Beiersdorf and the Polytechnic University of Marche: new ways to shape the future of skin science

• New professional development program combines academic excellence and application-oriented research
• Advanced course includes a 1-month academic training phase at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona and a 3-month practical experience at Beiersdorf’s research center in Hamburg
• Future skin research professionals will be able to sharpen their scientific skills learning from top scientists in their fields – both in academia and industry

Hamburg, January 30, 2025 – Commitment to research and development is the heart of Beiersdorf. Based on its cutting-edge research and skin expertise the Hamburg-based skin care company has significantly influenced the market of skin care through numerous innovative products. Its over 140-year history is characterized by scientific knowhow, courage, innovative strength and the collaboration with the brightest minds in their field. With the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona, Italy, one of its longstanding scientific partners, Beiersdorf now puts their collaboration on a new institutional footing.

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 1st. The program is initially set to run for three years.

For further information on the course please visit the respective webpages:

Polytechnic University of Marche

Beiersdorf 

^{About the collaboration of Beiersdorf and Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM)}

^{Beiersdorf and the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona have maintained a strong scientific partnership for over a decade, significantly advancing research on Coenzyme Q10. The collaboration with Luca Tiano, Full Professor at UNIVPM, has enabled the evolution of Q10 technology. This includes several successful research projects on Coenzyme Q10 and skin aging, with findings published in prestigious scientific journals. The partnership reflects the synergy between Beiersdorf’s industrial expertise and UNIVPM’s academic research capabilities, supported by its 50 research centers and laboratories, and collaborations with more than 200 universities and institutes worldwide. The relevance of the two partners’ collaboration was further underscored by the recent World Conference of the International Coenzyme Q10 Association: It was held at Beiersdorf’s headquarters in Hamburg in 2022 – the first time it had ever been held on industry premises.}

^{About the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona}

^{Founded in 1959, the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona is one of the leading universities in Italy with more than 550 professors, lecturers and researchers. There are currently more than 17,000 students enrolled in fields such as medicine, engineering, economics, sciences and agriculture. UNIVPM has a strong focus on research and innovation with over 50 research centers and laboratories. There are collaborations with more than 200 universities and research institutions around the world, offering students international study and research opportunities.}