Donation from Saudi Aramco

Ahmed Alkhunaini, Representative Director of Aramco Asia Japan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OIST on Friday 7 December.  The memorandum included the donation of $100,000 to the Graduate University to establish the Saudi Aramco Marine Environment Fund. 

OIST President Jonathan Dorfan and Provost Robert Baughman guided the visitors around the university with visits to several research laboratories.  At a lunch with OIST graduate students, Mr. Alkhunaini encouraged the young researchers not only to take full advantage of the educational opportunities at the Graduate University but also to benefit from the rich cultural heritage of Okinawa and Japan. 

“OIST is extremely grateful to Aramco for the generous gift of $100,000.  Aramco’s support for research in marine science at OIST will be beneficial to the greater understanding of complex ocean ecosystems,” said Dorfan.