SABIC SIGNS MOU TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AT KAUST TO BUILD HUMAN CAPITAL AND ENCOURAGE TALENTED SCIENTISTS

In support of the development of talented scientists and to promote technology development, SABIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on May 13 to provide funding for research projects at the Catalyst Center and Nanotechnology Initiatives.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Ernesto Occhiello SABIC Executive Vice President, Technology & Innovation, and Prof Jean Lou Chameau, President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

Under the MoU, SABIC will commit at least 10 research programs to be operated at the related Catalysis Center and the Nanotechnology Initiatives totaling at least SR 10 million. With this MoU, SABIC’s total support to KAUST research collaborations now exceeds SR 17 million.

Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, commented, “We are happy to continuously cooperate with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, which is considered to be among the leading research universities in the world, and support and encourage the development of young scientists in Saudi Arabia. The research at KAUST holds considerable promise for improving lives, promoting sustainability initiatives, and building excellence in science and technology.”

The MoU comes in continuation of SABIC’s joint collaboration programs with KAUST under a series of contemporary agreements signed in 2011 between the two sides for collaboration for 30 years.

The related Catalysis Center and the Nanotechnology Initiatives will provide SABIC technical support in numerous fields which include chemical processes, polymerization processes, and nanocages, nanocomposite, nanofabrics, nanofibers, nanoflakes, nanoflowers, nanofoams, nanomeshes, nanoparticles, nanopillars, nanopin films, nanoplatelets, nanorings, nanorods, nanoshells, quantum dots, quantum heterostructures, sculptured thin films, and nanotips.

The Intended Enhanced Collaboration in Catalysis and Nanotechnology Initiatives will also include a procedural framework for the tailored graduate level programs, post-doctorate tailored research programs, and leading scientists visiting KAUST, encompassed by the intended collaboration.

Samir Al-Abdrabbuh
Vice President, Corporate Communications