KUWAIT: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) and Abdullah Al-Salem University seek to join hands to exchange know-how, scientific research and development, after the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding.

“This MoU sets the foundation for an important partnership with Abdullah Al-Salem University and plays a positive role in scientific research and development,” Wadha Al-Khateeb, KNPC CEO, said in a statement on Thursday.

Scientific and Technological development required specialized academic expertise, she noted. Dr. Moudhi Al-Humoud, Chairperson of Abdullah Al-Salem University’s Constituent Board, said cooperation with KNPC would serve common aspirations at different levels. The MoU, signed by Al-Khateeb and Al-Humoud, would include field training for students, supervising post-graduate students, encourage innovation, register patents, holding conferences and workshops and visiting refineries.

The memorandum was signed at KNPC headquarters in Ahmadi by the company’s CEO Wadha Al-Khateeb and by the university’s founding board chair Dr Al-Humoud. The MoU seeks to establish a framework for cooperation between the two sides that includes several areas and activities, such as field training for students, providing the expertise of faculty members to the company, and joint supervision of graduate students in terms of evaluation.

The memorandum would also encourage innovation, register patents, host visiting delegations, exchange information and research and academic resources, and coordinate joint seminars, lectures, conferences, and workshops. The company will also seek the help of specialized researchers from the university to visit the refining sites. — KUNA