When people think about promoting young talent, they usually think first of apprenticeships or internships. In fact, the FFB-Group is strongly committed to developing young talent: more than 200 apprentices are trained in 13 different professions. In addition, trainees from Migros Industry have the opportunity to gain insights into the work of the FFB-Group through internships.
Another important contribution to fostering young talent is the supervision of students completing their master’s theses. Young academics are given the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, apply their theoretical knowledge and gain valuable experience in a corporate environment. At the same time, the FFB-Group benefits from fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and valuable insights.
Master’s Theses with Real Added Value
For Christian Städeli, Head of Grain Technology, Research & Sustainability at the FFB-Group, and Timmy Meyer, Project Manager Grain Technology, Research & Sustainability, supervising master’s students is one of the most rewarding aspects of their daily work.
«At the FFB-Group, we support and coach students throughout the entire project. From day one, they are part of our team, conduct experiments in our grain laboratory and regularly exchange ideas with our specialists. This allows them to experience firsthand how closely science and practice are connected here,», explains Timmy.
For Christian Städeli, Head of Grain Technology, Research & Sustainability at the FFB-Group, and Timmy Meyer, Project Manager Grain Technology, Research & Sustainability, supervising master’s students is one of the most rewarding aspects of their daily work.
«At the FFB-Group, we support and coach students throughout the entire project. From day one, they are part of our team, conduct experiments in our grain laboratory and regularly exchange ideas with our specialists. This allows them to experience firsthand how closely science and practice are connected here,», explains Timmy.
Research with a Direct Practical Focus
The topics of the master’s theses are always based on specific challenges and questions arising within the company. At the same time, students have considerable freedom to contribute their own ideas and take responsibility.
The success of such projects is based on several factors: students’ high level of self-motivation, close academic support and open collaboration on equal terms. Regular exchanges and the constructive questioning of results also make a significant contribution to the quality of the work.
«Young talent is an important part of our future. They bring new perspectives, fresh ideas and valuable impulses. At the same time, we can provide them with insights into our working environment, our products and our corporate culture. This collaboration is enriching for both sides,», emphasizes Christian.
The topics of the master’s theses are always based on specific challenges and questions arising within the company. At the same time, students have considerable freedom to contribute their own ideas and take responsibility.
The success of such projects is based on several factors: students’ high level of self-motivation, close academic support and open collaboration on equal terms. Regular exchanges and the constructive questioning of results also make a significant contribution to the quality of the work.
«Young talent is an important part of our future. They bring new perspectives, fresh ideas and valuable impulses. At the same time, we can provide them with insights into our working environment, our products and our corporate culture. This collaboration is enriching for both sides,», emphasizes Christian.
From ETH to the Grain Laboratory: Award-Winning Research with Practical Relevance
The example of Jana Baur demonstrates just how successful this collaboration can be. The ETH graduate wrote her master’s thesis at the FFB-Group on the topic of sourdough and, in May 2026, received the prestigious Willi Studer Award from ETH Zurich for her degree. She completed her master’s programme with the outstanding grade of 5.93.
A key factor in her decision to write her master’s thesis at the FFB-Group was the opportunity to explore a subject that fascinated her personally. What particularly appealed to her was the possibility of doing so within a leading company in the food industry.
«What I appreciated most was the warm welcome into the team. From the very beginning, I was treated as a fully-fledged team member. The interaction with different departments such as sensory analysis, production, product development and the chemistry laboratory was also extremely enriching,», says Jana.
The example of Jana Baur demonstrates just how successful this collaboration can be. The ETH graduate wrote her master’s thesis at the FFB-Group on the topic of sourdough and, in May 2026, received the prestigious Willi Studer Award from ETH Zurich for her degree. She completed her master’s programme with the outstanding grade of 5.93.
A key factor in her decision to write her master’s thesis at the FFB-Group was the opportunity to explore a subject that fascinated her personally. What particularly appealed to her was the possibility of doing so within a leading company in the food industry.
«What I appreciated most was the warm welcome into the team. From the very beginning, I was treated as a fully-fledged team member. The interaction with different departments such as sensory analysis, production, product development and the chemistry laboratory was also extremely enriching,», says Jana.
Practice, Exchange and New Perspectives
The time she spent in the grain technology laboratory and the close collaboration with her supervisors remain particularly memorable. Regular discussions helped her critically reflect on research findings and gain new perspectives.
«I was fortunate to have two fantastic master’s thesis supervisors: Timmy and Christian. They always encouraged me to think beyond the obvious. The regular exchange with them and the entire team helped me get the very best out of my work,», she says.
The time she spent in the grain technology laboratory and the close collaboration with her supervisors remain particularly memorable. Regular discussions helped her critically reflect on research findings and gain new perspectives.
«I was fortunate to have two fantastic master’s thesis supervisors: Timmy and Christian. They always encouraged me to think beyond the obvious. The regular exchange with them and the entire team helped me get the very best out of my work,», she says.
Learning for Professional Life
In addition to technical knowledge, she also gained important personal experience. Working with different teams showed her how crucial communication and planning are in complex projects. At the same time, she learned to present her ideas confidently and communicate effectively at different levels – from production staff to senior management.
For students considering completing their final thesis within a company, she strongly recommends taking this opportunity. Combining academic research with industrial practice provides valuable insights and helps with career orientation.
In addition to technical knowledge, she also gained important personal experience. Working with different teams showed her how crucial communication and planning are in complex projects. At the same time, she learned to present her ideas confidently and communicate effectively at different levels – from production staff to senior management.
For students considering completing their final thesis within a company, she strongly recommends taking this opportunity. Combining academic research with industrial practice provides valuable insights and helps with career orientation.