RIYADH – Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has extended a grant of SR7.5 million to the King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh in keeping with the company's strategy of supporting the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society, and to continuously improve its own resources of technology, applications and solutions. The amount has been specifically allocated for the SABIC Polymers Chair, local scholarships for post-graduate students (Master's and Doctoral), and the Innovation Center, with a focus on applications in the plastics and petrochemicals industries. A check for the amount was handed over by Dr. Ernesto Occhiello, SABIC Executive Vice President, Technology and Innovation, to Dr. Badran Al-Omar, KSU Rector, during a recent meeting at the under-construction SABIC Plastics Applications Development Center (SPADC) at the Riyadh Techno Valley, KSU. Dr. Occhiello also presented a model of the new Application Center to Dr. Al-Omar. When complete, the SPADC will be the largest center of its kind in the Middle East. Commenting on the grant, Occhiello said SABIC has been a strong supporter of KSU's research programs. “SABIC seeks to enable cutting-edge scientific research in Saudi Arabia and encourage Saudi researchers to be key drivers of productivity. The company has been a sustained supporter of scientific research conducted at universities in recognition of their long-term value in developing applied technologies,” he said. SABIC recognizes that universities are integral to the process of developing skills and innovation. By supporting universities, the company seeks to inculcate a culture of ingenuity that drives Saudi youth to continuous improvement. The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Rowais, Deputy Rector; Dr. Fahd Al-Sherehy, General Manager, SABIC Technology Center Riyadh; Dr. Abdullah Al-Amri, SABIC External Network and Ventures Manager; Prof Saeed Al-Zahrani, Advisor to the KSU Rector and Polymers Center Supervisor; Moneef Al-Moneef, SPADC Project Manager; and the project team. — SG
