 The MOU was signed by Dr. Mark H. Weichold, Dean and Chief Executive Officer of Texas A&M at Qatar and Andy Brown, Shell’s Executive Vice President Qatar.
The agreement formalises and expands the ongoing relationship, building upon the technological knowledge, expertise, and resources of both Shell and Texas A&M at Qatar.
Scientists and researchers at Shell plan to enhance their collaboration with the faculty and students of Texas A&M at Qatar on technical consultation, sponsorship of events and senior projects, research projects, internships and graduate recruitment.
Texas A&M at Qatar and Shell have been working closely together for several years. Past projects include a test road in Ras Laffan paved with Shell’s sulphur asphalt and a joint research program on water treatment solutions using reverse osmosis units. Last February Shell researchers and Texas A&M at Qatar faculty and students made a joint trip to Oman to study the Khuff formation as part of geological research to better understand the region’s hydrocarbon reservoirs. In March Shell’s Chief Technology Officer spoke to students and faculty of Texas A&M at Qatar about the future of technology in the energy sector.
Shell recently received the Grand Appreciation Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in Texas A&M University at Qatar Student Chapter acknowledging Shell as a major supporter and contributor to student initiatives.
Dr. Weichold said he was happy to affirm the University’s ties with Shell. “Texas A&M at Qatar has enjoyed a tremendous and rewarding partnership with Shell,” Weichold said. “We are grateful for Shell’s support of our research and for the mentorship Shell’s leaders have given our students.” Mr. Brown said: “Texas A&M has been Shell's close and strategic academic partner in developing knowledge and innovative solutions that support Qatar's growing energy industry. Our cooperation has mainly been on research and learning, but Shell has also supported student events. A growing number of Texas A&M graduates have joined Shell. I look forward to seeing this partnership grow further in the future.” Shell was the first company to move into the Qatar Science & Technology Park. The Qatar Shell research & Technology Centre was opened in April 2008. Shell had been conducting research in temporary facilities nearby since 2005. Shell is committed to a substantial expenditure of up to $100 million over a 10-year period on a world-class technology innovation and development programme in Qatar. Shell filed the first patent application for an invention by any company at the science park earlier this year. Texas A&M University, recognized as having one of the premier engineering programs in the world, has offered undergraduate degrees in chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering at Qatar Foundation’s Education City campus since 2003. One hundred engineers have graduated from Texas A&M at Qatar since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M University at Qatar provides supporting classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. The curricula offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially identical to the ones offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and courses are taught in English in a co-educational setting.
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