 |
| Prof al-Misnad receives a memento from Dr al-Mulla as Prof Krupa looks on.PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil |
Prof Krupa will work to enhance basic and applied research in the field of industrial polymers, especially polyolefins, which are of particular interest to Qapco and play a major role in developing the petrochemical industry in Qatar.
“This collaborative arrangement further strengthens the links between QU and Qapco and will ensure close co-operation between the two organisations particularly in research and development,” QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad said.
The launch of the Qapco polymer chair coincides with the expansion of QU’s portfolio of graduate degrees, particularly the MSc in Materials Science, she pointed out.
“Oil and gas is Qatar’s bread and butter and any further focus in this area is a step in the right direction. We can excel in what is important to us as a nation. QU already has strong relations with the oil and gas industry and these will be further strengthened with the Qapco polymer chair,” Prof al-Misnad added.
Qapco vice chairman and CEO Dr Mohamed al-Mulla recalled that Qapco and QU have, over many years, developed an excellent working partnership and collaborated together on many projects. “But I feel that this new Qapco polymer chair is special as it will bring numerous benefits to both parties. The university will have the advantage of working with one of the leading experts in his field which can only inspire both academics and students to further develop themselves so that they may reach their full potential.
Dr al-Mulla expressed the hope that Dr Krupa can stimulate Qapco’s internal research and development programmes and identify research that can advance and streamline future processes. “Qapco and Qatar University are, I feel, true pioneers in education and can lead the way through projects such as this chair and demonstrate to the world that through research and development we are planning for the future,” he added.
During his time as chair, Prof Krupa will work closely with Qapco research and development unit on the development of novel polyolefin-based materials such as composites and nano-composites for various industrial applications. He will also promote basic research in the smart fields of modern polymer science such as plastic-based electronics and polymeric bio-materials.
It is expected that this collaboration will build the foundations for establishing QU as a centre of expertise in polymer science. “Through this position I want to establish new research which inspires and motivates current and new students to get involved. New projects bring new people and this could be a collaboration of the best minds internationally to benefit Qatar,” Prof Krupa said.
Dr Mariam Al Ali al-Maadeed, director, QU’s CAM, observed that the collaboration with Qapco will ensure the quality of research in the polyolefin area, which is very important for the energy and environment in Qatar.
Prof Krupa obtained his PhD from the Polymer Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences, where he later returned to work, latterly as head of the department of composite materials.