KUWAIT: Kuwait University and Shell yesterday signed a sponsorship agreement to establish a new Professorial Chair in Gas for the College of Engineering and Petroleum. The new chair, to be known as the "Shell Natural Gas Chair" will focus on the development of a research and teaching program for the safe and efficient management of the natural gas fields in Kuwait, the conceptual basis for which was initiated by Dr Ali Akbar, the Chairman of Petroleum Engineering Department at Kuwait University, with long standing experience and expertise in the field.
The signing ceremony was formalized in the presence of Prof Abdullatif Al-Bader, President of Kuwait University, Ahmad Atallah, Chairman of Shell Companies in Kuwait, Prof Hasan Al-Sanad, Vice President for Research, Prof Husain Al-Khaiat, Dean of Engineering, Dr Ali Akbar, Chairman of Petroleum Engineering Department, and many other representatives from Kuwait University and Shell Companies in Kuwait.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Abdullatif Al-Bader, President, Kuwait University, mentioned that Kuwait University added a significant new international dimension to its scientific programs by launching the Research Chair program during 2010, providing basis for attracting world renowned scientists and international experts who could strengthen the institutional scientific foundations through their expertise, experience and caliber. Today, Kuwait University makes a strategic new beginning in this direction, by entering into a valued partnership with Shell, laying practical grounds for the "Shell Natural Gas Chair" at Kuwait University, to energize scientific research in the sphere of sustainable energy and strengthen institutional potential and capabilities in the natural gas sciences, through advanced research, training and knowledge-sharing.
"I anticipate a new generation of Kuwaiti engineers, nurtured in a scientific environment, developing specialized skills in the field of natural gas, and assuming key roles in developing and advancing the local gas industry, which is a vital energy resource for the State of Kuwait.
With "Shell Natural Gas Chair", we take our first step in this direction, and express our sincere thanks to Shell for providing our students and researchers with opportunities for raising the spectrum of scientific research in this critical area at Kuwait University."
Elaborating on the purpose and expectations of the "Shell Natural Gas Chair" at Kuwait University, Prof. Hasan Al-Sanad, Vice President for Research, said that "our objective is to create an enabling environment that could encourage scientific research in the field of natural gas, a valued energy resource for the state Kuwait.
The intent is to bring home the benefit of established scientists in the field of natural gas, by offering a dedicated research chair, which would critically involve them in advancing research in the sphere of natural gas, enriching our capacity and capabilities. Kuwait University looks forward to the implementations of the "Shell Natural Gas Chair" at the College of Engineering and Petroleum in partnership with Shell."
Ahmad Atallah, Chairman of Shell Companies in Kuwait said: "This new initiative is part of our ongoing partnership with Kuwait University and in line with our commitment to supporting Kuwait lays the foundations for a sustainable energy future. Natural gas is a critical resource for Kuwait; hence the successful and efficient exploitation of this major resource depends heavily on the use of advanced technology and skilled engineers.
"The Shell Natural Gas Chair will establish a specialized research program in Natural Gas, and will provide a learning platform for young engineers to gain valuable background and knowledge needed to continue the future development and growth of this important industry in Kuwait. Shell is committed to helping the next generation of Kuwaiti engineers to tackle natural gas-related challenges professionally, so that they are equipped with the right skills when they enter the business world."
Shell's contribution over three years aims at establishing an academic and research program in Natural Gas Studies. The "Shell Natural Gas Chair" is intended to develop and sustain an internationally recognized research program in Natural Gas Studies, while overseeing the long-term development and delivery of related academic goals at Kuwait University, and its wide recognition in the Gulf region and beyond.
© Kuwait Times 2012
