Partners in Science: Evolving from Student to Scientific Leader

At Boehringer Ingelheim, our commitment to engaging with our local communities is deeply ingrained in our corporate values of respect, trust, passion, and empathy. One of our flagship initiatives reflecting this commitment is the Partners in Science program. Established in 1989, Partners in Science plays a pivotal role in fostering student interest in the pharmaceutical industry and creating a pipeline for future talent.

This after-school program was hosted at our Ridgefield campus and typically lasted 5-6 weeks. Each week includes engaging lectures presented by members of our Research and Development (R&D) team. The program covers various aspects of drug discovery, followed by insightful tours through our cutting-edge labs that highlight various techniques, like the process where scale-up chemistry would occur and structural biology demonstrations using 3D representations of molecules.

As the course progressed over the years, we received more expansive questions from students about scientific roles. To adapt, we introduced a panel discussion on non-traditional roles in science. This addition aimed to enlighten students about diverse career paths within the pharmaceutical industry that extend beyond traditional laboratory roles but benefit from having a scientific background, such as a patent attorney or working as a data scientist.

We focus on students with a genuine interest in the subject matter. We partner with teachers from local high schools who identify juniors and seniors with a passion for STEM, ensuring that the program attracts those with a deep curiosity for the pharmaceutical field. Student testimonials have consistently reflected the program's success in demystifying the pharmaceutical industry and inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Partners in Science is how I ended up at Boehringer, though my own career took a bit of a digression. I participated in the program as a high schooler, before studying ecology and evolutionary biology in college. After spending some summers in those labs, I pivoted my focus to human health and returned to Boehringer for an internship. Education was always an interest of mine, and I trained as a school media specialist before finding a position in the company. Now, I’m able to work on discovering new drug targets and still have an impact on future students through my involvement in Partners in Science.

The program went on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this unforeseen break allowed us to reassess and revamp the program for a more impactful return in 2024.

With a renewed emphasis on highlighting the diversity of career opportunities within the realm of lab sciences, we have continued our aim to inspire students and make the program more adaptable to changing needs. Shortened to 2-3 weeks, the Partners in Science program will now ensure better attendance of the students while accommodating their increasingly demanding schedules.

Partners in Science is a commitment to our local community fostering STEM enthusiasm, bridging the gap between academia and the pharmaceutical industry, shaping the future of scientific innovation, and?improving health for generations to come.

Check out Boehringer’s website to learn more about our programs to help the next generation of scientists explore potential career opportunities.

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