King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia and The Dow Chemical Co. have announced that they plan to build on their partnership by establishing the Dow Middle East R&D Center at the University’s adjacent Research Park and Innovation Cluster.
Substantial completion of the proposed state-of-the-art R&D center, to be jointly designed by the partners, is expected by the end of 2010. Initial research at the Dow Middle East R&D Center at KAUST will focus on water and water treatment technologies, showing that the partners are working toward generating discoveries that are acutely relevant to sustainable development in the surrounding communities and economy.
“By establishing the Dow Middle East R&D Center at KAUST, Dow has taken the lead among a group of distinguished multinational companies to partner with the leading representation of King Abdullah’s vision for KAUST,” said Andrew Liveris, chairman and chief executive officer, The Dow Chemical Co. “This is a memorable and promising day in Dow’s history, as we strive to invest for growth in fast-paced and high-potential economies like that of Saudi Arabia, and as we strive to ensure that our growth is sustainable and that our contributions to the world help address global challenges and provide for everyday, human needs. We stand by our partner in the endeavor to translate Saudi Arabia’s aspirations into reality.”
Dow’s plans for an R&D Center at KAUST come on the heels of Dow’s June announcement that it would become a Founding Member of the University’s Industrial Collaboration Program (KICP), which aims to enrich the research experience at the university while promoting economic development in Saudi Arabia. Dow’s plans include an initial annual minimum funding commitment of $1,000,000 to support multi-year R&D-sponsored projects and initiatives catering to the mutual objectives of Dow and KAUST students and faculty.
The R&D Center will also financially and intellectually support a number of dynamic programs and initiatives, including funding thesis research and semi-annual technology research challenges, as well as the Dow Talent Program to develop and train Saudi talent.
Source: Dow Water & Process Solutions
