Research Projects Focus on Advancing UAE’s Circular Economy, Combating Climate Change, and Promoting Sustainability
Four researchers from Khalifa University have been awarded grants ranging from AED100,000 to AED500,000 by the Sandooq Al Watan Applied Research and Development (SWARD) initiative for their research projects that focus on contributing to advancing the UAE’s circular economy, combating climate change, and promoting social sustainability.
The researchers, Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, Assistant Professor, Physics; Dr. Maryam Khaleel, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering; Dr. Naoufel Werghi, Professor, Electrical Engineering; and Dr. Ahmed Alhajaj, Assistant Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, have received grants of up to AED500,000 each.
Out of the numerous proposals received, the SWARD committee chose the best six papers for sponsorship. The selection process for the SWARD grants involved a rigorous evaluation by an expert panel of scientists, environmental researchers, and industry professionals, assessing intellectual merit and broader impacts of the proposed projects, focusing on innovative ideas, transformative concepts, and the effectiveness of the plans.
Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, said: “We are honored to receive the grant from the SWARD initiative which will provide vital funding opportunities to further enhance innovation at Khalifa University. By supporting our research, the SWARD program can unlock social and economic benefits for the country and contribute towards the UAE’s sustainability goals. This remarkable initiative is a catalyst for progress, bridging the gap between academia and industry, further developing the research landscape in the UAE.”
Launched by the Sandooq Al Watan Fund during the COP28 UAE global climate conference, the SWARD initiative aims to support international and Emirati experts from universities and research institutions in the country, for their innovative sustainability efforts through scientific and research endeavors. The program encourages researchers from various universities to apply for grants to advance their projects and contribute to the achievement of the UAE Net Zero 2050 objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The SWARD initiative focuses on these three strategic research areas, with three cycles per year: Circular Economy, Climate Change, and Social Sustainability. Under the Circular Economy cycle, the researchers explore interdisciplinary approaches to foster innovation, inform policy-making, and promote sustainability and resilience in the economy and society.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
4 April 2024
