New plastic engineering degree programmes supports industry growth

In October, 2009, a new Plastic Engineering degree programme will begin at Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria). The programme and curriculum is jointly supported by OMV and Borealis who contributed a total of EUR 3 million for the implementation and expansion of four new departments within the School of Technical Science.

Beginning with the winter term 2009/10, a Bachelors degree in Plastic Engineering as well as a Masters degree in Industrial Plastic Engineering will be offered. The Masters degree in Plastic Engineering will follow in October 2010. Both master's programmes will be offered in English with Plastic Engineering, Polymer Chemistry and mechatronicsas the cornerstones of the new programmes.

The new Plastic Engineering programme will meet the increasing demand for highly qualified staff in the plastics industry in Austria and world-wide. With the industry expected to grow significantly in the coming years, a need for students with know-how in the areas of material science, with a focus on plastics and mechanical engineering competences will be required.

To meet these requirements, Johannes Kepler University is focusing on an interdisciplinary education combining polymer chemistry, mechatronics, mechanical engineering and material sciences as well as plastic engineering. Additionally, the university will offer a programme for Industrial Engineers with a focus on Plastic Engineering.

"With the new Plastic Engineering programme, Johannes Kepler University meets the requirements of the industry for highly educated specialists and researchers who will support the growth in our industry," says Alfred Stern, Borealis Vice President Innovation & Technology. "At the same time the new Plastic Engineering programme gives us the opportunity to work even closer with Johannes Kepler University on joint research projects."

Borealis is currently building its international Innovation Headquarters in Linz. Scheduled for completion in autumn 2009, the world-wide research activities of Borealis will be co-ordinated from Linz.

"Johannes Kepler University offers a state-of-the-art programme to meet the requirements of the industry," says Univ.Prof. Dr. Richard Hagelauer. "The appointment of renowned professors guarantees research and education on the highest level. At this moment in time, Plastic Engineering graduates have greater career opportunities than any other engineering profession."

More information about the Plastic Engineering study can be found at www.jku.at/kunststofftechnik. The registration period is until October 29, you can sign-up online at http://voranmeldung.jku.at/.

For further information please contact:

Kerstin Meckler
Head of Communications, Borealis
Vienna, Austria
+43 1 22 400 389
kerstin.meckler@borealisgroup.com

Manfred Rathmoser
Head of Communications, JKU
Linz, Austria
+43 732 2468 9889
manfred.rathmoser@jku.at