More than 1,500 research and industry professionals are taking part in the Abu Dhabi International Research and Development Conference and Exhibition (Adrac), which opened in the UAE capital today (May 24).

They are discussing the latest breakthrough innovations in energy R&D, said a Wam news agency report.

The opening speech was delivered by Yasser Saeed Al Mazrouei, deputy director E&P, Adnoc and chairman of Adrac 2015.

“Adrac has brought together the foremost leaders in research and innovation to collaborate and present solutions to address the region’s oil and gas challenges. We are pleased that the 2015 conference is the largest yet, and look forward to many fruitful discussions over the three-day event,” said Al Mazrouei.

Rowan Gibson, one of the world’s foremost thought leaders on business innovation gave the keynote address during the opening session, providing his insights on advancing research in the industry and how to create a collaborative and creative environment for R&D developments.

On Monday, a Chief Technology Officers Summit will bring together a group of experts for a panel discussion on “Crossover Technology: How Can Innovation from Other Industries Play a Key Role in Enhancing Performance in the Energy Sector?”

Participants in the CTO Summit include Dr Wafik Beydoun, R&D division manager at Adnoc; Mike Phillips, head of simulation systems at McLaren Applied Technologies; William Coates, senior VP Technology & Marketing at Schlumberger; Dr Alain Guenot, senior vice president, Total Exploration and Production, UAE; Dr Thomas Hochstettler, president at Petroleum Institute, UAE; and Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive VP at Khalifa University, UAE.

Adrac, which will run till May 26, is the premier conference for the international research and development community in the Middle East and is sponsored by Adnoc and its operating companies as well as the Petroleum Institute.

Source: Trade Arabia