HBKU, ExxonMobil sign pact for research projects

HamadBin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation forScience, Education and Community Development, and ExxonMobil ResearchQatar (EMRQ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday toadvance science and technology through research and development inQatar.The event also marked the launch of the HBKU–EMRQ ResearchScholars Programme, in which the two organisations will collaborate onjoint research project. This partnership aims to strengthen theco-operation between the two parties through the exchange of knowledge,student opportunities and academic development programmes. The MoUwas signed by Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU, and AlistairRoutledge, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at aceremony held at the HBKU headquarters in Education City, in thepresence of senior executives from both organisations. The collaborationinvolves the participation of graduate students from HBKU’s College ofHumanities & Social Sciences and the College of Science &Engineering. Research undertaken in the programme will contribute toprojects in the fields of environmental management, water usage,geology, and safety. Through the agreement, both organisations willstrive towards the continuous development of student researchprogrammes, to promote academic and industry relations, fosterinnovation, and facilitate the development and use of state-of-the-arttechnology.Dr Hasnah said, “At HBKU, we actively work with ourpartners to build a robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.This collaboration with ExxonMobil will build more synergy between ourstudents, faculty and researchers, and the industry. One of the keyfocus areas of HBKU is the energy and environment sector, and we lookforward to sharing knowledge and collaborating on research in thisfield.”“The HBKU–EMRQ Research Scholars Programme highlights ourjoint commitment to research, and establishing a solid foundation forQatar’s sustainable future. Education is a fundamental building block inour society, therefore, we at ExxonMobil have been working closely withour partners to encourage the pursuit of excellence in education,particularly in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” saidAlistair Routledge, president and general manager for ExxonMobil Qatar.“TheHamad Bin Khalifa University ExxonMobil Research Scholars Programmemarks a new milestone in ExxonMobil Qatar’s human and educationaldevelopment efforts. The programme will offer student researchers anacademic arena to share and explore their fields, benefit fromprofessional support, and gain access to staff at ExxonMobil ResearchQatar,” said Dr Mohamad al-Sulaiti, research director for ExxonMobilResearch Qatar.