Syncrude is celebrating a pair of big milestones.

Last week the oil giant marked 55 years of advancing oil sands science while their Research & Development Centre in Edmonton celebrated its 25th birthday.

Syncrude Spokesperson Will Gibson tells Mix News research is and always will be an integral part of what they do.

“We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these milestones. We think they’re both very important to our near-5000 employees. The research we do today is what is going to keep us viable for many years to come.”

Syncrude’s East Mine is one of many reclamation projects by the oil company. Photo by: Brandon Piper//Harvard Broadcasting

Gibson adds even though its been 55 years – the oil sands are still a relatively young industry with ample room for growth.

He notes the milestones reflect the company’s contribution to advancing science, technologies and innovation in the oil sands.

“Right now, we have more than 200 Canadian patents, and many of the technologies used in the oil sands today were developed at Syncrude and adapted by other companies. So, we have a history of getting it right.”

Gibson adds the oil giant looks forward to continuing their path of innovation for many more decades to come.