The United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney has announced the launch of a three-year research program on sustainability made possible by support from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation in the United States.

The Dow Sustainability Program will bring together academic and policy experts from Australia and the US to develop action-oriented solutions to a range of sustainability challenges concerning energy, water, food and biodiversity that are technologically innovative, commercially scalable and politically viable.

Chief Executive of the US Studies Centre Professor Geoffrey Garrett said the Dow Program will focus on translating remarkable advances in the science and technology of sustainability into outcomes that will benefit Australia, the United States and the world. "I am so pleased that Dow, a global company at the cutting edge of sustainability technology and sustainable business practice, has been willing to provide such generous support to the Centre," Professor Garrett said.

The Program is being developed by Robert Hill, Adjunct Professor in Sustainability at the US Studies Centre, former Minister for the Environment and former Ambassador to the United Nations. The Program's first research appointment is Dr Susan Pond AM, Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Sydney and former Managing Director of Johnson and Johnson Research Australia. Dr Pond's research will focus on bio sequestration and bio fuels, with an initial project assessing the commercial potential and appropriate public policies regarding large scale algae farming.

Chairman, CEO and President of The Dow Chemical Company, Australian-born Andrew Liveris, formally announced the launch of the US$2,000,000 Program at a private lunch in Sydney.

"Dow is working hard to deliver sustainable solutions to the rest of the world, and we are continuously looking to accelerate progress through collaborations with partners like the US Studies Centre, the University of Sydney and the American Australian Association," Mr Liveris said. "The Dow Sustainability Program at the Centre reinforces our 2015 Sustainability Goals and our commitment to protect the planet we live on."

The Dow Program will be advised by a group of international experts and will leverage the considerable academic resources in the agricultural, environmental, life and physical sciences of the University of Sydney and other universities in Australia and the U.S.

The Dow Program on Sustainability in association with the Institute of Sustainable Solutions and the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Sydney will develop strategies to combat soil degradation which is reducing agricultural productivity around the world and increasing carbon emissions.

Other potential research initiatives include coastal management, rainforest biodiversity and fresh water systems.

About The Dow Chemical Company
Dow combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About The US Studies Centre
The mission of the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney is to increase understanding of the United States in Australia. Spanning the study of politics and policy, economics and business, culture and society, the core activities of the Centre include postgraduate degrees and undergraduate teaching; academic research and research training; policy analysis and commentary; business leadership forums; and public education and community outreach.

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.