Thermo Fisher Scientific Continues Support for COVID-19 Testing on Historically Black College and University Campuses

Rhea-AI Summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) announced its continued $7.5 million commitment for the 2021-2022 school year to support The Just Project, providing no-cost COVID-19 testing at over 60 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The initiative aims to ensure campus safety amidst rising COVID-19 cases, having conducted over 50,000 tests last year with infection rates below 1%. Additionally, Thermo Fisher plans to hire more than 500 HBCU alumni over three years to promote diversity in its workforce.

Positive

• Thermo Fisher is allocating $7.5 million for COVID-19 testing support in the 2021-2022 school year.
• The Just Project has successfully conducted over 50,000 tests, maintaining infection rates below 1%.
• The company is committed to hiring over 500 HBCU alumni over three years, enhancing its diversity efforts.

Negative

• None.

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., (NYSE:TMO) the world leader in serving science, today announced continuing support for The Just Project, a national initiative to provide COVID-19 testing to students, faculty and staff across more than 60 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) at no cost. A $7.5 million commitment for the 2021-2022 school year will once again provide diagnostic instruments, test kits and related supplies.

"A year after we launched The Just Project, COVID-19 cases are increasing again, and testing is critical to ensuring campus safety," said Fred Lowery, senior vice president and president for customer channels at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Last year HBCUs nationwide administered more than 50,000 tests under the project, and infection rates at participating schools were below 1% with minimal academic disruption. We hope other schools will join the program as we extend it through the 2021-2022 school year."

The Just Project, named after pioneering biologist Ernest Everett Just, has created a nationwide testing infrastructure with the capacity to provide free testing for all 107 HBCUs in the U.S. Currently, eight on-campus labs serve as hubs to process samples for more than 60 participating HBCUs. Testing hubs include Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University and Xavier University of Louisiana.

"The Just Project has made a significant difference on our campus," said Rashid Mosavin, Ph.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University. "With testing available on our campus as frequently as needed, we were able to welcome our students, faculty and staff back to campus for in-person learning with confidence."

James E.K. Hildreth, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Meharry Medical College said, "We're grateful for Thermo Fisher's continued support of COVID-19 testing across HBCUs to serve a broad reach of their students. Testing is the core component of a robust model in preventing the spread of infectious disease. With these resources and testing components in place, we're able to make data-driven decisions and policies to support the health and safety of our students and community."

Given the focus on recruiting diverse talent, Thermo Fisher has also committed to hiring more than 500 HBCU alumni over three years, reinforcing a commitment to create a more inclusive workplace. Since August of 2020, more than 180 HBCU alumni have joined the company.

For more information on The Just Project, please visit our website. 

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $35 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 90,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:
Ron O'Brien
Phone: 781-622-1242
E-mail: ron.obrien@thermofisher.com

Investor Contact Information:
Rafael Tejada
Phone:  781-622-1356
E-mail: rafael.tejada@thermofisher.com

 

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SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

FAQ

What is The Just Project by Thermo Fisher Scientific?

The Just Project is a national initiative providing no-cost COVID-19 testing to students, faculty, and staff at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

How much is Thermo Fisher investing in The Just Project for 2021-2022?

Thermo Fisher is investing $7.5 million for the 2021-2022 school year to support COVID-19 testing at HBCUs.

What were the COVID-19 testing results for HBCUs last year under The Just Project?

Last year, HBCUs administered over 50,000 tests with infection rates below 1%.

How many HBCU alumni does Thermo Fisher plan to hire?

Thermo Fisher plans to hire over 500 HBCU alumni over a three-year period.