The first Gulf Chemistry Association (GCA) International Conference and Exhibition, GCA 2020, will take place in Bahrain from 10-12 November 2020, under the patronage of HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, minister of oil and chairman of the board of directors of the National Oil and Gas Authority of Bahrain
The three-day event, bringing together industry experts and leaders, will examine the role that chemistry plays in sustainable energy, oil, and petrochemical industries.
With oil recovery, specifically petroleum products, at the forefront of global industry discussions, GCA 2020 will explore topics such as industrial chemistry, advanced analytical and laboratory methodologies and synthesis and characterisation of functional materials that have been identified as major growth factors for the industry in order to increase efficiencies, increase longevity, improve fuctionality and ultimately minimise the cost structure.
As part of collaboration between the Gulf Chemists Union (GCU) and the Chapter of Saudi Arabia's International Chemical Sciences, GCA 2020 provides a platform for regional academics, researchers, engineers and scientists to share knowledge, data, and the latest technological advances in the industry.
Over the course of the conference and exhibition, delegates will learn how experts are advancing the way in which we refine and produce chemicals as safely and sustainably as possible.
Jamal N. Al Otaibi, chairman of GCA 2020, said, “GCA 2020 is a unique forum to foster transnational exchange and global collaboration to encourage dialogue between different branches of chemistry, bringing industry and academia decision-makers and pioneers together to emphasise the impact chemistry and chemical researchers have on our society.
“As the first Chemistry Association International event in the GCC, we are also proud to announce we will be hosting the GCC’s first Young Researchers Award, to be presented by Nobel Prize nominee, Prof. Omar Yaghi. The ceremony will honour and reward innovators, pioneers and professionals across the GCC, showcasing their reputation and achievements to motivate future chemists.”
Acknowledging the need for rigorous health and safety measures, Al Otaibi provided assurance wellbeing of attendees, exhibitors and speakers is a priority. “COVID-19 is continuing to cause significant global challenges, and we are taking full accountability to ensure GCA 2020 is a fully sanitised and protected event. We will be implementing stringent precautionary health and safety measures to facilitate a safe, comfortable experience for our delegates, ensuring they leave full of knowledge and enjoyment.”
Sowelim Al Shamrie, chairman of the advisory committee, said, “GCA 2020 will bring together over 1,000 local, regional and international experts in all aspects of laboratory operation, including staff development, quality management, health, safety and the environment. Our aim is to provide an opportunity for all delegates to learn from and network with renowned keynote speakers from the entire globe, including the esteemed Prof. Omar Yaghi.”
Comprised of individuals recognised as institutional leaders, industry pioneers from across the globe and crucial to the event’s success, keynote speakers include Ahmad Al Khowaiter, Saudi Aramco’s chief technology officer; Prof. Omar Yaghi, the James and Neeltje Tretter chair professor of chemistry at UC Berkeley, Dr George Manos, professor of the department of chemical engineering at University College London; Prof Richard N. Zare, professor in natural science at Stanford University and Rueben Jih-Ru Hwu, chair professor at National Tsinghua University.
