Unique Program with Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona

Certificate in “Research and Innovation in Skin Biology and Anti-Aging Cosmetology”

Research & Development is and remains the heart of Beiersdorf. Skin research expertise is firmly anchored in our company DNA. It runs like a red thread through our 140-year history, which is characterized by inventiveness, courage, innovative strength – and collaboration with the brightest minds in their field. We have a close bond of joint scientific research work with the Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona, Italy, for well over ten years. Now we are putting this alliance on a new institutional “footing” – with a program that meaningfully combines academic and application-oriented research. 

With the new professional development program “Research and Innovation in Skin Biology and Anti-Aging Cosmetology”, we combine our own outstanding expertise in skin biology and research as one of the leading innovators in skin care with the knowledge of a leading European university in the Life Sciences field and industrial applications. Together, we build an important bridge between academia and practical research work in the industry. That way, we enable mutual learning and the further development of relevant skills to help you advance your career in skin science. Would you like to expand your scientific knowledge of the complex processes of the skin and contribute to the research and development of effective skin care innovations for global brand icons such as NIVEA, Eucerin, La Prairie, Hansaplast and many more?
Then apply for one of the twelve places on the program and join us in shaping the future of skin care. Applications are accepted until April 1.

Apply here for the program

Key Facts at a Glance

    unique dual-approach
    innovative program combining academic excellence with industry-leading expertise in skin science
    12 young researchers
    benefit from expert mentorship from experienced researchers in both academia and the industry
    4-week theory
    at UNIVPM gaining deep theoretical knowledge in skin biology and anti-aging
    3-month lab experience
    participate in Beiersdorf’s research projects for tomorrow’s skin care innovations
    unique dual-approach
    innovative program combining academic excellence with industry-leading expertise in skin science
    12 young researchers
    benefit from expert mentorship from experienced researchers in both academia and the industry
    4-week theory
    at UNIVPM gaining deep theoretical knowledge in skin biology and anti-aging
    3-month lab experience
    participate in Beiersdorf’s research projects for tomorrow’s skin care innovations

    Good to know about the program

    Following a dual-education approach, the course “Research and Innovation in Skin Biology and Anti-Aging Cosmetology” offers a balanced integration of in-depth academic knowledge and hands-on practical experience during a cutting-edge industrial training with one of the leading innovators in skin care. As a program participant, you will benefit from personalized mentoring, direct access to the latest scientific discoveries, and state-of-the-art methodologies. This innovative interdisciplinary approach equips you with comprehensive future-focused expertise as you join Beiersdorf’s scientists to pioneer innovative cosmetic interventions and develop the active ingredients of tomorrow. The program is aimed at ten to twelve young researchers per year.

    Set-Up of the Industrial-Academic Program

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    Dr. Elisabetta Damiani, Associate Professor Lab of Food Biochemistry, Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, Polytechnic University of Marche

    “The theoretical knowledge delivered in the course has been meticulously put together by the University and Beiersdorf. It delivers an invaluable foundation on skin science and anti-aging which can then be put right into practice in the lab of a leader in the industry. A great opportunity for the researchers of tomorrow.”

    Dr. Judith Seidel, Senior Scientist Life Science Strategy & Outcubation

    “Participants will get a unique opportunity to apply their advanced academic knowledge to concrete real-life research questions within the field of skin care. Together with Beiersdorf scientists, they will work in our laboratories on innovative approaches in cosmetic skin research and active ingredient discovery.”

    Dr. Thomas Blatt, Principal Scientist Skin Biology

    “This program strengthens academic and industrial exchange. It expands access to cutting-edge life science knowledge, fosters mutual learning and upskilling via best practice examples. This marks a significant pillar in building an international scientific learning community.”

    Learning from two experts in their fields

      Innovation Power
      more than 1,000 scientists innovating at Beiersdorf worldwide of which over 700 in Hamburg
      R&D Investment
      yearly over €200 million invested in Beiersdorf’s research and development activities
      Global Network
      Beiersdorf Innovation Centers with state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, US, China, India, Brazil
      Research Expertise
      approx. 1,500 active patents and over 20 scientific publications p.a.
      Innovation Power
      more than 1,000 scientists innovating at Beiersdorf worldwide of which over 700 in Hamburg
      R&D Investment
      yearly over €200 million invested in Beiersdorf’s research and development activities
      Global Network
      Beiersdorf Innovation Centers with state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, US, China, India, Brazil
      Research Expertise
      approx. 1,500 active patents and over 20 scientific publications p.a.
        Leading University
        UNIVPM is one of Italy's leading universities, > 550 lecturers and researchers
        Dynamic Community
        >17000 students enrolled in medicine, engineering, sciences etc., 200+ international collaborations
        Research Focus
        over 50 research centers and laboratories at Polytechnic University of Marche
        Scientific Partners
        10+ years of joint successful research work between Polytechnic University of Marche and Beiersdorf
        Leading University
        UNIVPM is one of Italy's leading universities, > 550 lecturers and researchers
        Dynamic Community
        >17000 students enrolled in medicine, engineering, sciences etc., 200+ international collaborations
        Research Focus
        over 50 research centers and laboratories at Polytechnic University of Marche
        Scientific Partners
        10+ years of joint successful research work between Polytechnic University of Marche and Beiersdorf

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • The professional development program is planned for a duration of three years. The first round will start at the end of May 2025.

        • In addition to students from the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona (UNIVPM), this program is open to all holding a Bachelor’s Degree or Master's studentsen the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Technologies and similar, across Europe. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate from the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona.

        • The course will be offered to a maximum of twelve students a year. After the four-week theoretical instruction at UNIVPM, the practical experience in Beiersdorf’s labs will take place in two rounds, each lasting three months with a maximum of 6 students per round.

        • The program follows a dual-education approach in skin sciences, combining academic and practical experimental work packages in the industry.

          In a first step, students acquire the latest scientific knowledge as they attend four weeks of theoretical instruction at the Polytechnic University of Marche, covering four modules:

          • skin biology and aging
          • skin redox biochemistry
          • skin senescence and anti-aging,
          • and experimental models/photoprotection/cosmeceutical active ingredient

          Acquired knowledge is assessed through a multiple-choice test.
          This is followed by a small-scale experimental research project conducted over a three-month period in the biological research labs at Beiersdorf’s headquarters in Hamburg. Upon successful completion and a final presentation at the end of the program, a certificate is awarded by the Polytechnic University of Marche.

        • The course is an optional professional development program within the programs offered by the Faculty of Sciences. It allows students to apply theoretical scientific knowledge in practice and translate their knowledge into collaboration on real research projects. Just like any other applicant to Beiersdorf, participants of this course can apply to Beiersdorf's broad range of career opportunities, including the R&D Management Traineeship, doctoral research positions, or advertised roles as R&D Engineer. 

        • The program incurs a student enrolment fee of 448 Euros (tax included). UNIVPM will reimburse each student enrolled for costs incurred during the practical experience in Hamburg with up to € 2,000 to contribute to travel and accommodation costs.

        • The professional development program “Research and Innovation in Skin Biology and Anti-Aging Cosmetology” is the first program of its kind that Beiersdorf has launched in collaboration with a university partner. It is initially planned for a three-year term.

        Joint research work with Polytechnic University of Marche