Continental Intensifies Cooperation with the Leibniz Universitat Hannover

HANOVER, GERMANY – March 25, 2009: Continental AG, Hanover, and the Leibniz Universität Hannover are systematically expanding their cooperation: The president of the university, Dr. Erich Barke, appointed this Wednesday Continental manager Dr. Jorge Lacayo-Pineda as honorary professor of the university. The Head of the Expert Field Material Evaluation has lectured at the Leibniz Universität Hannover for several years, especially in the Master's program in analytical chemistry, which was initiated by the university together with Continental in 2000 and subsequently expanded.

“The honorary professorship is a distinction for Dr. Lacayo-Pineda's outstanding teaching as well as his scientific activities,” says Prof. Hartmut Stützel, dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. “For me, the honorary professorship demonstrates that our mutual commitment to educating young scientists is experiencing a high degree of recognition. It is not only a sign of appreciation at a personal level, but also a clear commitment on the part of the Leibniz Universität Hannover to the long-standing and successful cooperation with Continental AG,” said Dr. Lacayo-Pineda.

Continental AG and the Leibniz Universität Hannover are currently collaborating closely on seven research projects. Basis is the framework agreement signed in October which should provide greater flexibility for the existing cooperation while also further intensifying it. “The university needs a connection to industrial practice. It is vital that students become familiar with the implementation of theory in industrial practice and to play an active role in its development. And that is just what Continental advocates as partner,” explained Lacayo. In return, universities share their latest knowledge and findings, develop new ideas and methods, and provide a benchmark for the state of technology.

Dr. Jorge Lacayo-Pineda (44) was born in Nicaragua and has lived in Germany since 1983. He studied physics at the Martin-Luther-Universität in Halle-Wittenberg. After graduating in physics, Dr. Lacayo attained in collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute a doctor's degree with the title Dr.rer.nat. from the Humboldt Universität in Berlin. Mr. Lacayo acquired vast scientifical experience in the commercial analytics and in the academy research. Since 1998, Dr. Lacayo has been employed by Continental AG as an industrial scientist and laboratory manager. In March 2009 he took over the position of Head of the Expert Field Material Evaluation. Additionally is Dr. Lacayo responsible for technical and scientific matters for all Continental laboratories at approximately 30 locations worldwide. Moreover, he represents Continental AG in the scientific committees of various international organizations such as the European Tire & Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA). In the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), he is a voting member of the D11 Rubber committee, which develops global industrial standards. Dr. Lacayo is a Lecturer at the Leibniz Universität Hannover since 2000. He has a significant contribution in the buildup of the Master’s program in Analysis at the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry

More than 21,000 students are currently enrolled at Leibniz Universität Hannover. A broad range of disciplines and more than 160 basic degree and sub-degree programs are offered – from natural sciences and engineering, the humanities, social sciences and law through to economics and business. The university has been headquartered in the Welfen Castle since 1879. About 2,000 scientists work in more than 160 institutes in Hanover. Around 315 professors and numerous lecturers prepare students by investing them with high qualifications for professional and social perspectives – in the course of the Bologna process, mainly Bachelor and Master degree programs. With more than 3,000 foreign students and visiting scientists, the Leibniz Universität has a strong international focus and has numerous worldwide cooperative programs in the sciences. Since beginning of 2009 is the Leibniz Universität Hannover member of the Lower Saxony Technical Faculties Association (NTH – Niedersächsischen Technischen Hochschulen) and herewith strengthening and expanding its assets, together with the technical universities of Braunschweig and Clausthal in the field of engineering and natural sciences.