The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Regina, Canada, to strengthen collaboration in petroleum engineering, clean energy technologies, research, innovation and postgraduate training.

Representing the University of Regina, Professor Raphael Idem said the partnership was a strategic alignment between the two institutions aimed at advancing research and developing solutions to emerging energy challenges.

He announced the introduction of a Government of Canada-funded internship programme that will enable KNUST master's and PhD students to undertake research at the University of Regina for up to six months. The programme is expected to serve as the first practical step in implementing the MoU and strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

"This internship programme is a way to kick-start the partnership. We hope that once it is successfully implemented, it will open the door to many more collaborative opportunities," he said.

KNUST Registrar, Mr. Benjamin Boampong Owusu, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the University's commitment to ensuring the agreement delivers tangible outcomes.

He said KNUST would provide the necessary institutional support to ensure the agreement moved beyond documentation to implementation by advancing collaborative research in petroleum engineering, clean energy and emerging technologies, while contributing to solutions to global energy challenges.

"Once we append our signatures, implementation must begin immediately, and we hope the University of Regina shares that commitment."

He added that the partnership would support efforts to address challenges in the energy and petroleum sectors while advancing sustainable research and innovation.

Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Geo-Engineering, Professor Kwaku Amaning Adjei, welcomed the partnership, saying it would create opportunities for staff and postgraduate development. He noted that the internship programme would provide valuable international research exposure for postgraduate students and academic staff.

"We are happy with this opportunity because international exposure is important for our staff development. We look forward to supporting our staff to participate in the programme and to exploring the many other opportunities this partnership will bring," he said.

Story: Belinda Opoku Danso   Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah