The ORLEN Group is building an alliance between science and business through the Industrial-Scientific Consortium in the field of catalysis, “NEXT-CATALYSIS”. The initiative aims to establish and strengthen cooperation with the top research centers in Poland in developing new catalysts, knowledge exchange, and experience sharing, as well as the education of future personnel of research and development (R&D) sectors. Today, Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of ORLEN, and Prof. dr. hab. eng. Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, signed a framework agreement of the Consortium in Gliwice. In the near future, the University of Warsaw will also sign it, and talks with other scientific partners are ongoing.
The establishment of the Industrial-Scientific Consortium in the field of catalysis, “NEXT-CATALYSIS”, was initiated by ORLEN. It is meant to intensify work on the development of innovative catalysts that can be applied in industrial processes carried out by ORLEN, including the Production Plant in Płock. The key aspect of the Consortium’s work is knowledge exchange on the latest trends in catalysis and the establishment of lasting relationships between science and business. As part of the ongoing activities, ORLEN will cooperate with scientific partners, also in the field of education of future scientists and R&D personnel.
“This is an extremely important initiative, demonstrating our vision for the development of the group, supported by research and innovation. To pursue this direction, we need the world of science with its passion, knowledge, and infrastructure. In return, we offer a path to commercialize new technologies, practical knowledge of our experts, and research and testing opportunities of our own R&D centers. Industrial trials on a ‘live organism’, which are the production plants of the ORLEN Group, are also crucial,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of ORLEN.
Most processes in ORLEN’s production plants occur with the participation of catalysts. So far, several solutions have been achieved that have better parameters compared to commercial catalysts within the R&D projects. However, ORLEN wants to take on the next challenges related to developing proprietary, innovative catalyst materials. This requires engaging not only its own resources but also establishing close cooperation with the scientific environment that has specialized knowledge and research infrastructure. For this purpose, the group initiated the Industrial-Scientific Consortium in the field of catalysis, “NEXT-CATALYSIS”.
“Today, the Silesian University of Technology formalizes and strengthens cooperation with ORLEN. For us, ORLEN is an exceptional partner, with whom cooperation opens up several opportunities. We start with the subject of catalysis, in which we have great achievements and excellent scientists. This is an area for joint R&D work, but also for the development of highly qualified personnel training. Thanks to the signed agreement, the Silesian University of Technology will become a leader in cooperation with one of the largest companies in Europe, also in other areas,” assessed Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
Research on the development of innovative catalyst materials will respond fully to the technological needs of ORLEN’s production plants. They will be carried out in close cooperation with the areas of production, technology, and catalyst purchasing. The basic activity of the Consortium will be conducted according to the defined Research Program, which, in addition to the group’s needs, will also include R&D projects proposed by scientific partners engaged in the initiative.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/orlen-inicjuje-konsorcjum-next-catalysis-nowa-era-wspolpracy-nauki-i-biznesu-w-dziedzinie-katalizy-45854
