Louisiana State University recently unveiled a new laboratory with help from the world's largest chemical company.
BASF donated $1 million to the LSU Foundation and the university's College of Engineering in 2014; last week, campus officials and executives from the German chemical giant were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new BASF Sustainable Living Laboratory.
“BASF is not just a financial contributor, but a true partner dedicated to the education of students both in and out of the classroom,” LSU Executive Vice President and Provost Richard Koubek said in a statement.
The lab, reportedly the first of its kind in the southeastern U.S., is housed in LSU's Patrick F. Taylor Hall and will focus on teaching and researching sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Researchers must meet several criteria in order to qualify for residencies in the facility, including independent funding, an educational outreach plan and furthering United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The first researcher in residence, Kevin McPeak, leads a group that hopes to use visible light from the sun in a portable water filtration system.
BASF will also contribute $100,000 to LSU's new Career Center, as well as fund $20,000 in annual scholarships for engineering students and provide internship opportunities.
The company operates several facilities in Louisiana, including its largest North American manufacturing plant in nearby Geismar.
“The lab promotes innovative research to achieve sustainable solutions, enhances science education for students of all levels and helps foster workforce development opportunities in the Gulf Coast — all of which are at the core of BASF’s mission to create chemistry for a sustainable future," BASF Geismar general manager Tom Yura.