DOHA: Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) recently hosted the Qafco-Texas A&M at Qatar Chemistry Conference 2013 on Thursday at the University’s Engineering Building in Education City.
The conference explored green chemistry and its application to environmental challenges as its main focus. This was the sixth event of this annual programme with Qafco that began in 2007.
The conference featured technical programmes and sessions showcased opinions and research from some of the most respected names in green chemistry and engineering.
TAMUQ Dean and CEO Dr Mark H Weichold noted the importance of collaborations between industry and academia such as the chemistry conference saying:“Thank you to Qafco for unwavering support of Texas A&M at Qatar. This generous support is a wise investment, as the opportunities it creates through the free flow of ideas between scholars and industry practitioners work to solve complex global challenges.”
Dr Paul T Anastas, professor of chemistry and director of the Centreor Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, gave the eynote address,“Green Chemistry: Current Status and Future Challenges.”
Anastas is credited with establishing the field of green chemistry during his time working for the US Environmental Protection Agency as the Chief of the Industrial Chemistry Branch and as the Director of the US Green Chemistry Programme
Qafco Vice-Chairman and CEO Khalifa Al Sowaidi emphasisd the importance of academic and industrial cooperation, and said: “I am proud that Qafco has been associated with this noble venture for so long and will continue to support similar ventures in future, as we are aware of our higher role on the global platform.”
Dr Hassan Bazzi, chair of TAMUQ Science Programme and associate professor of chemistry, said: “This conference comes as the University celebrates its tenth anniversary, a great milestone for us. A few weeks ago, the UN climate conference concluded its historical summit in Doha, and this goes very well with the theme that we chose for the conference, Green Chemistry & Green Engineering.”
The Peninsula
