The Corporate History research center collects, preserves, assesses, records, and scientifically processes everything that should and must be remembered in the interests of future-oriented actions.
We reflect on the conceptual foundations of pharmacy, chemistry and medicine and answer questions about research and entrepreneurship. This work is performed by an interdisciplinary team together with external cooperation partners using a broad range of methods. We offer professional advice, provide ideas and find solutions.
High-quality scientific papers are developed on the basis of sound sources and used in professional and public discourse. The company Archives, historical library, museum with exhibit storeroom and the co-working spaces reflect a holistic approach. These are the pillars that underpin the work for the company and for the scientific community. Volunteers collaborate with a team of scientists from various disciplines and share their knowledge from management careers spanning decades.
Contact
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Corporate History
Frankfurter Strasse 250
64293 Darmstadt
Germany
team
Scientists from a wide variety of disciplines work together in the research center:
- Dr. Sabine Bernschneider-Reif, Pharmacist & Pharmaceutical Historian, Head of Corporate History
- Peter Conradi, Historian
- Bodo von Eberstein, Historian
- Christian Fenselau, Communications Scientist
- Dr. Katja Glock, Historian
- Timo Gruber, Communications Scientist & Cultural Anthropologist
- Jutta Schimpf, Assistant
Numerous former managers work as volunteers:
- Dr. Martin André, Lawyer
- Dr. Werner Becker, Chemist
- Dr. Gabriele Disselhoff, Chemist
- Michael Gruber, Chemical Laboratory Technician
- Dr.-Ing. Rainer Hoffmann, Engineer
- Dr. Joachim Lindner, Food Chemist
- Dr. Roman Maisch, Chemist
- Peter Müller, Engineer
- Christina Rohjans, Engineer
- Dr. Irmtraut Schläfer, Pharmacist
- Dr. Rolf Strauß, Pharmacist & Economist
The Company Archives
The Company Archives are protected as cultural property of national significance. They encompass the international company archive with handwritten and printed records (correspondence, contracts, patents, laboratory journals, manufacturing specifications, blueprints or advertising), photos, video, books, periodicals, audio recordings, and digital storage devices along with a family archive (bequests, correspondence and autographs). The oldest writings date back to the 15th century. An exhibit storeroom with a multitude of objects and an art collection complements the historical artifacts.
The historical Library
The reference library features thousands of books and periodicals, covering everything from valuable illustrated formulation and herbal books from the 15th century through to contemporary expert literature. The collection of national and international historic pharmacopoeias and herbals is particularly noteworthy.
The museum and exhibit storeroom
In the museum, a space of more than 400 m² with a permanent collection as well as regular special exhibits is used to present the latest topics relating to the continuous transformation of the company. Nearly all objects on display come from employees from Darmstadt or other sites outside Germany. Large-format historic film footage brings the working environment to life.
The co-working spaces
Corporate History offers internationally appreciated co-working spaces for symposia, lectures, round tables, and educational events. Individually prepared presentations can be used to add a historical element to events. The results of the research work conducted by Corporate History are also presented in the co-working space.