UDST, Iberdrola Innovation Middle East sign pact to advance academic co-operation

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance academic and research cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The agreement aims to combine UDST's expertise in applied education and research with Iberdrola's experience in the energy sector, creating opportunities for joint fundamental, academic, and applied research, research and development projects, and scientific publications.

Through this partnership, the two entities will engage in seminars, conferences, and academic meetings to foster knowledge exchange and professional engagement. UDST President Dr. Salem al-Naemi emphasized the importance of meaningful collaborations between academia and industry to bridge the gap between education and the evolving needs of the economy.

He highlighted how this agreement will provide students and researchers with valuable opportunities to tackle real-world challenges in the energy sector, promoting applied research and innovation.

Dr. Santiago Banales-Lopez, Iberdrola Innovation Middle East's managing director, stressed that industry-academia collaboration is vital for driving innovation and developing expertise to address future energy challenges. As digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) reshape the energy landscape, the MoU will serve as a platform to bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate the transition to AI-driven solutions for a more sustainable and efficient energy system.

Under the terms of the agreement, UDST and Iberdrola Innovation Middle East will explore student internships and training, co-supervision of master's students, and the potential to co-organize hackathons and innovation challenges.