|
|
Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and information from publics.bg
News
From Bulgaria
17.04.2015 12:33- Prof. Ilchev, Mr. Faugeras and Prof. Totev seal the agreement
© publics.bg
© publics.bg
On April 17, 2015, Total E&P Bulgaria concluded Framework Cooperation Agreements with the University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski and the Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridksi at a signing ceremony held at the Sofia office of Total. The agreements serve as platforms for long term and strategic cooperation in education, research and innovation within the oil & gas exploration and production area. The agreements were signed by the General Manager of Total E&P Bulgaria Mr Xavier Faugeras, the Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Prof. Ivan Ilchev, and the Rector of the University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski” Prof. Lyuben Totev.
This initiative signifies the commitment of Total E&P Bulgaria and its partners in the exploration of Block 1-21 Han Asparuh in the Black Sea, OMV Offshore Bulgaria GmbH and Repsol Bulgaria B.V., to train local specialists and to support the academic institutions in Bulgaria. For the two Universities, the cooperation will bring about a valuable exchange of experience enabling students to link up with leading international academics and oil & gas companies.
The framework agreements will enable all partners to plan together for various education projects. Initially, Total E&P Bulgaria and its partners will fund academics from the Total Professors Association to come and teach relevant geosciences and engineering courses at the two Universities this spring and autumn.
According to Xavier Faugeras, the General Manager of Total E&P Bulgaria, the timing of the agreements could not be better. Interest in oil and gas industry and technology has increased during the last years in Bulgaria due to the serious need of energy diversification for the country and the hopes of finding local energy resources. The signing of the agreements is one of the initiatives to be employed by Total E&P Bulgaria and its partners to boost the employability of "local" talent in an increasingly international and competitive environment.
"Total E&P Bulgaria recognizes that skills development is essential for Bulgaria's economic growth. We are honoured to open this relationship with the University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski and the Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridksi as they show willingness to enhance the education they offer through the injection of high level technical and scientific expertise. It is also an additional opportunity for them to open to the corporate world, and to share Total’s values of excellence progress, diversity and development of human capital," explains Total E&P Bulgaria General Manager Xavier Faugeras.
Prof. Ilchev said, that the cooperation with business is crucial, as the state budget does not provide enough financing for science and especially for new laboratories and facilities. He thanked Total for the initiative and for the donation of 11 microscopes to the University. Also, he added, that the two departments in Sofia University which will benefit the most from the partnership, will be the Geology and Geography Faculty, as well as the Chemistry and Pharmacy Faculty.
Prof. Totev added, that the University of Mining and Geology has maybe the most wide partnership network in Bulgaria through its mutual projects with mining companies. He said, that more than 70% of the students who graduate actually work in the same mining companies, and some of the graduates have jobs outside Bulgaria as well.
All news from Bulgaria
Interview 
Full text
Events 
