in the site since 1990. Today, Leuna is one of the top addresses for modern chemistry in Europe. The interrelationships in the materials and energy industries, an efficient infrastructure and the excellent strategic location are decisive factors for the competitiveness and economic strength of the location. This is due not least to over 15,000 people and more than 100 companies as well as an annual production of twelve million tons of goods at the site. InfraLeuna's comprehensive range of services consists of the redundant provision of steam, electricity, fresh and drinking water as well as wastewater disposal and other services. Complex logistics services are also provided. The owners of InfraLeuna are exclusively local companies that operate their own plants at the chemical site. The focus is always on business success for customers and the further development of the chemical site as a whole.
About Nordostchemie associations: The chemical and pharmaceutical industry in eastern Germany employs around 55,000 people. The Nordostchemie-Verbändegemeinschaft supports and is committed to the common goals and the economic and socio-political interests of its more than 360 member companies. In addition to the Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V., Landesverband Nordost and its trade associations, the Nordostchemie associations include the Arbeitgeberverband Nordostchemie e.V. (AGV Nordostchemie) and the Allgemeine Arbeitgeberverband Nordostchemie e.V. (AAGV Nordostchemie).