IOC, Simon Fraser University sign clean energy research pact

State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has signed an agreement with Canada's Simon Fraser University (SFU) for collaboration on clean energy research.

Located in Canada on British Columbia's west coast, SFU is a public research university and is ranked amongst the top 50 universities in the world.

"SFU specialises in developing clean energy technologies in which IOC has considerable interest for future businesses in India," the company said in a statement here.

IOC Director (R&D) R K Malhotra and SFU President and Vice Chancellor Prof Andrew Petter signed a Statement of Intent for collaborative research in clean technology, it said.

Malhotra said the pact will allow an opportunity for the Indian and foreign researchers to acquire working experience at IOC's Research and Development division on projects of our interest and earn their degrees from SFU.

IOC, he said, recognises and values the lead role which British Columbia is taking in Hydrogen Fuel Cell development and its commercialisation. He hoped that this collaboration will help IOC access SFU's expertise in this area.

Petter said India is a priority destination for SFU's research collaborations.

"Exchange programme would also see SFU faculty and students work in IOC's world-class R&D facility, while IOC personnel would have access to SFU facilities. This would be an exemplary illustration of global Industry-Academia Collaboration," the statement said.

Philip Steenkamp VP (External Relations), SFU; Dr Mario Pinto VP (Research), SFU and BP Das, Executive Director (Refining Technology), IOC were among senior officials present at the signing ceremony.