ABU DHABI – (October 6, 2010): Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and environmental technologies, developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has commenced classes within its new campus, the centrepiece of Masdar City.
Masdar Institute students are now studying within the ‘living lab’ research environment of Masdar City and living in one of the world’s most advanced building facilities comprising of world-class laboratories, student residences, classrooms and faculty offices that truly push the boundaries of sustainable living.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and chairman of the executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute, said: “This marks a vital step towards realizing the vision and strategy of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in positioning the emirate as a knowledge hub built on its vast energy expertise. In taking up its rightful home at the heart of Masdar City, Masdar Institute is poised to make invaluable contributions to future generations of Abu Dhabi, UAE and the world as a whole.
“The new campus building perfectly symbolizes the steady progress that has been achieved by Masdar in providing a model for sustainable living. Firm foundations have been laid and we now have a fitting world-class facility in which a living, vibrant and creative research community can flourish and excel in tackling our greatest challenges, climate change and energy security.”
Nearly 100 new graduate students, representing 25 nations, have been enrolled from an elite pool of over 1,900 applicants from around the world. The new students come from as far and wide as Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, with students from the UAE continuing to represent the highest proportion by nationality, contributing to nearly 42% of the total new student population, with females representing more than 46% of all new students.
Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: “From an inspired vision four years ago by the leadership of Abu Dhabi to the reality of today’s campus we have a facility that truly reflects the quality and standards of our faculty and students. In a short period of time Masdar Institute has taken great strides towards our aim of providing a world-class research and education environment that attracts and nurtures future leaders and critical thinkers in science and technology.
“Undoubtedly the campus is a remarkable feat of engineering, but it is much more than a building. It is physical example of exactly what Masdar stands for, demonstrating the commitment of Abu Dhabi and proving what can be achieved in response to the world’s energy challenges. The sophistication of the technology to conserve energy and contribute positively to the environment while offering a pleasant and rewarding experience is matched only by the comprehensive system of education being delivered and the quality of people involved.”
Building upon the five original Masters of Science (MSc) programs offered in the inaugural year, the second year provides an extended academic curriculum with the introduction of two new MSc degrees — Microsystems Engineering and Electrical Power Engineering, and an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree (PhD) Program.
The new Masdar Institute campus, designed by Foster & Partners, provides a new benchmark as a model of sustainable living and working. Covering 43,000 sq m of purpose built research facilities and 11,000 sq m of laboratory space, the campus will leverage the fullest use of innovation in energy-efficiency, sustainable practices, resource recycling, biodiversity, transportation and green building standards.
The Masdar Institute campus has been built to consume 55 percent less in cooling demand compared to the UAE baseline, 54 percent less potable water, 51 percent less in electrical demand and has a 75 percent waste-heat recovery
Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, Dean of Engineering, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: “In this, our second year of classes, Masdar Institute is continuing to embark on an exciting yet vital journey for Abu Dhabi, the Middle East and the world as a whole. Our unique focus on the integration of technology, policy and systems, combined with the opportunity to test and deploy new technologies in Masdar City on a scale unrivaled elsewhere in the world, reinforces that there is no better place to study, research or develop a career in alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability.”
