Abbott honored with Asian CSR award for leadership in science education

At the 10th Asian Forum on Corporate Responsibility in the Philippines, the global health care company Abbott and its philanthropic foundation the Abbott Fund were honored with an Asian CSR Award for Educational Improvement for advancing science education in the region. Abbott Science Education Programs reached thousands of children in 2010-2011 through creative, innovative events designed to spark an interest in life-long science learning.

A critical part of the Abbott Science Education Programs in China, Korea and Singapore was the involvement of more than 500 Abbott scientists, engineers and other employee volunteers, lending their expertise to introduce children to the wonders of science. Working in partnership with local government officials and educators, and with the support of the Abbott Fund, Abbott staff coordinated interactive events like Family Science, which provides fun, hands-on science learning opportunities for parents and children typically underserved in the area of science education. Abbott expert volunteers lead experiments that use common objects such as cups, balloons and paper to allow families to explore the ways that science is part of their everyday lives. To date, more than 16,000 children and parents have participated in Family Science and other science programs in Asia and around the globe.

"Through Abbott Science Education Programs, we hope to foster a stronger appreciation for science and innovation, and inspire the next generation of scientists who may go on to discover tomorrow's breakthrough medicines and technologies," said Katherine Pickus, divisional vice president, Global Citizenship & Policy, Abbott. "As a science-focused company, advancing future innovation is important to our business as well as communities in Asia and around the world.

Providing positive exposure to science at an early age has been found to be critical to inspiring future interest according to a recent report by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development). Other research has shown that parental participation in education is twice as predictive of student academic success as family socioeconomic status.

Abbott's Science Education Programs in Asia are part of the company's broader global efforts to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Over the past five years, Abbott and the Abbott Fund have contributed more than $25 million to support programs that advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. These science learning programs and museum exhibits reach more that 1 million young people around the world each year.