The research center, which will be called KOPRC, will implement applied research projects in the oil refining and petrochemical industries, said KASCT President Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Suwail. Al-Suwail and Phil Clare, director of research services for Oxford University, signed the agreement.

“KOPRC will mainly focus on five research projects, including the development of catalysts for oil refining and petrochemical operations.

They will develop solid acidic catalysts for the oil refining process, solutions to help turn carbon dioxide into hydrocarbons, catalysts for polymerization operations and olefins besides developing catalysts for manufacturing clean fuel,” added Al-Suwail.

The center will organize seminars, workshops and conferences as well as host researchers from both countries.

KOPRC, the first of its kind in the Arab world in petrochemical studies, is part of KACST’s strategic plan to develop the Kingdom’s petrochemical industry.