A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by the two parties during EuropaCat XII opening ceremony on August 30th.

The signatories were Rector Ilshat Gafurov and Executive Vice-President Jesper Nerlov. The ceremony was attended by Interim President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and was coordinated with the celebration of the Day of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The signing was a continuation of preliminary agreements between President Minnikhanov and CEO of Haldor Topsoe Bjerne Clausen during their meeting on October 9th, 2014 in Copenhagen.

In April 2015 representatives of Haldor Topsoe visited KFU, had a meeting with the management and the facullty, toured the premises. The signed memorandums outline further directions of cooperation.

This cooperation includes the development of dehydration catalysts for polymer production. Lab research and manufacturing tests will be held. The work from KFU’s side will be conducted by a group headed by Prof. Alexander Lamberov; this team has worked on heterogeneous catalysis for several decades with many successful outcomes along the way.

Dr. Gafurov noted the importance of the agreement, 'We are glad to work together with Haldor Topsoe which is one of the largest petrochemistry enterprises in the world. The memorandum will help produce qualified professional for oil and petrochemistry in Tatarstan, carry out research and production projects'.

Regional Director of Haldor Topsoe in Moscow Jens Perregaard comments, 'It is important to remember that cooperation between Tatarstan and Haldor Topsoe was established by Dr. Haldor Topsoe himself in 2010 when he met with the then President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev. Dr. Topsoe always supported research and implementation of new and efficient technologies in the industry. He was convinced that science is the basis for technological progress. That’s why we continue to promote research cooperation with educational insttitutions'.

Jesper Nerlov shares his vision, 'Research and development is the basis of Topsoe's work. We have amassed unique expertise in catalysis in 75 years. We hope that this joint project with universities of Tatarstan helps prepare professionals, transfer knowledge, develop the petrochemical industry in the Republic’.