Beiersdorf and UNIVPM Launch Advanced Skin Biology & Anti-aging Program

The joint innovative professional development program named 'Research and Innovation in Skin Biology and Anti-Aging Cosmetology' combines academic excellence and application-oriented research in a completely new way: It brings together Beiersdorf's expertise in skin biology and research with the knowledge of a leading European university in the field of life sciences.

'The program expands access to cutting-edge life science knowledge and fosters mutual learning as well as upskilling via best practice examples,' says Dr. Thomas Blatt, principal scientist Skin Biology at Beiersdorf. 'Together with top researchers of the university in Ancona and our own skilled scientists we will lift the interlinking of scientific education and practical research work in the industry to a new level.'

With this international program, Beiersdorf not only reinforces its leadership within the industry by attracting new talents with high-quality skills. The company also further contributes to shaping the future of cosmetic research and skin care.

The innovative advanced course aims to involve students from different countries and cultures, providing them the opportunity to engage with the latest scientific discoveries and methodologies. Its dual-education approach equips them with comprehensive, cutting-edge scientific skills enriched through valuable collaboration with Beiersdorf scientists in the development of innovative cosmetic solutions. 

The program, which offers students an excellent foundation for a future career in skin research, is divided into two training phases and is open to ten to twelve selected aspiring scientists from bachelor's or master's degree programs in Life Sciences each year. They initially receive four weeks of high-quality theoretical training at the university in Ancona: four modules will dive into the topics of skin biology and skin aging, redox biochemistry of the skin, skin senescence and anti-aging, as well as experimental models, photoprotection and cosmeceuticals. Afterwards, the students will deepen the acquired knowledge in a three-month practical phase in the laboratories of the Beiersdorf Research Center in Hamburg, where a total of over 700 scientists work.

'The theoretical knowledge delivered in this course has been meticulously put together by the university and Beiersdorf,' says Dr. Elisabetta Damiani, associate professor Lab of Food Biochemistry, Nutrition & Oxidative Stress of the UNIVPM, who is also the director of the course. 'It offers an invaluable foundation on skin science and anti-aging, which can then be put right into practice in the laboratories of a leading company in the industry. A great opportunity for the researchers of tomorrow!' 

Upon successful completion of the program, the university will award participants a final certificate. Applications for this year's course, which starts at the end of May 2025, are accepted until April 1^st. The program is initially set to run for three years.