{"id":7949,"date":"2023-07-13T11:45:12","date_gmt":"2023-07-13T09:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/?post_type=story&p=7949"},"modified":"2026-02-16T20:29:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T19:29:24","slug":"inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center\n <\/h1>\n

Our MSD site in Schachen in the Canton of Lucerne is no ordinary site. It is a fusion of the most modern technology, innovative research and development, and an inspiring work environment.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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13.07.2023<\/p>\n

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Share this article<\/p>\n

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Our site in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines. Since its establishment in 1976, the site has continually grown. Today, about 490 employees from 30 countries work in Schachen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is what we do in Schachen:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
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01.<\/p><\/div>

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We manufacture biotechnological active substances.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Schachen, we have at our disposal biotechnical production on a clinical scale for producing new active substances, as well as capacities for sterile filling of new medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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02.<\/p><\/div>

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We supply medicines for global clinical studies.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Schachen is one of only two sites in MSD’s global network that provides new medicines for clinical studies worldwide. Here, the clinical test samples are packed, labeled and then shipped to clinical sites all over the world. The strictly monitored studies show whether the new medicines are effective and safe.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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03.<\/p><\/div>

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We develop analytical methods for new active substances and medicines.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Analytical development is one of our main areas. In various specialized laboratories, we examine cell cultures, conduct tests with bioassays and offer everything needed to develop analysis methods for new active substances and medicines, from PCR analytics and mass spectroscopy to biochemical analyzes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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04.<\/p><\/div>

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We work on analysis methods that allow a continuous production process to be seamlessly monitored and controlled.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Continuous production processes in the pharmaceutical industry are still the exception because the technical and regulatory requirements are very high.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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05.<\/p><\/div>

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We operate a forensic laboratory in which suspected cases of counterfeit medicines are investigated.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Schachen, we operate one of three forensic laboratories worldwide with the goal of quickly detecting manipulations and counterfeits of MSD products. Our scientists work with the aid of analytical methods and highly specialized instruments to differentiate counterfeits from original products and, if necessary, to present the results in court as experts to support corresponding criminal prosecutions. They also work on further optimizing the counterfeit protection of MSD products worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00abAt the Schachen site, it’s not just a matter of the most modern technology and innovative research, but primarily about people. I am incredibly proud of our team, which works passionately and is committed to improve the lives of patients with ground-breaking discoveries and the development of new medicines. Their untiring commitment makes Schachen a place where we achieve greatness together<\/em>.\u00bb<\/p>DR. CORINNA LENZ, DIRECTOR, MSD SCHACHEN SITE<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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CH-NON-02294, 07\/2023<\/sup><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our site in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines. Since its establishment in 1976, the site has continually grown. Today, about 490 employees from 30 countries work in Schachen. Here is what we do in Schachen: \u00abAt the Schachen site, it’s not just a matter of the most modern […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10174,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"bdl_company_name":[],"bdl_item_external_link":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[47],"content_topic":[48],"admin_field":[],"class_list":["post-7949","story","type-story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-company","content_topic-company"],"yoast_head":"\nInside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center - msd.ch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our high-tech development center in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center - msd.ch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Our high-tech development center in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"msd.ch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-16T19:29:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2026\/01\/2026-01_Schachen_e34.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1266\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/\",\"name\":\"Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center - msd.ch\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-13T09:45:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-16T19:29:24+00:00\",\"description\":\"Our high-tech development center in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories\/inside-schachen-a-glance-at-our-high-tech-development-center\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Stories\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/stories-archive\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/\",\"name\":\"msd.ch\",\"description\":\"MSD researches and develops medicines and vaccines to save lives and improve patients' health. 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Learn more about us!","story_one_selection":"select","related_content_item_one":false,"story_two_selection":"select","related_content_item_two":{"ID":6999,"post_author":"282","post_date":"2023-10-13 17:17:12","post_date_gmt":"2023-10-13 15:17:12","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/article-hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-hero-block\",\"data\":{\"show_hide_icon\":\"1\",\"_show_hide_icon\":\"mco_f1_icon_visibility\",\"show_hide_text\":\"1\",\"_show_hide_text\":\"mco_f1_share_text_visibility\",\"show_hide_date\":\"1\",\"_show_hide_date\":\"mco_f1_share_date_visibility\",\"date_text\":\"13 October 2025\",\"_date_text\":\"mco_f1_date_text\",\"share_text\":\"\",\"_share_text\":\"mco_f1_share_text\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne und Zurich<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Every year, our employees support voluntary activities for their communities. The Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich, organized together with the IG Sauber Umwelt (IGSU), are an example of such a volunteering opportunity.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Employees from all five MSD Switzerland <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/home\/about-us\/sites\/\">locations<\/a> were invited to roll up their sleeves on two days and help to rid the cities of Lucerne and Zurich of waste. A team of over 50 employees gathered to work together for this good cause.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>\u00ab<em>We have collected over 68 kg of waste and disposed of it correctly!\u00bb<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Anabel D., MSD employee at the Citybay location, Lucerne<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":8199,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/10\/2023-Story-31.jpg?w=800\" alt=\"Picture: MSD employees in action\" class=\"wp-image-8199\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">MSD employees in action<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":8200,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/10\/2023-Story-21.jpg?w=800\" alt=\"Picture: 2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected\" class=\"wp-image-8200\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":8201,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\",\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/10\/2023-Story-11.jpg?w=800\" alt=\"Picture: Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich\" class=\"wp-image-8201\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why volunteering is important to us at MSD<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Volunteering at MSD means get involved for worthy charitable organizations on a voluntary basis during paid working hours. Another possibility is to contribute your professional skills to international projects within the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msd.com\/company-overview\/sustainability\/philanthropy\/a-closer-look-msd-fellowship-for-global-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MSD Fellowship for Global Health Programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Our volunteer commitment is a sign of solidarity. It aims to promote a culture of social interaction, improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people and benefit the community. Simply put, with our commitment we want to help and give something back to society and our environment. Those who volunteer also take advantage of the opportunity to network with other MSD colleagues and learn or improve skills that are not part of their everyday work routine.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\",\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>\u00ab<em>The Clean-Up-Days were a great experience and an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other locations.<\/em>\u00bb <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Rafael F., MSD employee at The Circle location, Zurich<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><sup>CH-NON-02013, 10\/2025<\/sup><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Volunteering? A point of honor for us at MSD","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"clean-up-days","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-10-13 19:46:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-10-13 17:46:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/?post_type=story&p=6999","menu_order":0,"post_type":"story","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"story_three_selection":"select","related_content_item_three":{"ID":7811,"post_author":"282","post_date":"2025-05-02 13:45:00","post_date_gmt":"2025-05-02 11:45:00","post_content":"<!-- wp:acf\/article-hero-block {\"name\":\"acf\/article-hero-block\",\"data\":{\"date_text\":\"\",\"_date_text\":\"mco_f1_date_text\",\"share_text\":\"\",\"_share_text\":\"mco_f1_share_text\"},\"mode\":\"edit\"} \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">We introduce eight remarkable women who have paved the way for future generations.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle mco-f7-block wrapper-story-narrower mt-2\"><!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"className\":\"mt-2\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item mt-2\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>01.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ann Colon,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">the first woman to celebrate 50 years with MSD.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9500,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/de\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/06\/colon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9500\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Anna \"Ann\" Colon started in MSD's packaging department in 1919. She became a manager in 1933.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When she retired after more than 50 years with MSD, she was the longest-tenured female employee in the company to date.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"02.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>02.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Grace Winterling,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">the first female corporate officer at MSD.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Grace Winterling began her career during World War II in the Priorities Department before taking on supervisory roles in the Systems and Procedures, Organizational Planning, and Office Services Divisions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9511,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/de\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/06\/winterling.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9511\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 1954, she became an administrative assistant to the Corporate Secretary. She was elected to Assistant Secretary in 1957 \u2013 a role that made her the first woman to become one of the companies corporate officers. The fact that a female executive had been named was so remarkable that it made headlines in local newspapers.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>After 15 years in corporate leadership, Grace was named president of the company's Foundation, which continues continues to fund qualified, eligible nonprofit and philanthropic organizations today. Grace retired in 1983 after 40 years with MSD.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"03.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>03.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9513,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/08\/susan-jenkins.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9513\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Susan Jenkins,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">the first african-american female chemist at MSD.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Susan R. Jenkins started at MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) in 1957 as one of the first African-American female chemists in the company, working on synthesizing enzymes, in addition to other activities.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She later moved to Human Resources, where she held various leadership positions, most recently as Senior Vice President of Human Resources.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"04.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>04.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marian S. Heiskell,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MSD\u2019s first woman elected to Board of Directors.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Marian S. Heiskell, Director of Special Activities at the New York Times Company, became the first woman elected to MSD's Board of Directors in 1973. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9515,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/08\/marian-heiskell.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9515\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She retained her seat on the Board for 18 years until she stepped down in 1991. Marian Heiskell was a well-known philanthropist and newspaper executive and died in 2019 at the age of 100.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"05.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>05.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9516,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/de\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/06\/dorothy-bowers.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9516\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dorothy Bowers,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MSD\u2019s first vice president of environmental and safety policy.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dorothy Bowers joined MSD in 1974 as an engineer in the Environmental Department.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 1982, she was promoted to Senior Director of Environmental Control. 10 years later, she was appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of Environmental and Safety Policy. Committed to ensuring our company was a leader in protecting the environment, Dorothy spearheaded numerous processes for reducing the company\u2019s emissions and chemical releases, making MSD a model for the industry as one of the first companies to publicly commit to pollution reductions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By 1999, after 25 years with the company, Dorothy had helped elevate environment protection to be among our highest business priorities before her retirement.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"06.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>06.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Christine Stubbs,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">the first woman to earn a chemical engineering degree from Howard University.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9517,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/08\/christine-stubbs.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9517\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Christine \"Chris\" Stubbs began working at MSD in 1983 as the first woman to earn an engineering degree from Howard University.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>From then, she was one of the company\u2019s most active employees in promoting equal opportunity. After 10 years with MSD, Chris managed materials logistics at the Flint River manufacturing facility in Albany, Georgia, where she supervised 31 employees. This alone was impressive, but it was her additional work promoting diversity that earned her recognition as one of the 1993 Black Engineers of the Year from US Black Engineer magazine.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"07.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>07.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9518,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/08\/dr-cole.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9518\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">the first african-american female board member at MSD.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr. Cole joined the MSD Board of Directors in 1994 and retained the seat until 2009. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She was also the first African-American president of the prestigious Spelman College for African-American Women and also the first African-American woman on the Board of Directors at the Coca-Cola Company.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As early as 1997, Dr. Cole asserted that diversity was a smart investment for businesses, most notably stating, \u201cLet\u2019s address the question as to whether diversity in the American workforce is the right thing to do or the smart thing to do. The answer is: it is both.\u201d <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item {\"headingText\":\"08.\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-mccberg-f7-listicle-item f7-listicle-item\"><div class=\"f7-listicle-header\"><div><\/div><div><p>08.<\/p><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"f7-listicle-content\"><!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deborah Dagit,<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MSD\u2019s first Chief Diversity Officer.<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deborah Dagit worked as MSD's first Diversity Officer for 12 years. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9519,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2023\/08\/deb-dagit.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9519\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Deb, who had been instrumental in getting the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act passed by Congress, helped our company tie diversity and inclusion initiatives directly to the company\u2019s business practices and results. In 2010, she established <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/home\/ebrgs\/\">MSD\u2019s employee business resource groups (EBRGs)<\/a> that are still active today. Deb retired from our company in December 2012.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle-item --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:mccberg\/f7-listicle -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">We promote innovation through diversity and inclusion<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Worldwide, MSD promotes a working environment with the aim of making people feel comfortable regardless of culture, age, sexual orientation or gender. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/home\/diversity-and-inclusion\/\">Diversity and inclusion<\/a> have been an integral part of the corporate culture for many years. This is also reflected in the numbers e.g., around 50% of those who fill management positions in Switzerland and worldwide are women.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"20px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":9520,\"width\":\"402px\",\"height\":\"248px\",\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/de\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2023\/06\/03034_EBRG_Identifier_Womens_Network_TealGrey_RGB-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9520\" style=\"width:402px;height:248px\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column -->\n\n<!-- wp:column -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\"><!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MSD Women's Network<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In 1995, a group of female MSD employees in the USA got together to found the MSD Women's Network. The network is committed to gender equity. It now has 57 chapters worldwide and over 9,000 members, both women and men. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In Switzerland, around 400 employees are involved with the MSD Women's Network.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"30px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">MSD as an employer<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Would you like to work with us to further develop our medicines and healthcare solutions, to continuously improve medical care and to bring inspiration to new generations? Become part of our team!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jobs.msd.com\/switzerland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">To the MSD job portal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer -->\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><sup>CH-NON-02261, 05\/2025<\/sup><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Women at MSD","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"women-at-msd","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-05-04 18:47:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-05-04 16:47:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/?post_type=story&p=7811","menu_order":0,"post_type":"story","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"scroll-to-top":false,"subheader_title":"Our MSD site in Schachen in the Canton of Lucerne is no ordinary site. It is a fusion of the most modern technology, innovative research and development, and an inspiring work environment.","secondary_image":false,"video_hosting_selection":"youtube","youtube_url":"","primary_cta":"Read more","secondary_cta":"","mcc_page_job_number":"","show_image_captions":false,"heading_level":"","related_content_item_one_aria_label":"","related_content_item_two_aria_label":"","related_content_item_three_aria_label":"","video_accessible_name":"","primary_cta_aria_label":"","secondary_cta_aria_label":""}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/7949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/story"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/7949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10266,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story\/7949\/revisions\/10266"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"content_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_topic?post=7949"},{"taxonomy":"Admin Field","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.msd.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/admin_field?post=7949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}