Merck Serono to support European chemistry initiative

Merck Serono has announced its support for Chimiscope, a new initiative aimed at sharing scientific knowledge and encouraging ambition in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.

Developed by the University of Geneva and the Association Industrielle Genevoise des Sciences de la Vie as part of the International Year of Chemistry, it involves the launch of a special demonstration laboratory at the university's headquarters.

The site will be used to allow schoolchildren, students, teachers and visiting members of the public to learn about the life sciences in an interactive manner, while highlighting career prospects in the field.

Merck Serono will fund the scheme as part of a wider partnership between the company and the University of Geneva, which has involved the drugmaker providing support for various events and exhibitions.

Dr Bernhard Kirschbaum, head of global discovery and early development at Merck Serono, said: "As a major player in the field of life sciences, Merck Serono is committed to supporting initiatives such as the Chimiscope, which aims at sharing and practicing science."

Earlier this month, the company announced that it has been granted a Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommendation for an expanded indication for the multiple sclerosis drug Rebif.