Infineum recently participated in an academic event organised by the esteemed Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ). This institution is renowned for nurturing hundreds of budding chemists each year, making it a pivotal player in STEM education.

The event catered to students of the Technical Chemistry programme, offering Infineum an invaluable platform to underscore its commitment to safety and share the wealth of knowledge held by its seasoned professionals.

The session began with Clarissa Martins, Rio Plant Manager, and Priscila Bernardes, Rio HSSE Leader—and an IFRJ alumna—conducting an enlightening course on Laboratory Safety. Their objective was to heighten awareness and instruct students on best practices, an indispensable aspect for any future professional in the chemical industry. The course covered crucial topics such as the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), effective chemical waste management, and established emergency protocols to prevent accidents.

Following this, Givaldo Zaudenone, Production Leader and also an IFRJ alumnus, delivered a keynote address, sharing key experiences from his professional journey. His narrative struck a chord with the students, providing them with a tangible understanding of the challenges and prospects they may face as they embark on their careers.

For Infineum, this event was more than an opportunity to impart knowledge—it was a chance to reinforce the safety culture that is fundamental to all its operations. Educating the chemists of tomorrow about safety is crucial to preparing them to meet workforce challenges responsibly and ethically.

Clarissa Martins reflected on the experience, saying, “It was immensely rewarding to discuss the significance of workplace safety with the IFRJ students. Contributing to their professional development was a privilege I deeply appreciated.”

Priscila Bernardes echoed this sentiment, stating, “Returning to IFRJ and sharing my experiences from Infineum was incredibly special, especially with my daughter present in the audience.”

Infineum’s involvement in this event underscores its commitment to fostering partnerships with educational institutions and highlights its dedication to contributing to the development of a new generation of STEM professionals. These future leaders are being prepared to uphold the highest standards of safety and sustainability in their everyday practices.