In 2017, the University signed a partnership agreement with the University of Aston. This three-years agreement outlines efforts for a joint study on linking desalination plants using reverse osmosis technology via renewable energy systems. The agreement also includes both universities jointly supervising University of Bahrain PhD in Engineering program and organizing a number of activities in the field over the next three years. This partnership comes as a result of the Science Collaboration Symposium that was organized by the British Council in February and November 2016. The symposium discussed pressing issues on water, energy and food and was attended by researchers from Bahrain, the United Kingdom and Gulf countries.