BrightsideUNIAID

AstraZeneca has had a longstanding, innovative relationship with BrightsideUNIAID since 2003. The company has donated funding and supported the charity in a number of ways:

• Seconding an employee to support the development of our first ementoring programme which is now a nationwide programme called Bright Journals
• Giving unrestricted funding, which supported 24 projects from 2003 to 2007, including the pilot of MedEx, the UK’s first medical work experience programme for young people
• Providing funding and coordinating input from the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust to develop Scientists in Schools, an innovative online community of teachers and ambassadors from science and engineering sectors, including AztraZeneca staff
• Offering PR support and networking opportunities to build new partnerships in the sector

The relationship has evolved throughout the past five years moving from an initial secondment, to significant financial support, employee volunteering and the birth of joint projects which meet our shared objectives of tackling social disadvantage and widening access into science and healthcare careers. 2010 will also see the involvement of AstraZeneca employees as mentors and experts for Brightside’s science e-mentoring programmes.

Through this relationship, AstraZeneca has shown its commitment to tackling its core CSR aims; the science sector skills shortage and widening access to science for disadvantaged young people.

We are delighted to work with BrightsideUNIAID because we strongly believe in their vision and enjoy working with them. By collaborating, we have had opportunities to develop innovative solutions to make a real difference to tackling social disadvantage as well as provide ongoing flexible and rewarding volunteering opportunities for our staff.
Aileen Allsop, Vice President - Science Policy, AstraZeneca