A panel discussion involving a Shell executive at the Gulf Intelligence Qatar Energy Research and Development Forum in Doha yesterday.
Shell’s $100mn investment on research and development in Qatar over a ten-year period shows its commitment to technology and innovation, said Youssif Saleh, general manager, Qatar Shell Research Technology Centre (QSRTC).
“We are proud to support Qatar in its overall R&D strategy through our state-of-the art facility QSRTC. We also work closely with universities and schools to develop local Qatari research talent and enhance scientific capabilities,” he said at the Gulf Intelligence Qatar Energy Research and Development Forum here yesterday.
The QSRTC has been the first anchor tenant at the Qatar Science and Technology Park since 2008. The centre’s work is aligned with the Qatar National Research Strategy and explores cutting-edge solutions in the key areas of energy and environment under three themes: ‘unlocking the subsurface’, ‘breakthrough products’ and ‘water solutions’.
An interactive exhibit allowed forum attendees to learn about how QSRTC research initiatives are providing solutions to Qatar’s energy and environment challenges and, crucially, how such innovations are relevant to the individual.
The forum’s programme featured a panel discussion involving both academia and international energy companies. The panel, which included Saleh, addressed one of the main themes of the forum - ‘aligning mandates of national and international energy and research and development stakeholders’.
The discussion highlighted the crucial role Qatari universities play in the development of a research ecosystem in Qatar, from graduate students, to regional and international collaborations.
Commenting on its importance, Maha al-Mannai, university collaboration manager at the QSRTC said, “The QSRTC is a vibrant learning centre that works closely with universities and schools to develop local Qatari research talent and enhance scientific capabilities as part of our support to Qatar’s journey towards a knowledge-based society.”
Reinforcing the importance of supporting Qatari aptitude in research and development, four Qatari PhD students from Imperial College London were presented with inaugural awards for the ‘Advancement of Education’.
Three of the PhD students, Dr Ahmad Sami Abushaikha, Dr Nayef Mehsin al-Ansi and Dr Ali al-Menhali were honoured for their leadership and their research work with the Qatar Carbonates and Carbon Storage Research Centre (QCCSRC). The local programme combines expertise from Qatar Petroleum, the QTSP, Qatar Shell and Imperial College of London to investigate key challenges in the long-term management of carbonate reserves.
Professor Geoff Maitland, director, Qatar Carbonates and Carbon Storage Research Centre at Imperial College London, said, “Just over five years ago we started off an ambitious programme with our Qatari partners. The fact that four Imperial PhD students, three of whom are studying within our dedicated carbon dioxide related research programme, have been successful at the inaugural Qatar Energy Research and Development awards is a testimony to the success of this partnership. Contributing to the development of Qatar’s most important resource – its people – is such an important aspect for the programme. We look forward to being able to help continue this role as the research centre matures”.
Qatar Shell and Qatar Petroleum are currently working on a $70mn, 10-year research collaboration project (QCCSRC) in conjunction with the Imperial College London and QSTP.
Qatar Shell was the premier sponsor of the Gulf Intelligence Qatar Energy Research and Development Forum. The event featured key members of the energy industry, academia and the R&D community, who gathered for robust and dynamic discussions aimed at strengthening Qatar’s position as a global centre for research and development.