Sabic signed on April 20 a long-term research and innovation agreement with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The agreement calls for the construction of the Sabic Research and Innovation Center at University campus, scheduled to begin operations in 2012. The agreement creates the framework whereby Sabic provides construction funding for the center, as well as support for research on the jointly agreed industry/academic projects to be undertaken there. The long term investment should bring excellent returns at both the scientific and economic levels. Sabic joins a number of international institutions partnering with KAUST to support education and economic development through scientific innovation that will, over time, deliver advances.
The center will work to strengthen the collaboration and innovative goals shared by Sabic and KAUST, and employ between 100 and 150 scientists on research and technology projects.