Saudi Arabia: Scientific research is set to strengthen in Saudi Arabia with the signing of 17 agreements with various entities, focusing on energy, water, and manufacturing sectors.  

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals signed these deals, aiming to enhance the alignment of education and scientific research outputs with Vision 2030’s strategic developmental needs, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.  

Minister of Energy and Chairman of the university Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman witnessed the signing of 17 cooperation agreements with government entities and major companies. 

Among the sealed collaborations, the university added an annex to the previously signed memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Defense. This includes enhancing mutual cooperation through a scholarship program for postgraduate studies at the university. Another MoU was signed with the Ministry of Interior to establish mutual cooperation in academic and research fields.  

Additionally, an agreement was endorsed with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to study various water resources, exchange scientific expertise, and develop human capabilities, including studying groundwater in the Kingdom. 

The signing ceremony also included a cooperation deal between the university and the Petroleum Demand Sustainability Program to support innovation and development in hydrocarbon-related fields, aiming to contribute to enhancing and creating a sustainable environment.  

Furthermore, a partnership was established with the Arabian Geophysical & Surveying Co. to exchange expertise in mining exploration. An agreement was also made with the Yokogawa Saudi Arabia Co. to develop new technologies and push them toward commercialization. 

The university signed a cooperation deal with the Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center in the development of products and services in the security and defense sector, investing in and promoting innovation in joint projects. 

Additionally, an agreement was sealed with the Saline Water Conversion Corp. for a research alliance in the development of new sustainable materials in the water, energy, and environment sectors. 

This contract aims to enhance research collaboration between the university and the corporation to provide innovative solutions to environmental challenges associated with water resources.  

It also includes the corporation joining the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Alliance for Sustainable Future.

Furthermore, KFUPM and ACWA Power formed a strategic alliance to innovate in water desalination, solar energy, and energy storage technologies, including batteries and green hydrogen production and transportation.  

Additionally, an MoU was signed with ERG in the field of mining technology, research, development, and academic education. 

In another endeavor to support university students and prepare them for the job market, the university confirmed an agreement with the Industrialization Energy Services Co., also known as TAQA, to provide training opportunities for students within and outside the Kingdom at the company’s branches and subsidiaries. 

They also pledged to support student graduation projects by adopting their ideas and supporting projects that contribute to the development of the job market and open avenues for innovation. 

Further agreements were sealed with the Saudi Electricity Co. in academic and research fields, with the Marine Operations For Environmental Services, SAIL, in the marine environment, and with KPMG consulting firm in academic and research fields. 

Additionally, the university signed a deal with Nesma and Partners, including supporting a professorship and providing assistance for research and development and training opportunities in the construction field. 

Finally, a deal was validated with the National Additive Manufacturing & Innovation Co. regarding research and development in reverse engineering and manufacturing, and establishing a manufacturing center at the university, in addition to providing training opportunities for students at the company’s centers inside and outside the Kingdom.