Abbott Again Recognized as One of the "Top Employers" in the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry by Science Magazine

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today was named one of the top 20 employers in Science magazine's 2011 Top Biopharma Employers survey. The annual survey polls employees at innovation-based companies and determines the best employers based on 23 characteristics.  According to the survey, Abbott's top three characteristics are: conducting important, quality research; being socially responsible; and treating employees with respect. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 7, 2011 issue of Science.

"Abbott's success begins with our scientists and we are honored to be included on Science magazine's list of top employers," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, pharmaceuticals, research and development, Abbott and chair of Abbott's scientific governing board. "Abbott has worked hard to create a diverse and creative scientific organization that encourages and rewards innovative thinking to find meaningful solutions for patients around the world."

Abbott was also recognized today as one of the 100 Best Companies by Working Mother magazine (please click here for press release: http://www.abbott.com/news-media/press-releases/2011-sept15.htm.)

At Abbott, employees are given opportunities to succeed, lead and grow in their careers through training, mentoring, networking groups and development programs.  Abbott scientists are rewarded through the Chairman's awards, President's awards, patent/inventor awards and induction into the prestigious Volwiler Society, which was established in 1985 to recognize the company's most distinguished scientists and engineers.  

Named for the late Ernest H. Volwiler, Ph.D., an internationally recognized scientist and former Abbott president and chairman of the board, the society encourages professional growth, and is meant to spur, recognize and showcase scientific innovation at Abbott.  Each year, the Volwiler Society issues "Outstanding Research" awards to the Abbott scientists and teams who have made significant contributions to their scientific fields.

About the Science Survey

Science's annual survey of Top Employers polls employees in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and related industries to determine the driving characteristics of the best employers and to determine the 20 best employers in these industries. Respondents to the web-based survey were asked to rate companies based on 23 characteristics, including financial strength, easy adaptation to change, and a research-driven environment. The study was conducted and rankings were determined by an independent research firm commissioned by the business office of the journal.

Abbott Recognized as a Premier Employer  

In addition to being recognized by Scientist magazine, Abbott has been included on Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for 11 years, recognized by DiversityInc magazine as a top company for diversity for eight years and named to Hispanic Business magazine's list of the Top 60 Diversity Elite for five years.  The company also has been recognized by The Scientist magazine as a top employer for scientists for seven years, and has been named a great place to work in more than 25 countries around the world.  

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott