Three-dimensional images of the Earth’s crust and scholarships for future oil and gas workers are just two of the benefits to emerge from a new partnership between Aberdeen University and one of the world’s biggest energy firms.
Professors signed a memorandum of understanding with senior executives from Halliburton yesterday, hoping to strengthen research in the north-east and better prepare students for careers in the energy industry.
The deal coincided with the company donating £200,000 of equipment for a new 3D visualisation suite at the university, which will allow future geoscientists to examine and map the internal structure of the Earth’s crust.
Halliburton, which has already given £7million of software to the university since 2001, is also pledging £30,000 over the next three years towards scholarships to nurture new talent for the oil and gas in- dustry.
The signing of the memorandum was attended by leading figures in Halliburton, including its chief executive, Dave Lesar.
Aberdeen University was represented by its principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Ian Diamond, and vice-principal and head of the college of physical sciences, Professor Albert Rodger.
The new visualisation suite, which will be named The Halliburton Room, will allow data, gathered from surveys of the Earth’s crust, to be viewed in 3D for the first time at the university.
Similar techniques are used by major energy companies.
Students and researchers will use 3D glasses and a joy-stick to navigate around the information on big screens, gaining a better understanding of the Earth’s evolution and methods involved in oil and gas exploration.
Prof Rodger said the device, and Halliburton’s continued support, would help the university to attract the best students and academics from around the world.
“The signing of this partnership builds on the strong history of collaboration between Aberdeen University and Halliburton, and the benefits this has already delivered for both our students and the industry,” he added.
Halliburton Europe and West Africa vice-president Brady Murphy said: “Part- nering with Aberdeen University will help us meet our global talent requirements.”