Arab News, Tue, Feb 13, 2024 | Shaban 3, 1445
Saudi King Fahd University boosts scientific research with 17 agreements
Saudi Arabia:
Scientific research is set to strengthen in Saudi Arabia with the signing of 17
agreements with various entities, focusing on energy, water, and manufacturing
sectors.
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
signed these deals, aiming to enhance the alignment of education and scientific
research outputs with Vision 2030’s strategic developmental needs, as reported
by the Saudi Press Agency.
Minister of Energy and Chairman of the university
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman witnessed the signing of 17 cooperation agreements
with government entities and major companies.
Among the sealed collaborations, the university
added an annex to the previously signed memorandum of understanding with the
Ministry of Defense. This includes enhancing mutual cooperation through a
scholarship program for postgraduate studies at the university. Another MoU was
signed with the Ministry of Interior to establish mutual cooperation in academic
and research fields.
Additionally, an agreement was endorsed with the
Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to study various water
resources, exchange scientific expertise, and develop human capabilities,
including studying groundwater in the Kingdom.
The signing ceremony also included a cooperation
deal between the university and the Petroleum Demand Sustainability Program to
support innovation and development in hydrocarbon-related fields, aiming to
contribute to enhancing and creating a sustainable environment.
Furthermore, a partnership was established with
the Arabian Geophysical & Surveying Co. to exchange expertise in mining
exploration. An agreement was also made with the Yokogawa Saudi Arabia Co. to
develop new technologies and push them toward commercialization.
The university signed a cooperation deal with the
Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center in the development of products
and services in the security and defense sector, investing in and promoting
innovation in joint projects.
Additionally, an agreement was sealed with the
Saline Water Conversion Corp. for a research alliance in the development of new
sustainable materials in the water, energy, and environment sectors.
This contract aims to enhance research
collaboration between the university and the corporation to provide innovative
solutions to environmental challenges associated with water resources.
It also includes the corporation joining the King
Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Alliance for Sustainable Future.
Furthermore, KFUPM and ACWA Power formed a
strategic alliance to innovate in water desalination, solar energy, and energy
storage technologies, including batteries and green hydrogen production and
transportation.
Additionally, an MoU was signed with ERG in the
field of mining technology, research, development, and academic education.
In another endeavor to support university students
and prepare them for the job market, the university confirmed an agreement with
the Industrialization Energy Services Co., also known as TAQA, to provide
training opportunities for students within and outside the Kingdom at the
company’s branches and subsidiaries.
They also pledged to support student graduation
projects by adopting their ideas and supporting projects that contribute to the
development of the job market and open avenues for innovation.
Further agreements were sealed with the Saudi
Electricity Co. in academic and research fields, with the Marine Operations For
Environmental Services, SAIL, in the marine environment, and with KPMG
consulting firm in academic and research fields.
Additionally, the university signed a deal with
Nesma and Partners, including supporting a professorship and providing
assistance for research and development and training opportunities in the
construction field.
Finally, a deal was validated with the National
Additive Manufacturing & Innovation Co. regarding research and development in
reverse engineering and manufacturing, and establishing a manufacturing center
at the university, in addition to providing training opportunities for students
at the company’s centers inside and outside the Kingdom.