Walking onto the dsm-firmenich campus in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, you immediately sense it: here, transparency isn’t just architectural. Expansive glass walls, open-plan workspaces, and areas for informal exchange reflect the company’s identity – globally connected, innovation-driven, and people-centered.
dsm-firmenich is a world-leading provider in health, nutrition, and beauty. Formed in 2023 from the merger of Dutch-based DSM and Swiss-based Firmenich, the company combines 150+ years of scientific expertise, technological excellence, and industrial scale. With over 30,000 employees across 60 countries, dsm-firmenich delivers science-based, socially relevant solutions – from healthier food systems to sustainable agriculture and impactful consumer products.
“Science drives innovation across our businesses” – a banner reads at HQ. For Ulrich Höller, it’s more than a motto. As a PhD-trained food chemist, Höller sees science as the engine of real-world transformation: “We support products from idea to launch. As analytical scientists, we provide the data that decisions are built on.”
Ulrich Höller: Science in Motion
Ulrich Höller is one of the 2,000+ scientists shaping innovation at dsm-firmenich. He joined as a postdoc 25 years ago – and never left. Today, he leads strategic projects in Analytical Sciences as Principal Scientist.
His work begins where many innovations start: in the lab. But his mindset goes far beyond test tubes. Höller sees himself as a bridge-builder – between disciplines, regions, and ways of thinking. “No two days are alike. We define product specifications, generate data for regulatory submissions, and help customers with complex analytical questions. And we do it all in teams – interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative.”
What he’s especially passionate about: university collaboration. Many of dsm-firmenich’s challenges – like analyzing bioactive compounds or developing advanced sensory methods – can’t be solved without external expertise.
“We need outside knowledge. And universities need real-world validation. The best solutions emerge together.”
One success story? The EU-funded project Food4Me, in which students participated. A minimally invasive vitamin D test for humans eventually evolved into a diagnostic tool for farm animals – now part of dsm-firmenich’s Verax™ platform. It’s a tangible outcome of transdisciplinary research.
Still, Höller doesn’t shy away from naming the differences between academia and industry:
- Publication vs. confidentiality.
- Theory vs. market.
- Years vs. weeks.
What matters, he says, is addressing these differences openly and designing collaboration accordingly.
Katharina Iluk: Developing People and Potential
Katharina Iluk also works at the intersection of science and practice – from an HR perspective. As HR Business Partner at dsm-firmenich, she supports departments like Perfumery & Beauty, Science & Research, and Taste, Texture & Health. Her journey spans global corporations like Nestlé, SAP, and Tetra Pak. Today, she guides people at every stage of their professional journey. "What makes people thrive? And how can we support individuals in their growth? – this is what excites me most about my work."
Iluk sees students not just as "future talents" but as co-creators. Whether in internships, thesis projects, or collaborative assignments: "Students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives and new ideas – something that enriches our work and keeps us thinking innovatively."
She emphasizes that real learning happens in real collaboration:
"By working closely with students we get a firsthand look at their skills, mindset and potential. CVs say a lot – but impact shows up in action. In projects, we see how someone thinks, works, and solves problems."
Her advice to students? Pick a topic that truly excites you. Seek feedback early and often. And take the opportunity to think beyond your own field.
How dsm-firmenich Supports Young Talent
In Kaiseraugst – at the tri-border region of Switzerland, Germany, and France – diversity is a lived reality. That also applies to university collaboration. Whether it’s a master’s thesis with Strasbourg University, an internship from University of Basel, or a student project from TU Munich – dsm-firmenich adapts cooperation formats flexibly, as long as they offer genuine learning and development opportunities.
Iluk emphasizes: Collaboration doesn’t start with the job application. The company is present on campuses, gives guest lectures, contributes to coursework and creates direct touchpoints for students and educators. "Truly great collaborations emerge where people listen and co-create."
What skills will dsm-firmenich need in the future? For Iluk, the answer is clear: Openness to change, learning agility, and mindset.
"Transformation isn’t a project. It’s our normal state."
Höller adds: Curiosity, networking skills, and the ability to make complexity understandable — not just in the lab, but also in teams and in communication with stakeholders is important.
Looking Ahead: Moving More Together
The takeaway is a clear call to action – for anyone working at the intersection of science and practice. For Höller, the future lies in transdisciplinary collaboration. For Iluk, it’s about a people-first HR mindset that sees individuals as co-creators, not just employees.And both agree:
"We’re excited about new partnerships. That’s our core message."