UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Following the first successful cohort of graduate and postdoctoral scholars in the Bayer Crop Science 2025 University Mentoring Program (B4U), Bayer has expanded the initiative at Penn State to include the Bayer Pharmaceuticals 2026 B4U Program. The expansion, which targets those interested in careers in the pharmaceutical industry, reflects Penn State and Bayer's shared commitment to preparing graduate students and postdoctoral researchers for impactful careers at the intersection of academia, industry and innovation.
While the program focuses on technical skills and career pathways, it places a major emphasis on professional skills and connecting participants with experts from Bayer and the more than 30 North American universities participating in the program. Bayer scientists volunteer their time to personalize mentorship, provide webinars, site visits and networking opportunities, providing late-stage graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with the tools they need to succeed.
Penn State faculty leading the B4U programs include Surinder Chopra, professor of maize genetics for the crop science initiative, and Justin Pritchard, associate professor of biomedical engineering for the pharmaceuticals initiative.
The B4U Mentoring Program is open to graduate-level students and postdoctoral scholars affiliated with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, the colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Health and Human Development, and the Eberly College of Science. Students and postdoctoral researchers with academic, research or career interests aligned with crop sciences or pharmaceuticals are encouraged to apply.
Applications are now open and will be accepted through Feb. 22. Complete this form to learn more about the program.
This opportunity is supported by the partnership between the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center and Bayer.