Find out more about HBKU's first IGAB meeting.

Initiative ushers closer cooperation between college, university and Qatar’s business community

Entity: College of Science and Engineering

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) commitment to cultivating human capacity through enriching academic experiences and innovative research is set to grow following the hosting of its first Industry and Government Advisory Board (IGAB) Meeting.

Organized and administered by the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the IGAB consists of 10 Qatar-based community and business leaders and esteemed academics. Board members will provide counsel, connections and funding to promote the mission, goals and objectives of the college through the development of external relationships and resources. This includes facilitating research opportunities and work-based experience as well as extracurricular activities which foster leadership and service among students and CSE faculty.

The first IGAB Meeting took place February 12 at Education City’s Manufactury Building and featured welcome remarks from H.E. Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, former Minister of Energy and Industry for the State of Qatar. Board members were introduced to the CSE’s divisions and academic programs, as well as current research priorities. Further discussions considered potential areas for engagement between HBKU faculty and students and industry, alongside supporting initiatives.

Speaking after the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Hassan Said Bazzi, Associate Dean for External Affairs, and Head, Division of Science, CSE, commented: “The formation of the Industry and Government Advisory Board is a significant milestone for the CSE and wider HBKU family. Besides laying the foundations for closer cooperation between students, faculty and the country’s business community, it also paves the way for greater combined efforts to advance the State of Qatar’s national development. We look forward to bringing the ideas generated by the IGAB to life over the coming years.”

The IGAB is chaired by H. E. Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada and has the following members:

1- Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo
2- Dr. Mohammed Al-Mulla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, QAPCO
3- Sheikh Khaled bin Abdallah Al Thani, Chief Engineering and Project Officer, QatarEnergy LNG
4- Mr. Taher Hamid, President and General Manager, ExxonMobil Qatar Inc.
5- Mr. Yasser Al-Jaidah, Chief Executive Officer of UDC and Qatar Cool
6- Mr. Jason Bridger, Managing Director, SLB
7- Mr. Robert Maxwell, Managing Director and Chairman, Qatar Shell Companies
8- Mr. Neil Gunnion, Country Head and VP Operations, McDermott Middle East Inc.
9- Dr. Abdulla Al Wahedi, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kahramaa
10- Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean,CSE (Standing Member)
11- Dr. Hassan S. Bazzi, Associate Dean for External Affairs, CSE (Standing Member)

Full Board meetings will take place twice a year, typically within HBKU’s spring and fall semesters.