The journal Science today recognized Abbott (NYSE: ABT) as a Top 20 Employer. The global healthcare company ranked No. 14 overall, receiving high marks for social responsibility, employee loyalty, and having a work culture that aligns with the values of its employees.
This marks the 12th time Abbott has been included in Science magazine's annual ranking, which is voted on by scientists who are asked to select the companies they considered best, average, and worst employers. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 30, 2015, print edition of Science.
"The people who work at Abbott are passionate about advancing science and technology, and we're happy to support them in reaching their professional best," said Robert Miller, Ph.D., co-chair of Abbott's Scientific Governing Board, which oversees the company's 1,700 scientists. "With our global footprint and diverse business profile, scientists can have multiple careers within the same company at Abbott."
As part of its mission to bring new products and technologies to the world, Abbott this year brought renewed focus to the concept of "open innovation" with business partners, universities, and start-ups.
This increases opportunities for Abbott's scientists to work on new technologies and inventions.
In Abbott's diagnostics business, an example of open innovation includes a recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a portable blood test to rapidly diagnose concussions and traumatic brain injury. In the company's nutrition business, academic partnerships with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Singapore and the University of Granada in Spain are helping Abbott scientists explore the cognitive benefits of nutrition.