The funding will help the UofA and Shell maintain their competitiveness in attracting students and scientists to work in Alberta’s energy sector.
“Shell Canada’s support is very much appreciated and mutually beneficial,” says University of Alberta President Indira Samarasekera. “Shell provides our students with industry experience as part of the learning process well before they graduate, and our researchers get the kind of support needed to make the breakthroughs that maintain our position as a leading educational institution.”
Under the multi-year agreement, Shell provides: - $800,000 to support student-focused programs and projects as part of Shell Canada’s Campus Ambassador Program (CAP), an initiative that involves Shell working with the faculties of Business, Engineering and Science at the UofA to build relationships and to support initiatives such as the Capstone Design Awards, geological and geophysical field schools, case competitions, scholarships and internships.
- An additional $250,000 will help establish a Geomechanical/Reservoir Experimental Facility (GeoREF) for testing on geologic materials, including carbonates, oil sands, shales and coal. The new lab will provide a world-class training environment for engineers and scientists engaged in energy research, and will be available to Shell so the company can conduct agreed-upon research projects with the UofA.
“This investment will enhance the skills, innovation, and science needed to support sustainable energy development in Canada and around the world,” said Brian Straub, Shell’s Executive Vice-President, Oil Sands. “For example, a facility like GeoRef can help us reduce the uncertainty associated with recovery from unconventional sources, such as oil sands and shale. Our ultimate goal is to foster meaningful connections between Shell and the UofA to bring out the best in Canada’s students and researchers.”
For more information, contact:
Michael Robb
Manager Development Communications
University of Alberta
780-492-0048
Cherine Badwi
Public Affairs Representative
Shell Canada
403-384-5362
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