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Qatar University (QU) has signed a “unique” three-year agreement with Maersk Oil Qatar through which the oil company will be the non-exclusive gold sponsor of the Al Bairaq high school outreach programme, which is led by QU’s Centre for Advanced Materials (CAM). |
The agreement is in line with QU’s commitment to developing high school students’ scientific, experimental and research skills and to partner with industry companies in this regard.
The agreement was signed by QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad and Maersk Oil Qatar deputy managing director Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad al-Thani in the presence of QU V-P for Research Dr Hassan al-Derham, CAM director Dr Mariam al-Maadeed, Al Bairaq programme leader Dr Noora al-Thani and faculty.
The terms of the agreement serve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and development strategies, as well as the State’s ambitions towards a knowledge-based economy.
Maersk Oil Qatar funding will support training activities for high school students in inquiry-based science programmes and initiatives to encourage them to study science at the higher education level.
“This underlines the special relationship QU, CAM and Maersk Oil share in our commitment to ensuring that young students are provided with the tools and resources to be engaged in science and research with the view to pursuing a university career in these areas and emerge as the next leaders of the country’s development,” Prof al-Misnad said.
Sheikh Faisal said: “Maersk Oil Qatar is proud to partner with Qatar University with our sponsorship of Al Bairaq. The scientific and technical education for students together with a focus on research and innovation are closely aligned with our commitment to building the skills and capacity in future generations equipped to deliver a strong, diversified and healthy knowledge economy in Qatar.”
He added that Maersk Oil Qatar is dedicated to building capacity and skills in Qatar in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education through a wide range of programmes such as Al Bairaq.
“By partnering with some of Qatar’s leading academic institutions, we aim to attract more young Qataris into science and engineering fields of study and inspire Qatar’s next generation to follow technical educational tracks that can lead to successful and rewarding careers in industries like oil and gas,” he stressed.
Dr Noora said the agreement will ensure sustainable growth and success of Al Bairaq and contribute to Qatar’s national development and Qatarisation strategies. “The programme is fortunate to receive funding and financial support from sponsors like Maersk Oil.”
