Memorandum Paves Way to Facilitate Research Collaboration
Khalifa University and the Institute of Energy Economics of Japan (IEEJ) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of and the support to future industry-academia collaborations covering a wide range of activities, and further strengthening their previous relationship.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, and Prof. Dr. Masakazu Toyoda, Chairman and CEO of IEEJ in Abu Dhabi. The signing ceremony followed a bilateral meeting between H.E. Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber, Minister of State, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Member of the Khalifa University Board of Trustees, and H. E. Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade and, Industry, from Japan.
Dr. Steve. Griffiths, Senior Vice-President, Research and Development, Khalifa University, and IEEJ’s Masakazu Toyoda, Chairman and CEO, will serve as a secretariat to facilitate collaboration among universities, organizations and industries to conduct research and potential business development in mutually beneficial areas.
Dr. Al Hammadi said: “The MoU paves way for facilitating research collaboration between universities and organizations in both countries and we are delighted to be part of this initiative. Japan is rated as one of the top economies in terms of science and technology innovations based on consistent decades-long research. And as a leading research-based academic institution driving innovation and technology solutions, we believe this MoU will help not only research but also facilitate business development in areas that will benefit the academia, industry and government sectors in both the countries.”
Prof. Toyoda said: “I sincerely hope this memorandum of understanding is only the beginning for the success of the industry-academia collaboration initiative between our two countries. It should contribute to further diversify the development of the UAE economy as well as strengthening the energy security of Japan. It is more than words, it is about people from our two countries meeting and collaborating to make the world a better place.”
The MoU will enable identifying of opportunities for both countries for fruitful exchanges and collaboration between industry and/or academia while assisting each other in the organization of seminars, conferences, and workshops. The two partners will also facilitate visits from each other in order to develop cooperative mechanisms and to expand areas of cooperation.
The UAE and Japan have been working together on miscellaneous projects not limited to energy projects for many years. Building upon such successful experiences and recognizing the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI) between Japan and the UAE, Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the IEEJ felt the need to develop a program with a wider range of activities.
Clarence Michael
News Writer
29 January 2019
