Rice hosts Russian republic president

Rice University’s Energy and the Environment Initiative (EEi) hosted the president of the Russian Federation Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov (third from left), and his business delegation Oct. 23. The visit was a celebration of the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Almetyevsk State Oil University, a leading oil and gas technology university in Tatarstan. The memorandum will be the framework to encourage the exchange of science and technology among students and faculty and for research programs that will be developed specifically to further transformational development.

“We are pleased to begin this relationship and were honored to have the president come to Rice University as a confirmation of leadership and support of this university cooperation,” said Chuck McConnell, executive director of EEi. “All critical aspects of energy sustainability will provide the centerpiece of this cooperation in oil and gas, petrochemicals and electric power. The exchange of students and research efforts will strive to address the global challenges in the energy marketplace and provide a healthy platform for learning and education.” (Photo by Jeff Fitlow)