Bayer University Mentorship Program (B4U)

2026 Science Leadership Award recipient for St. Louis Outstanding Scientists Awards

The Bayer University Mentoring Program (B4U) has transformed how future scientists bridge academia and industry, establishing a scalable, unique model of scientific leadership. Pilot launched in 2018 by Bayer Crop Science leaders Robert Gaeta, Ph.D., Huachun Larue, Ph.D., Thomas Slewinski, Ph.D., and Phil Taylor, Ph.D., in collaboration with Dr. David Braun at the University of Missouri, the program addresses a long-standing gap in university students’ education on industry careers. B4U program mentored graduate students and postdoctoral researchers about careers beyond academia.

Modeled after Bayer’s internal mentoring system, B4U pairs early-career academic scientists with experienced Bayer professionals in a structured, mentee-driven program. What began as a pilot with 10 students has grown into a global network of more than 1,100 mentees and 400+ mentors. B4U’s success reflects both the foresight of its founders and the scalability of its design, which fosters collaboration, building long-lasting partnerships between universities and industry leaders. It benefits both mentees and mentors in their career development, promoting lifelong learning.

Beyond mentorship, B4U has strengthened the broader scientific ecosystem by building trust between academia and industry and advancing Bayer’s mission of “Health for All, Hunger for None.” With the home base in Chesterfield, Missouri, and participation from well-known St. Louis institutions, such as Washington University and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, B4U stands as a model of science leadership in our region that empowers emerging researchers, drives innovation in agricultural science and cultivates a generation of scientists prepared to advance global progress in food security together.

B4U Key Program Leaders