Hamad
Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for
Science, Education and Community Development, and ExxonMobil Research
Qatar (EMRQ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday to
advance science and technology through research and development in
Qatar.
The event also marked the launch of the HBKU–EMRQ Research
Scholars Programme, in which the two organisations will collaborate on
joint research project. This partnership aims to strengthen the
co-operation between the two parties through the exchange of knowledge,
student opportunities and academic development programmes.
The MoU
was signed by Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU, and Alistair
Routledge, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at a
ceremony held at the HBKU headquarters in Education City, in the
presence of senior executives from both organisations. The collaboration
involves the participation of graduate students from HBKU’s College of
Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science &
Engineering. Research undertaken in the programme will contribute to
projects in the fields of environmental management, water usage,
geology, and safety.
Through the agreement, both organisations will
strive towards the continuous development of student research
programmes, to promote academic and industry relations, foster
innovation, and facilitate the development and use of state-of-the-art
technology.
Dr Hasnah said, “At HBKU, we actively work with our
partners to build a robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
This collaboration with ExxonMobil will build more synergy between our
students, faculty and researchers, and the industry. One of the key
focus areas of HBKU is the energy and environment sector, and we look
forward to sharing knowledge and collaborating on research in this
field.”
“The HBKU–EMRQ Research Scholars Programme highlights our
joint commitment to research, and establishing a solid foundation for
Qatar’s sustainable future. Education is a fundamental building block in
our society, therefore, we at ExxonMobil have been working closely with
our partners to encourage the pursuit of excellence in education,
particularly in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” said
Alistair Routledge, president and general manager for ExxonMobil Qatar.
“The
Hamad Bin Khalifa University ExxonMobil Research Scholars Programme
marks a new milestone in ExxonMobil Qatar’s human and educational
development efforts. The programme will offer student researchers an
academic arena to share and explore their fields, benefit from
professional support, and gain access to staff at ExxonMobil Research
Qatar,” said Dr Mohamad al-Sulaiti, research director for ExxonMobil
Research Qatar.
HBKU, ExxonMobil officials after the MoU signing ceremony.