Boehringer Ingelheim Corporate social responsibility: We care for our society

Germany
The Boehringer Ingelheim
Fonds (B.I.F.)

Education & Scholarships

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (B.I.F.), a foundation for the promotion of basic research in biomedicine, celebrated its 20th birthday in 2003. Based at the Schlossmühle near Ingelheim, Germany, B.I.F. supports, in particular young up-and-coming scientists and networking for its fellows is an important part of its programme. B.I.F. scholarship holders regularly receive prestigious awards.

As improving access to treatment remains seriously limited in many developing countries due to local structural problems in healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim has also engaged increasingly in projects to improve education and relevant infrastructure.

In addition to donation and increasing access to drugs, the company continues to explore ways to partner governments and NGOs to improve healthcare in developing countries.

Southern Africa
"Turning the Tide"

Initiatives the company has already undertaken in South Africa include the "Turning the Tide" programme of training and education for health professionals in HIV and its management.

Cape Town, South Africa

Among other initiatives was the Student Education Programme in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, South Africa, which provides full financial support from Boehringer Ingelheim for medical students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Gaborone, Botswana

In 2005, the Boehringer Ingelheim Training and Facilitation Unit was opened in Gaborone, Botswana, to promote medical education. Participants in training activities consist of: general practitioners, physicians, occupational health, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical store managers, healthcare management officers.

Grahamstown, South Africa

	In 2006, the first pharmacy student from Botswana commenced studies at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa under a Boehringer Ingelheim-funded programme agreed with the Botswana government. Pharmacists on the programme are bonded to take up service in the public sector after completing their studies.

Last update: 11.04.2008