Mohtar: QEERI is working to identify and realize synergies with academic and scientific institutions in Qatar and around the world.
DOHA, Qatar: Texas A&M University at Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) on 12 Dec. to host the institute at the Texas A&M Engineering Building.
Dr. Mark Weichold, dean and CEO of the University, Dr. Rabi Mohtar, executive director of QEERI, and VIP guests from both organizations attended the signing ceremony.
Mohtar indicated that the temporary facilities QEERI was occupying in Education City lacked laboratory space for the institute's research. He said, "Texas A&M at Qatar has generously agreed to allocate space for QEERI in the Texas A&M Engineering Building. Relocating to this facility will be instrumental in allowing QEERI to embark on research that will deliver important societal needs for Qatar and beyond. We are grateful to Texas A&M at Qatar for providing our scientists with this high-quality research space."
Weichold commented on the agreement saying, "Texas A&M at Qatar is committed to serve as a strong partner with Qatar Foundation and create new knowledge in the local community, goals that will both be forwarded by welcoming QEERI to the Texas A&M Engineering Building. The University has been engaged in energy and environment research for several years and plans to continue this vibrant research, drawing on the synergisms that will exist between Texas A&M at Qatar and QEERI."
Mohtar further discussed the relationship saying, "QEERI has launched its research activities and recruited some of the world's top scientists to help build a unique institution that will leave its mark on Qatar, the region and the world. In this launch phase, the institute is working to identify and realize synergies with academic and scientific institutions in Qatar and around the world."
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About Texas A&M University at Qatar
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, and graduate courses in chemical engineering since fall 2011. Two hundred engineers have graduated from Texas A&M at Qatar since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M at Qatar provides classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. All four of the engineering programs offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are accredited by ABET. The curricula offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially identical to those offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and courses are taught in English in a co-educational setting. The reputation for excellence is the same, as is the commitment to equip engineers to lead the next generation of engineering advancement. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to provide this educational experience and to participate in research activities now valued at over $96 million, and that address issues important to the State of Qatar. Visit www.qatar.tamu.edu.
About QEERI
Launched in 2011, QEERI is the member of Qatar Foundation entrusted to conduct and coordinate long term and multi-disciplinary research that addresses critical national priorities in energy and the environment, by integrating knowledge of the energy, environment, food and water resources in ways appropriate for Qatar and the region. QEERI focuses its research efforts in the launching phase to develop a baseline local data and knowledge to assess energy and environmental resources in particular solar energy, air quality and water quality. QEERI long-term research portfolio include assessment of solar resources, developing an instrumented test station, application of Nanotechnology in solar energy, water-energy-food nexus, modeling of desert environment, biodiversity and environmental restoration of desert and Gulf ecosystem, purification and conversion of natural gas, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon, solar photovoltaics, Concentrated Solar Power, water desalination, green building, capacity building, coordination and collaboration.
© Press Release 2011
