University partners with Qatar Shell to strengthen joint collaboration
Published Jul 24, 2013Texas A&M University at Qatar and Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre (QSRTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 24 to strengthen their ongoing partnership in the field of technology, science, research and development.
A number of prominent representatives from Texas A&M University at Qatar and Qatar Shell attended the official signing ceremony, hosted at the University’s engineering building. Dr. Mark H. Weichold, dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar, along with Wael Sawan, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, signed the agreement.
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 Mr. Sawan, will be established to manage, facilitate and implement the various programs. The committee will have representatives from both organizations.
Dr. Mark H. Weichold, Texas A&M at Qatar dean and CEO, said "Texas A&M at Qatar is proud of its strong, more than 10 year partnership with Qatar Shell and the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre. 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."
Mr. Sawan said, “We are extremely proud to expand our long standing partnership with Texas A&M University at Qatar. This MoU will further strengthen our cooperation with Texas A&M at Qatar 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.”
"At Qatar Shell we seek to add value in the area of our expertise – technology and innovation; aimed at participating in the country’s development, enhancing the educational system, and providing a sustainable environment for future generations to thrive." added Sawan
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Dr. Mark H. Weichold, dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar, along with Wael Sawan, managing director and chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, signing the agreement.[/caption]The agreement will facilitate greater collaboration between the two organizations. Under the agreement, QSRTC will provide support to various educational programs 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 by Qatar Shell and sponsor key events.
Qatar Shell and Texas A&M University at Qatar are working closely for many years now on improving the scientific capabilities, skills and potential of Qatari youth.
Over the past years, Texas A&M University at Qatar and Qatar Shell have worked on numerous initiatives together such as Shell and Texas A&M University at Qatar partnership in Aviation Fuel Consortium, GTL Jet Fuel Program, research collaboration on monitoring and performance evaluation of Thiopave sections in Ras Laffan and the Shell-Eco Marathon Competition. Also, 11 technical graduates of Texas A&M University at Qatar received job offers from Shel in 2011.
QSRTC plays a significant role in developing research projects that focus on the advancement of science and technology. Through conducting research to find solutions to critical energy and environment challenges, such as water and unlocking the subsurface researches, QSRTC is playing a vital role in shaping the future of R&D in Qatar.
Dr. Kenneth Hall, associate dean of research and graduate studies at Texas A&M at Qatar, said, "We at the university are delighted to collaborate with Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre with an agreement to embark upon joint efforts in academics, research, training and programs to enhance the technological awareness of the country. We anticipate a mutually profitable venture that can reflect the commitment of both organization to improve the lives of all who live and work in Qatar."