Solvay hosted a scholarship award ceremony that included a tour of its Italian site, showcasing its commitment to safety and sustainability.
Solvay has recently announced that it has awarded a scholarship to facilitate an educational alliance between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Fermi High School in Cecina (Italy), with the initiative unfolding during an event in its Rosignano site in Italy in which participants were guided through manufacturing operations.
The event provided a useful platform for students and faculty: through the partnership, two-hundred students for the school had the opportunity to participate in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lesson held by the Global Teaching Labs project of the MIT, emphasising the teaching of scientific disciplines by the renowned American university. Discussions during the event included key sustainability topics such as water conservation, energy efficiency, waste management and commitment to promoting a balanced work-life culture and diversity within the workplace.
“At Solvay, championing social initiatives is essential to who we are. By supporting educational initiatives, we nurture and inspire the next generation of industry leaders. We aim to equip them with a clear understanding of safety, sustainability, innovation and inclusivity, ensuring they reinvent our industry and contribute to a skilled workforce capable of addressing global challenges for people and the planet,” has commented Mark van Bijsterveld, the Chief People Officer of Solvay.
Beyond the scholarship award ceremony, the students also received a comprehensive tour of the plant of Solvay, that highlighted the dedication to safety, sustainability and bridging the gap between academia and industry challenges of the company. The experience illustrated the practical application of academic studies in an industrial context, showcasing the advanced control procedures, safety protocols, technological innovations, digital transformation efforts and sustainability measures of Solvay.
“Witnessing profound interest of the he participants in the expertise and seamless integration of technology and digitalisation within our operations was truly gratifying. The visit provided an intricate view of our plant control procedures and our proactive stance on industrial risk prevention and environmental protection. This allowed students to gain a more profound understanding of the chemical manufacturing process and the crucial role of employees' awareness and competence,” has stated Nicolas Dugenetay, the Rosignano site manager for Solvay.