Why Bayer
Reputation & Impact
Bayer is an international science-based company that is inspired to impact the future and improve the way people live in our world. As a global corporate citizen, we make every effort to contribute to society with innovations that improve life now and in the future. As part of the Bayer team, you are empowered to find answers to questions addressing the great challenges of our time, and make a tangible impact with your ideas and solutions.
Our passion for making the world a better place is as evident in the environment we provide for our employees as it is in the products we make. Read about our history, the recognition we have received, and how we contribute to society, and you will learn why working at Bayer is such a unique experience.
A History of great ideas

Bayer’s first priority has been improving our customers’ lives since the day our company began over 150 years ago. Our groundbreaking products and state-of-the-art facilities have their roots in the forward-thinking small business founded by Friedrich Bayer and Johann Friedrich Westkott in 1863. Explore our heritage, and learn about the milestones on our path to becoming the company we are today.
Awards
Our commitment to the environment, and our communities, and corporate sustainability continuously receives recognition from outside organizations. In particular, Bayer has received distinction as an employer, being praised as a top workplace, an excellent place to work for scientists, and a great company for working mothers. Read about our awards to find out more about what Bayer has to offer you.
Our Contribution to Society
Sustainability and social responsibility have always been key topics in our efforts to adapt to a changing world. To contribute to society’s future viability, we make investments in the areas of science and education, health, social needs, and community projects. This commitment is an integral element of Bayer’s corporate policy. Some of our ongoing activities include:
- The Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award, presented annually to talented young scientists in the early stages of their academic careers;
- A collaboration with the Chinese government aimed at promoting advanced training for physicians in rural, medically underserved areas of western China;
- A fund to encourage recreational, disabled, and competitive sports activities in Germany.
Disaster aid is another area of activity for our social needs foundation. As an example, in the wake of the 2012 earthquake in Sichuan province, China, Bayer responded to the emergency with an extensive aid program. The Bayer Cares Foundation launched several projects to rebuild the community, including an initiative to restore a devastated college campus in the city of Dujiangyan.
Bayer Foundations
The origin of the Bayer foundations goes back to Friedrich Bayer, who laid the cornerstone for the company's first foundation activities already in 1897.

Today there are two Bayer foundations: the Bayer Science & Education Foundation, which supports science and education by improving school programs, promoting young scientists, and honoring outstanding research; and the Bayer Cares Foundation, which seeks to improve living conditions through social initiatives, including healthcare and disaster relief.
The foundations support innovators in science, education, and social welfare, thus improving lives today and into the future.