Abbott ranked No. 18 overall, receiving high marks for social responsibility and employee loyalty. The complete rankings are available online and in the Oct. 25, 2013 print issue of Science. This is the tenth time Abbott has been ranked among the top companies in the survey.

"Abbott is first and foremost a science-driven company and we are honored by this recognition from the scientific community," said Robert H. Miller, Ph.D., Co-chair of Abbott's Scientific Governing Board, which oversees the company's 1,800 scientists. "Through cutting edge research, creativity and collaboration, our scientists have the opportunity to build rewarding careers that are redefining how we deliver healthcare to our customers."

Scientists 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 2013 Science Survey
Science's annual Top Employers Survey polled employees in the 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 financial strength, easy adaptation to change, and a research-driven environment.  The survey polled 3,656 responses with participants hailing from North America (81%), Europe (10%), and Asia/Pacific Rim (7%); more than four out of five work in private industry.

Abbott Widely Recognized as a Great Place to Work
In addition to being honored for workplace leadership by Science, FORTUNE has named Abbott as one of "America's Most Admired Companies" every year since the list's inception in 1983.  The company has also been named to DiversityInc magazine's list of the top companies for diversity for ten years.

About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.

Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.

SOURCE Abbott