DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (March 25, 2002) - The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) applauded Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group for its outstanding support of the ASSEF Research Fellowship Program and its ongoing commitment to occupational safety and health research. The Liberty Mutual Group recently donated $30,000 to the ASSEF program to help insure progress in reducing injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

The ASSEF Research Fellowship Program encourages research activity in safety, expanding upon current thoughts on safety research and providing a forum for safety professionals, industry needs and quality research programs, which directly falls in line with Liberty Mutual's mission of "helping people live safer, more secure lives."

The Foundation is currently accepting and encouraging applications for this year's two fellowships and the deadline is April 15, 2002. The fellows will spend four to six weeks this summer at the Liberty Mutual Research Center (LMRC) located in Hopkinton, MA, and will receive a stipend to cover research, transportation, and room and board expenses. In addition, they will write an article for the ASSEF Advocate or ASSE's Professional Safety publications displaying their results. Last year's selected fellows completed much needed research in preventing low back pain and understanding work exertion.

Applicants must be United States citizens and possess a Ph.D. degree or be working towards a master's or Ph.D. ASSE members and applicants enrolled or holding appointments in an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited safety program will be given special consideration. Applications and guidelines for the fellowships are available online at www.asse.org/foundat.htm.

Founded in 1911 and celebrating its 90th anniversary, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is dedicated to protecting people, property and the environment. Its over 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. For more information visit ASSE's website www.asse.org.

Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group is a diversified international group of insurance companies and one of the largest multi-line insurers in the North America property and casualty industry. The group has more than $50 billion in consolidated assets, more than $13 billion in consolidated revenue and ranks 121st on the Fortune 500 list of largest corporations in the United States.

The A.M. Best Company has rated Liberty Mutual "A+" (Superior). Along with being the leading provider of workers compensation insurance, programs and services in the United States for 65 years, Liberty Mutual provides a wide range of products and services including general liability, commercial auto and business property; group life and disability; private passenger auto and homeowners insurance; individual life, annuities and international programs. For more information on Liberty Mutual and the LMRC visit www.libertymutual.com.