Abbott Named One of the 'Top Employers' in the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry by Science Magazine

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today was named one of the top 20 employers in Science magazine's 2010 Top Biopharma Employers survey.  The annual survey seeks to identify the companies with the best reputations as employers.  According to the survey, Abbott's top three driving characteristics were: clear vision, loyal employees, and does important, quality research. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 8, 2010 issue of Science.

"At Abbott, science is the foundation of our success and every day thousands of Abbott scientists work to find meaningful solutions for patients around the world," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, pharmaceuticals, research and development, Abbott and chair of Abbott's scientific governing board.  "Abbott is proud to be included on Science magazine's list of top employers.  The ranking is further evidence that we have been successful in our effort to create a creative, collaborative scientific organization that encourages and rewards innovative thinking."

At Abbott, all 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.  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 Widely Recognized as a Premier Employer

In addition to the Science ranking, Abbott also has been recognized as a top employer for scientists by The Scientist magazine six times and was the highest ranked health care company on The Scientist's 2010 list.  Abbott also has been one of Working Mother magazine's "100 Best Companies" for ten consecutive years and has been named a great place to work in more than 20 countries around the world.  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 Company in its industry sector in 2010, in part for the company's strong performance in people management.  

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