AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry recently welcomed eighteen students on a study tour from Radboud University, Netherlands to our Bridgewater laboratory facilities. The purpose of the tour (an optional part of the university’s Masters program), was to familiarize students with international career possibilities by visiting universities, institutes and industries in and around Boston and New York, and to learn about the culture of the United States. The students organize the tour and select a different country each year.

With a hospital, life sciences institute and science faculty, Radboud University specializes in integrative learning, combining multiple disciplines to create a student’s Masters and Ph.D. program. “Fields are moving too quickly to focus on just one discipline.” commented Professor Gert Vriend. “Scientists need to be able to collaborate beyond a narrow specialty”. Everyone receives a foundation in mathematics and philosophy, and their program is further built up from a variety of courses. Examples include biostatistics, material science, chemistry, biology and bioinformatics.

Dr. Pat Siuta-Cruce, Department Manager for Business Unit Research, welcomed the students and provided an orientation. A company overview, introduction to the Surface Chemistry business and innovation process was given by Dr. Dale Steichen, Vice President R&D. The students engaged in seminars and laboratory tours for the afternoon, getting a first-hand look at how technologies and applications are developed, tested and brought to the marketplace. Customer collaboration and eco-premium solutions were high on the Agenda. Dr. Vriend reflected at day’s end: “What struck me was the incredible love for the work of the people who do the work and how much they enjoy what they’re doing.”

We were proud to host our talented guests from Radboud University and wish them well in their further studies and future endeavors.