SABIC and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), a public research and education institution in China, signed a landmark strategic collaboration agreement to further research, intellectual exchange and talent development.

The five-year agreement with a multi-million-dollar investment by Sabic, will cover joint research in the chemical and chemical engineering fields to develop advanced technologies and solutions, allowing Sabic to bring to market the results of collaborative research.

The agreement was signed in Beijing by Ernesto Occhiello, executive vice president, Technology and Innovation, Sabic and Ding Zhongli, vice president of CAS and President of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). This marks the initiation and expansion of new and existing research relationships between Sabic and CAS affiliated institutes in China. In addition to research collaborations, the two organisations will work together to jointly sponsor an annual Scientific Forum on Frontiers of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

The first forum will establish the focus of collaborative scientific efforts between Sabic and CAS, applying innovation and sustainability principles to expand the utility of feedstock, harness the potential of nanotechnology, and explore advancements in composite materials, with the ultimate aim of bringing exponential benefits to industry and society at large.

Whether it is lightweight technology that enables fuel efficiency, materials that enable safety while maintaining performance, solutions that are designed with sustainability in mind or innovative applications that perform more reliably over the long-term, Sabic is continually developing solutions from chemistry which enable our customers to achieve their commercial ambitions and solve critical industry problems.

In addition, the collaboration agreement also incubates local innovation to drive growth with the establishment of an annual Sabic-CAS Scholarship. It aims at stimulating scholarly pursuits by recognising outstanding scientists, engineers and students from across China.

Sabic’s commitment to enabling growth in the industry will also take shape in the sponsorship of the Graduate Student Internship and Visiting Scholar Programme. CAS graduate students and scientists can apply for or be invited to study and conduct research at the Sabic Corporate Research Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology or at one of the Sabic Technology and Innovation Centers around the world.

Mohamed Al Mady, Sabic vice chairman and CEO, comments: “As the growth engine for Sabic in Asia, we continually explore new areas of transformation for China, in China, and with China. We are supporting reform by providing customers and markets with the solutions they need as China progresses along its unique path of development. Partnering with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the linchpin of China’s drive to explore and harness high technology and natural sciences, will elevate Sabic’s efforts in helping to make the ‘China Dream’ an enduring reality.”

Zhongli says: “We are pleased to be partnering with a leader in petrochemical and chemical technology innovation to combine our individual expertise to advance science and technology in China for the betterment of society and modern living. As we strive to build CAS into a world-class scientific research base for promoting the development of China’s high and new technology industries, we will continue to partner with international players like Sabic.”