The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Mist) and the Petroleum Institute (PI) have signed a collaborative agreement.

The accord will will see Abu Dhabi’s academic and research efforts strengthened in the field of energy, the institutions said in a joint statement.

Mist is a new research based university in Abu Dhabi, focused on alternative energy and sustainability. Mist offers programs at the post-graduate level only.

The PI was created in 2001 with the goal of establishing itself as a world-class institution in engineering education and research in areas of significance to the oil and gas and the broader energy industries.

The PI’s sponsors and affiliates include Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and four major international oil companies.

Currently the PI offers bachelor and graduate degrees in chemical, electrical, mechanical, petroleum and petroleum geosciences engineering.

More than 1000 young men and women are enrolled in the various programs at the Petroleum Institute.

“The establishment of Mist comes in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to create a UAE scientific and research culture and enhance the level of higher education and R&D within the country,” said Masdar CEO Dr Sultan Al Jaber.

“Through Mist, Masdar is committed to supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision by developing human capital across the region and driving technological advancement in renewable and sustainable energy.  Mist will help bridge the gap between demand and supply of local talents and contribute to the economic diversification of the region,” he said.

"The agreement ensures that Abu Dhabi remains at the cutting edge of energy research and development. The students who graduate from each institution will be prepared to pioneer the new emerging energy technologies," said PI’s acting president Dr Michael Ohadi.

The agreement will primarily focus on faculty exchanges and research collaboration. Members of the two faculties will work together on research projects, and also collaborate in exchanging lectures, providing insights from across the spectrum of energy.

“The co-operation between PI and Mist is a significant step towards ensuring that Abu Dhabi has the necessary human capital to meet the demands of the future,” said Mist president Dr Russel Jones.

"Research in the oil and gas industry is of high importance and as such, the Petroleum Institute is charged with the responsibility of addressing efficient production and utilisation of energy and energy resources,” stated Dr Ohadi.

"Towards this end, PI and Mist will exchange information and benefit from each other's research," he added.

As part of the agreement, PI has now joined the Masdar Research Network.

In September 2009, Mist will open its new facilities at Masdar City with the intake of the first class of 100 students.

Developed in co-operation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mist will offer full-time post-graduate programs in engineering systems and management, information technology, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and water and environment.

Mist will begin offering PhD degrees in 2011, the institute said. – TradeArabia News Service