AUS and Total to collaborate in areas of mutual benefit

American University of Sharjah (AUS) and leading energy company Total, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in various areas of mutual benefit, at a special ceremony held at AUS.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Peter Heath, AUS Chancellor; Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President, Institutional Development, Total UAE; and Jehan-Eric Blumereau, Vice President, Total Professeurs Associés (TPA).

"We are very pleased to have entered into this collaboration with Total," said Dr. Heath on the occasion. "AUS has always looked to partner with leading organizations and this agreement will help us explore and develop areas of mutual interest and benefit to aspiring students and alumni," he added.

Commenting on the signing ceremony, Al Hajji said, "We are proud to collaborate with AUS, one of the leading educational institutions of repute in the UAE. Under CSR activities of Total in the UAE, capacity building of youth, especially Emiratis, is high on our priority list. This also identifies Total's commitment to the host country for transforming the community into a knowledge-based society as directed by the leadership of the UAE. I feel honored and privileged to be associated with this MoU because AUS is highly recognized for its research and development activities. I am confident that our cooperation in R&D will lead to sustainable and innovative energy solutions."

"We are pleased to welcome AUS joining the group of over 100 leading educational institutions, universities and schools collaborating with TPA," noted Blumereau. 

"This collaborative partnership between AUS and Total affirms Total's commitment to recruiting AUS students and alumni," said Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs. "This MoU emphasizes the intent of both entities to maintain continuous cooperation and understanding in order to advance supportive ventures for mutual benefit, in addition to the development of new initiatives that serve institutional advancement objectives," she added.

According to the agreement, AUS students will benefit from the lectures, conferences and short courses provided by Total Professeurs Associés (TPA), a nonprofit France-based association of over 270 Total professionals.

This agreement will offer AUS students and alumni opportunities to attend industry-related customized short courses, local and international professional conferences and symposia. It provides a framework of cooperation and outlines a number of areas of mutual collaboration. The MoU will facilitate partnership on a wide range of resources, services and input, derived from Total's operations in 130 countries worldwide. The MoU will inter alia enhance transfer of professional know-how and expertise in the field of oil and gas, petro chemicals, information technology, project management and related legal, commercial and human resources aspects. 

The agreement will also enable AUS graduate students to attend annual one-week think-tank seminars and workshops in Paris held by Total Summer School. Under the MoU, AUS faculty members will be able to participate in Total Energy and Education Seminar in Paris. Last month, two professors from AUS were among 60 professors from all over the world who participated in this one-week think-tank seminar and workshop.The MoU also offers AUS students and Alumni opportunities to participate in specific studies and in research projects.