Hamad Bin Khalifa University and ExxonMobil Research Qatar sign Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on joint research projects

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, president of HBKU, and Mr. 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 organizations, and marked the launch of the HBKU – EMRQ Research Scholars Program, in which the two organizations will collaborate on joint research projects. 

The collaboration involves the participation of graduate students from HBKU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) and the College of Science & Engineering (CSE). Research undertaken in the program will contribute to projects in the fields of environmental management, water usage, geology, and safety. 

Commenting on the new partnership and the program, HBKU’s President, Dr. Ahmad M. 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. It is partnerships like these that showcase HBKU’s commitment to utilizing its expertise to work hand-in-hand with the industry.” 

“The HBKU – EMRQ Research Scholars Program highlights our joint commitment to research, and establishing a solid foundation for Qatar’s sustainable future,” said Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. 
“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). Building on these efforts, we aspire to help develop a generation of scientists and engineers that will contribute to the knowledge-based society His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani envisions for Qatar,” he added.

“The Hamad Bin Khalifa University ExxonMobil Research Scholars Program marks a new milestone in ExxonMobil Qatar’s human and educational development efforts. The program 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 who have extensive experience in environmental management, water re-use, geology, and safety,” said Dr. Mohamad Al-Sulaiti, Research Director for ExxonMobil Research Qatar.

“For years, ExxonMobil has invested in programs that promote excellence in research and innovation, and develop scientific and analytical techniques that respond to the needs of individuals, governments and industry. We are very pleased that our scientists and researchers will have the opportunity to transfer their knowledge to students and help drive scientific progress in Qatar,” added Al-Sulaiti.

The HBKU – EMRQ Research Scholars Program, within the signed MoU between the two organizations aims to strengthen the collaboration between academics and research, and the industry. The MoU will see further engagement between the experts from HBKU and ExxonMobil, serving as mentors, advisors and researchers in the undertaken projects in the Scholars Program. 

Through the agreement, both organizations will strive towards the continuous development of student research programs, to promote academic and industry relations, foster innovation, and facilitate the development and use of state-of-the-art technology. 

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