Institute of Petroleum and Geology signs agreement with University of Melbourne
On February 28th, in Melbourne, Australia, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Petroleum and Geology (IPG) and the University of Melbourne was signed, aiming to improve the preparation of human resources in the areas of geosciences, and in earth sciences in general.
The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Alfredo Pires, stated that “we are proud and extremely grateful for this collaboration between IPG and the University of Melbourne”. He hopes that this partnership “will be a success” and that “there is a greater exchange in the field of Geosciences”, between the two institutions.
The President of the Institute of Petroleum and Geology, Hélio Guterres, considered that “this collaboration marks a new era for the development of IPG and represents an unprecedented and long-term commitment on strengthening the capacity of human resources, specifically in the area of Geosciences, and Earth Sciences in general”. He also highlighted the importance of sharing geological experiences for young Timorese geologists, through continuous education on the ground, laboratory work, and production of scientific articles.
On behalf of the University of Melbourne, Professor Jim McCluskey stated he was very pleased with the agreement with the IPG and said “I would like to express our commitment and our sincere thanks to IPG, in particular its President, Hélio Guterres, and the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Timor-Leste, Alfredo Pires, for the trust and excellent support they have given regarding the collaboration in the field of Earth Sciences. We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with our scientific Timorese partners, to achieve greater success, as we all wish”.
After the Memorandum signing ceremony, Professor Jim McCluskey presented a geological map of Laclo (Manatuto), the result of a previous joint collaboration between these two institutions.
The former Governor of the State of Victoria (Australia), Steve Bracks, and the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste in the state of Victoria, Rae Kingsbury were also present at the ceremony.
