On the 9th of April KFU and Schlumberger signed a framework collaboration agreement for joint research and training, student internships and employment. The parties also signed an agreement on free handover of academic licenses for the key Schlumberger software products.

In his introductory address, Vice-Rector Danis Nurgaliev talked about the KFU delegation visit to Canada headed by Rector Ilshat Gafurov. He mentioned strengthening relations with leading Canadian universities (Calgary, Alberta) and companies (Schlumberger, Suncor Energy Crp.). There is an interest in establishing a 3D iCentra for collective research use. Rector Gafurov noted that the Tatarstan government appointed Kazan University to be in charge of heavy and bitumen oils development.

The signatories were Rector Ilshat Gafurov and Schlumberger Director for Personnel in Russia and Central Asia Artyom Karapetov, According to Mr. Karapetov, Schlumberger’s annual R&D budget totals USD 1 bln. and some of projects are planned to be undertaken at KFU. He noted that technology handover is just a first step, as the parties aim at join research activities.