SABIC Signs Four Agreements With KAUST

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) signed four agreements with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) at the University campus in Thuwal on February 26, 2011. The agreements cover the development and localisation of technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They advance the technology and innovation strategy pursued by SABIC as well as enhance the comprehensive cooperation program sponsored by KAUST.

Dr. Abdulrahman S. Al-Ubaid, Executive Vice President, Technology and Innovation (T&I), signed the agreements on behalf of SABIC and Professor Stefan Catsicas, KAUST Provost and Dr. Mohamed Samaha, Senior Vice President for Economic and Technology Development, signed for KAUST. The agreement signing took place in the presence of Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, along with a delegation from SABIC’s management and KAUST senior management.

Mr. Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, said: "Investment in research and development is essential to keep the petrochemical industry innovative and competitive. SABIC is one of the most important drivers of the economic development in Saudi Arabia and, as one the world’s largest petrochemical companies, has sought throughout its distinctive history to build a robust research and technology system. For this reason, SABIC quickly joined KAUST’s economic cooperation program, which encourages research collaboration, provides training for its members and sets the stage for effective economic cooperation both at home and abroad. This initiative will harness a range of key partners that have the productive and creative capacities to establish the Kingdom as a world class center for science and technology. Alongside a significant upgrade in our domestic research capacity, we hope to champion a scientific and technological culture throughout the Kingdom that delivers a range of job opportunities for generations to come.

KAUST President Choon Fong Shih added: “The four SABIC-KAUST agreements will help both organizations fulfill our missions of harnessing science and technology for the benefit to the people of Saudi Arabia and beyond. SABIC’s support of KAUST research, education and innovation will be important for our efforts to address significant challenges in water, food, energy and the environment. I hope that KAUST’s talented students and outstanding faculty will be key contributors to SABIC’s efforts to generate scientific and technological innovations for the Saudi Arabian economy.”

As regards the four agreements, Dr. Al-Ubaid noted that the first agreement is for the construction of a SABIC Research and Innovation Center at KAUST, at a cost of US$150 million, as the first stage.

The second and third agreements are for SABIC’s direct support of KAUST. The second agreement concerns the financing of a Polymer Catalysis Research Chair for five years to be disbursed at the rate of US$1 million per year, with a cumulative total of US$5 million. The third agreement is for supporting postdoctoral fellowships, through which SABIC will support the work of 10 to 15 researchers in research areas that are related to SABIC’s business. Most of these investigative areas are long-term and are intended to benefit SABIC and Saudi Arabia in line with the vision of the Saudi Government and its goal to diversify revenue sources – as well as serving the interests of the region and the world.

Al-Ubaid indicated that KAUST’s Provost will be responsible for identifying suitable candidates for these fellowships. Candidates will be reviewed by SABIC, with awards decided jointly by SABIC and KAUST. He pointed out that these fellowships will focus on such areas as new and renewable energies (especially solar energy), water research (desalination and treatment), advanced materials, renewable feedstocks, catalysis, scientific computational services, materials engineering, nano-technologies, and others.

The fourth agreement organises the joint research work between the two sides on all matters related to the management of research projects and associated intellectual property rights.

Dr. Al-Ubaid reaffirmed that the foundation of the SABIC Center at KAUST are part of SABIC’s strategy to increase technological capabilities in support of SABIC’s global competitiveness. He also expressed the hope that the fruitful relationship and strategic partnership between SABIC and KAUST will produce advanced technologies and innovative solutions to achieve industrial growth for SABIC, the Kingdom, the region, and the world.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate research university committed to advancing science and technology through transdisciplinary research, education and innovation. The University’s unique matrix structure supports basic and goal-oriented research in the globally significant areas of energy, water, food and environment to benefit Saudi Arabia and beyond. Located on the Red Sea, KAUST is the realization of a decade-long vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The University is governed by an independent, self-perpetuating Board of Trustees and supported by a generous endowment. KAUST’s inaugural class of 300 master’s students graduated December 2010.