P&G Announces Partnership With PACN and UNILAG

P&G has announced its partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, via the PACN (Pan Africa Chemistry Network) to help promote science in Africa. The aim of the partnership is to develop links between industry and academia that currently do not exist, and foster skills within academic communities.

The PACN program was initiated by the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) with the objective of networking scientists, researchers, schools and libraries, to help promote science and research throughout Africa.

In its second year now, the current focus of the collaboration is to further the advancement of research on hygiene, sustainability and regulatory harmonization. Towards this, P&G is setting up a stateo-of-the-art research facility in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Lagos. In addition, P&G would contribute towards building capability of young Nigerian scientists by engaging young graduates as interns to work on research projects at the facility.

As part of its work across the African continent, the PACN with P&G’s support, has established two ‘Centers of Excellence’ and donated research equipment worth over three million naira at the universities of Lagos and Ibadan in Nigeria. Researchers at both universities now have access to modern equipment, and through hands-on training, Nigerian researchers can maximize their potential.

Professor David Philips, the immediate past president of the RSC, commended Procter and Gamble (P&G) for its collaboration with Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) saying, “This is the second event that will take place in Africa in partnership with P&G. Both events have taken place in Nigeria - showcasing our joint commitment to develop stronger links with the Nigerian scientific community”. He described P&G’s support and dedication to the programme as a welcome development to the growth of science in Africa, adding that its commitment and diligence has been enormously appreciated throughout the many months of working together.

Dr. Helen Neville, P&G Vice President for R&D, also commented saying that P&G is delighted to partner with RSC in their work with PACN, adding that the synergy will help the organization learn, connect and collaborate to develop plans that advance health, sustainability and regulatory harmonization in Africa. Dr. Neville also added that P&G has a strong commitment to sustainability to ensure a better quality of life for people and planet.