Evonik meets RWTH Aachen

Idea Creation & Collaboration Day - Evonik meets RWTH Aachen

In December, an "Idea Creation & Collaboration Day - Evonik meets RWTH" event took place in Aachen. The aim of this workshop was to further strengthen the cooperation between the specialty chemicals company and the university and to define precise forms of cooperation.

Evonik is already involved in the university through individual projects with professors, participation in career events and the awarding of scholarships. However, these individual measures are not enough to ensure a sufficient presence among RWTH students and researchers.

The workshop organised by RWTH Innovation had a top-class line-up: RWTH Rector Prof. Rüdiger and Evonik Chief Human Resources Officer Thomas Wessel introduced the day and presented the core topics of the respective institutions. The rest of the day was divided into two sections: Research & Transfer and Talents & Visibility - the core topics in all cooperation between industry and university. Prof. Matthias Wessling, Pro-Rector for Research, Dr. Ralf Marquardt, SVP RD&I at Evonik and Philip Meyer Galow Head of Recruiting at Evonik presented the individual areas before the participants split into two groups for more intensive discussions.

In the area of research & transfer, RWTH scientists presented their concepts and ideas, e.g. for the circular economy and the process engineering of the future. Both topics are currently being addressed by the heads of Evonik's business units. Furthermore, cooperation possibilities with start-ups were discussed.

What measures can be taken to become better known among students was the core topic of the Talents & Visibility group. Both the RWTH Career Center and the Collective Incubator presented their options here and agreed on the next steps with several heads of Evonik's HR departments.

After two pin boards were littered with notes, several concrete starting points were identified, which can now be gradually implemented in the coming year. For all participants, the exchange was very interesting and value-creating. We look forward to further cooperate with Evonik!