Dr Patrick Linke, chair of the Chemical Engineering Programme at Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), has been named the inaugural holder of the Qatar Shell professorship.
This new professorship is funded by Qatar Shell to foster greater understanding of Qatar’s contemporary issues relating to energy and environment, and to encourage discussions about these topics with key stakeholders and the public in Qatar.
Youssif A Saleh, vice president of Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre, Qatar Shell (QSRTC), said: “We are extremely proud to once again collaborate with Texas A&M at Qatar. QSRTC works closely with universities and schools to develop local talent and enhance technical capabilities, therefore delivering sustainable impact in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Energy and its relationship with the environment has been the centrepiece of Linke’s teaching and research since he joined Tamuq in 2007. In 2009, Linke co-founded the Qatar Sustainable Water and Energy Utilisation Initiative (QWE), which continues to be instrumental in leading research in such vital areas for Qatar while strengthening collaboration with stakeholders throughout the country. He also was chief engineer and director of the water and energy sectors of the Qatar National Food Security Programme from 2008 until 2014.
Linke is also the executive director of graduate studies at Tamuq. He has published five book chapters and more than 100 peer-reviewed scholarly articles. He has presented more than 100 conference papers and delivered more than 30 invited talks.
Linke was chosen by a panel chair and professorship holders from Texas A&M’s main campus and Texas A&M at Qatar from a pool of very competitive nominees in recognition of his outstanding contributions in energy and environment. Professorships help give universities a competitive edge by providing funds to attract top faculty, which in turn helps attract other top-notch faculty and students.