QU signs R&D deal with French firm

Doha: Qatar University yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Suez International focusing on research and development (R&D). The MoU signing was organised as part of “2016 Qatar France Academia-Industry Forum on Energy and Environment,” forum that brought in number of experts to discuss R&D.

The forum, that concluded yesterday, aimed to reinforce the contribution of French companies in Qatar to knowledge-based economy and capacity building, and to identify opportunities of collaborations in education between Qatari and French institutions. The second day of the forum which was held under the patronage of QU, the French Embassy in Qatar and Qatar Foundation (QF), was sponsored by Total, ENGIE, Alstom and Veolia.

"The theme of the forum – Energy and Environment – is a timely one for dialogue among partners in Qatar, the region, and beyond. This is a global concern at a time when the energy industry is the main cause of many environment issues such as pollution, climate change and global warming," said Dr Hassan Al Derham, President, QU .

Dr Rashid Al Kuwari, Dean, QU College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and Thierry Dezenclos, General Manager, Suez International signed the R&D MoU.

In keeping with the agreement, CAS Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (DBES) will select one MSc student to work on a research-development project in Qatar involving Suez. The Department will also provide support in performing chemical or microbiological analysis for Suez. 

Suez International will host two students from DBES for summer internships, starting June 2017. The institute will continue to accept short visits of DBES students in the facilities where it performs its activities in Qatar. 

Suez International will study the possibility of sponsoring student awards. Both institutions will also co-organise each year a workshop on a select topic for discussion.