The Dow Chemical Company and the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has announced the launch of the first Young Scientists Program, in the GCC, an initiative that aims to identify and reward students aspiring to pursue a career in chemical and petroleum engineering.

This program will provide selected students with access to information, events and intelligence to help further their studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields, and support their passion for scientific discovery.

Rolling out across educational institutes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the program involves selecting talented students to participate in a range of activities, including a visit to Dow’s Jebel Ali Coatings Plant, an orientation program at Dow’s regional head office and attendance of the 9th Annual GPCA Forum held in November.

In addition to having many hands-on experiences with the downstream petrochemical industry, the students will also receive suitable accreditation for their achievements.

The program will enable the students access to some of the biggest names in the petrochemical sector and provide them with opportunities to network with renowned experts from across the industry at the GPCA Forum, the industry’s flagship event in the Gulf region. Dow’s President for the MENA & Turkey Markus Wildi said, “Dow is a firm believer in developing talent and investing in the next generation to help build a better future. This program endorses Dow’s firm belief that the health of our sector is firmly intertwined with the health of the communities where we operate and supports Dow's STEM mission to help build the workforce of tomorrow by empowering and developing the youth of today.”

Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, secretary general, GPCA, said: “Through this program, GPCA will be actively engaged in supporting the social, economic and educational aspirations of the Gulf region at large.”