PPG is celebrating 10 years of partnership with the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe’s leading technical universities. Since 2015, PPG has supported EPFL’s Euler Course, an accelerated mathematics program designed to nurture exceptional young talent and promote education in STEM subjects across French-speaking Switzerland.

A group of students from EPFL’s Euler Course visited PPG’s Automotive Refinish site in Milan, part of the activities celebrating the 10-year partnership between PPG and EPFL supporting STEM education. Photo: PPG

Inspired by the18th-century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler, the program offers motivated junior and high-school students the opportunity to explore advanced mathematical concepts through a combination of workshops, lectures and peer interaction. The six-year curriculum complements the traditional school program and is taught by PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and EPFL faculty members. Participants in the Euler course are exempt from mathematics classes at their school. 

Over the past decade, more than 3,000 students aged 10-13 have participated in the entrance exams for the course, with around 30 of the most talented candidates selected each year. To date, 127 students have completed the full six-year program, with record graduations of 22 and 20 students in the past two years. This academic year, 130 students are enrolled, representing diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for mathematics.

“We are deeply grateful to PPG for a decade of partnership,” said Professor Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, president of EPFL. “The company’s unwavering support ensures that the next generation of young mathematicians in French-speaking Switzerland can explore their potential and pursue excellence in an inspiring community.” 

To mark the 10-year anniversary, a group of Euler Course students, accompanied by Prof. Jérôme Scherer, head of the program, and Jérôme Zamblera, PPG vice president, EMEA, Automotive Refinish, visited PPG’s Automotive Refinish Coatings site in Milan. The students explored the science behind paint formulation and production, gaining firsthand insight into how chemistry and materials science drive innovation in industry. The experience continued at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, where participants took part in a dedicated workshop at the i.lab Chemistry.

“For the past decade, PPG’s continued support has helped EPFL create a stimulating environment where young people can challenge themselves and discover their passion for science and technology,” said Jérôme Zamblera, PPG vice president, EMEA, Automotive Refinish. “By inspiring future innovators, the Euler Course contributes to building the skilled talent our industries need to continue driving progress.” 

PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $18.4 million in 2024, supporting hundreds of organizations across more than 30 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow tomorrow’s STEM innovators and a skilled workforce in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving.Learn more at communities.ppg.com.