December 4, 2003 - The 6th Award of the ExxonMobil Chemical European Science and Engineering Program (ESEP) has been granted today to Christine Kirschhock of the Catholic University of Leuven, in Leuven (Belgium) for her work in zeolite nanoslabs and Eric Gaigneaux of the Catholic University of Louvain, in Louvain-la-neuve (Belgium), for his work around metal oxides. Both types of material can be used as catalysts in petrochemical processes, improving the selectivity/efficiency of the process.

The ceremony took place in the company's Technology Center in Machelen in presence of the Vice-President Research and Development and representatives of the Fund for Scientific Research - Flanders. The ESEP European Award amounts to 30 KEuro, and is awarded every two years to European researchers of maximum 40 years of age.

The European Science & Engineering Program was launched in 1989 by Exxon Chemical Europe. The objective of ESEP is to promote scientific interactions between the company and European universities and research institutions.

Any student or professor from a European university or research institute may apply for support for projects which are in line with ESEP's objectives. Scientific merits of the project, relevance to ExxonMobil Chemical and cost are among the criteria for selection.

ESEP functions as a foundation. It finances European university projects and research in areas of science and engineering relevant to ExxonMobil Chemical. ESEP also supports scientific symposia and exchange programs between universities and industry.

Further information on ESEP and application rules can be find on our website: http://www.exxonmobilchemical.com/Public_PA/WorldwideEnglish/CorpCitizenship/EUSciAndEngineering/OC_citizen_ESEP.asp