The Journal Science Again Recognizes Abbott Laboratories as One of the Top Employers in the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today was again named one of the Top 20 Employers by the journal Science. Based on the views of working scientists, this prestigious annual survey identifies the most respected employers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Abbott ranked No. 15 overall, receiving high marks for important, quality research, social responsibility and employee loyalty. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 19, 2012 issue of Science. This is the ninth time Abbott has been ranked among the top companies in the survey.

"Scientific innovation is the driving force behind Abbott's mission to discover new ways to help patients manage their health," said John Leonard, M.D., senior vice president, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Development, Abbott. "We strive to create an environment that values invention, creativity and collaboration, which helps top scientists to conduct important work while building interesting and meaningful careers at Abbott. We are honored by this recognition from the scientific community as a benchmark of our success."

Scientists working at Abbott are given opportunities to succeed, lead and grow in their careers through training, mentoring, networking groups and development programs. In addition, a number of internal recognition efforts, including chairman's awards, president's awards and patent/inventor awards, work to highlight scientific excellence and contribution throughout the company.

The company recognizes its most distinguished scientists and engineers with induction into the prestigious Volwiler Society. Established in 1985 and named for the late Ernest H. Volwiler, Ph.D., an internationally recognized scientist and former Abbott president and chairman of the board, the society encourages professional growth, and is meant to spur, recognize and showcase scientific innovation at Abbott. Each year, the Volwiler Society issues "Outstanding Research" awards to the Abbott scientists and teams who have made significant contributions to their fields.

About the 2012 Science Survey

The annual survey polls biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and related industries to determine the 20 best employers in these industries as well as their driving characteristics. Respondents to the web-based survey were asked to rate companies based on 23 characteristics, including leadership and direction, work culture/environment, and academic and intellectual challenge. The 2012 rankings were determined based on 4,276 survey responses from readers of Science and other survey invitees. The study was conducted and rankings were determined by an independent research organization.

Abbott Widely Recognized as a Great Place to Work

In addition to being recognized as a top employer by Science, Abbott has been honored by The Scientist magazine as a Top BioPharma Employer nine times since 2003. Abbott also has been honored for workplace leadership in more than 25 countries around the world. The company has been included on the Working Mother Best Companies list for 12 consecutive years, on DiversityInc magazine's list of the top companies for diversity for nine years, and Hispanic Business magazine's list of the Top Companies for Diversity Practices for six years. Additionally, FORTUNE has named Abbott as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" every year since the list's inception in 1983.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott

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