Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre (QSRTC) signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) last week to strengthen their ongoing partnership in the field of technology, science, research and development.
Dr. Mark H. Weichold, dean and CEO of TAMUQ, and Wael Sawan, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell, signed the agreement at a ceremony held at the university’s engineering building.
The MoU will encourage future collaboration in innovative technology solutions and provide wider prospects for the development of exciting research opportunities that will engage students and faculty. A joint steering committee, co-chaired by Dr. Weichold and Sawan will be established to manage, facilitate and implement various programmes. The committee will have representatives from both organisations.
Dr. Weichold, said: “This mutually beneficial relationship enriches student experiences and creates new knowledge for industry through vibrant research, both critical activities necessary for the State of Qatar to achieve its National Vision 2030 goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The MoU signed today builds on the existing solid partnership, and paves the way for new and different projects.”
Sawan commented: “This MoU will further strengthen our co-operation with TAMUQ to develop R&D in Qatar and to develop local capacities and talents that will help lead to a knowledge-based economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Today’s signing is another significant milestone in Shell’s strategy to support the main priorities of the State of Qatar.”
The agreement will facilitate greater collaboration between the two organisations. Under the agreement, QSRTC will provide support to various educational programmes at the university, introducing more research and development initiatives, facilitate the transfer of technical and industrial knowledge through expert lectures, provide internships and job opportunities for students at Qatar Shell and sponsor key events.
Over the past years, TAMUQ and Qatar Shell have worked on numerous initiatives together such as: Shell and TAMUQ’s partnership in Aviation Fuel Consortium, GTL Jet Fuel Programme, research collaboration on monitoring and performance evaluation of Thiopave sections in Ras Laffan and the Shell-Eco Marathon Competition. Also in 2011, 11 technical graduates of TAMUQ received job offers from Shell.
Representatives of TAMUQ and Qatar Shell at the signing ceremony.
