Abbott Recognized as One of the 'Best Places to Work in Industry' by The Scientist magazine

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has been named one of the Top 10 companies on The Scientist magazine's annual "Best Places to Work in Industry" list.  Abbott is the highest ranked health care company on the 2010 list, ranking No. 4 on the list of Large Companies.  This is the seventh time that Abbott has been on the list since The Scientist first started ranking companies in 2003.  This prestigious list is based on a detailed survey taken by scientists at life-science companies and research institutions worldwide.  The rankings will be included in The Scientist's May issue, available in print and online today.

"Abbott's success begins with our scientists, and our inclusion on this list acknowledges our commitment to building a strong scientific community that is creative and collaborative in seeking new solutions for patients," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Development, Abbott.

"This year's winners include innovative companies that value scientific creativity and encourage employees to give back to their community," said Edyta Zielinska, Associate Editor, The Scientist.

Respondents to The Scientist survey were asked to assess their working environment according to 45 criteria in eight different categories, including overall job satisfaction, training, benefits and flexibility.  Survey respondents cited training, educational development and a sense of community as top factors in establishing a positive workplace.

At Abbott, employees are given opportunities to succeed, lead and grow in their careers through training, mentoring, networking groups and extensive 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.

Abbott Widely Recognized as a Great Place to Work

In addition to being recognized as a top employer for scientists, Abbott has been named a great place to work in more than 20 countries around the world.  Abbott also has been named one of the "50 Best Places to Launch a Career" by BusinessWeek magazine, one of the Top 10 companies on Working Mother magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies," and one of the top companies for diversity by DiversityInc magazine.  Additionally, FORTUNE has named Abbott as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" every year since the list's inception in 1983, including naming Abbott the No. 1 Most Admired Pharmaceutical Company in 2010.

About The Scientist

The Scientist, the award-winning magazine of the life sciences, has informed and entertained life science professionals around the world for more than 20 years.  We provide print and online coverage of the latest developments in the life sciences including trends in research, new technology, news, business and careers.  We reach the leading researchers in academia and industry who are interested in maintaining a broad view of the life sciences by reading insightful articles that are current, concise, accurate and entertaining.  For more information about The Scientist, visit www.the-scientist.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.  The company employs approximately 83,000 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 www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott