Is there a particular motivation for Thermo Fisher to support our charity run?
Thermo Fisher Scientific has an overriding goal: we want to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Especially in the health sector, we see ourselves as a strong partner in research and development and also in in vitro diagnostics. In addition, the topic of "social responsibility" is also very important, both for the company itself and for the individual employees, which is why we are very happy to support the NCT run and the associated projects.
How many employees does Thermo have and how do you try to inspire your employees to participate in the NCT Run?
In Germany alone, there are over 27 locations with over 5000 employees. Globally, the company has grown to about 130,000 colleagues. The interest in participating in the NCT Run is mainly fostered by our employees themselves, who, for example, engage in employee-led groups on various areas of interest and topics, such as equal rights for women in the workplace, diversity & inclusion and the exchange between different generations in the workplace. These provide a great opportunity and platform to network with each other and also raise awareness of events such as the NCT Run.
For the future, virtual participation should also be possible in addition to the big event in Heidelberg. We would like to cultivate the worldwide community of supporters for the NCT Heidelberg and together set a strong example. Against this background, is it an advantage for your company if the NCT Run is (also) organised as a virtual charity run?
Since Thermo Fisher Scientific is a company with employees worldwide, the virtual access to the NCT Run offers many people the opportunity to participate and run. Therefore, we welcome the fact that the run will also take place in the future, at least as a hybrid event. Nevertheless, such an event is particularly alive through the experience and work on site and the personal connection to one's fellow human beings, especially to those to whom this charity run is dedicated and should benefit.
The donations collected from our charity events go entirely to innovative projects for treatment and research at the NCT Heidelberg. These projects could not exist in this form without the support of our donors. What requirements does a project/idea/cause need for you to be willing to donate?
I can say that I and my family are in a very privileged position compared to many people around the world when it comes to our health and our environment. Therefore, it has always been our concern to provide appropriate support at different points. We consider both the immediate need for support and the corresponding personal interests of the family members, but also a certain trust in the organisation to which support flows.
One of the areas of application at TF is mentioned as "cancer research" and in this area you talk about "our commitment to you in this partnership". What does a support you describe for your clients on their research journey usually look like?
Personally, I have had the privilege of supporting our customers for over 15 years in various roles in the life science sector, working with my various sales teams to ensure that our customers' staff saw Thermo Fisher Scientific colleagues as partners in equipping laboratories and designing projects. In my current role in clinical diagnostics, the proximity to the patient is even more immediate, and my teams ensure that diagnostic laboratories can provide time-critical and sometimes vital diagnostics to their partners around the clock.
Do you already know where you will be running for the NCT Heidelberg this year?
"Brieselang"
"At the Baltic Sea on holiday"
"In Wetzlar, while I am on a canoeing weekend with friends and family"
"Near the Thermo Fisher Scientific site in Kandel".