Research-Focused University Becomes One of 30 Pride of Zayed Award 2018 Winners
Khalifa University of Science and Technology was honored among the 30 Emirati achievements for the UAE Pioneers Award 2018.
The University was recognized for being the national nerve center for scientific research in the country, and introducing meticulously planned programs as per the requirements of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s employment market.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honored the university’s achievements during a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, following the conclusion of the Annual Government Meetings. The UAE Pioneers ceremony coincided with 47th UAE National Day celebrations.
A total of a total of 30 organizations had won individual Pride of Zayed awards. Residents were able to nominate institutions that they felt the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, would most likely be proud of today.
Khalifa University has been able to contribute significantly to the UAE’s intellectual and human capital development since its founding in February 2017 through the merger of three leading universities. During 2017, Khalifa University became the single largest contributor to the UAE’s total patents, when it registered 32 patents with the US Patent and Trademark Office, accounting for approximately 30.3% of the country’s total patents.
More recently, the university became one of only two academic institutions from the UAE to launch a satellite when the MYSAT-1 CubeSat, developed by the students and faculty, was sent to the International Space Station. It will be used for educational and research purposes once it makes its final ascent to its orbital position in the beginning of 2019. The nanosatellite carries two payloads, including a camera to take images of the UAE from space, demonstrating the process of remote sensing, as well as an innovative lithium-ion battery developed at Khalifa University.
Khalifa University already shares the top spot with 11 other select international institutions in the ‘industry income’ pillar, which signifies knowledge transfer, according to the 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings that was released in September 2018.
Clarence Michael
News Writer
29 November 2018
