KU Affairs

Masdar Institute and Partners to Host 4th Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium in Abu Dhabi

September 21, 2018

Nearly 100 scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the US and 21 countries of the Arab League will be gathering for the Fourth Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium that will be held in Abu Dhabi.

The symposium, scheduled to be held from 5-7 November 2016, will be jointly hosted by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in partnership with Petroleum Institute, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, and New York University Abu Dhabi. The event’s US sponsors include the National Science Foundation and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The symposium will discuss major scientific advances on a wide array of topics, and aims to contribute to building sustainable partnerships with high-level individuals and academic institutions in the Arab region.

The goal of these meetings is to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the US, including the Arab science diaspora, and facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “Our decision to join with our partners to host the Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium signifies our belief in bringing together the best scientific minds in the region and the world to inspire innovation. The symposium will help us to further build on the impact of our academic and research achievements as well as our growing reputation as a research-oriented institution. We believe the knowledge exchange resulting from this prestigious conference will substantially raise awareness about the relevance of collaborative research among scientists and engineers from across the Arab and American communities.”

Dr. Dalal Najib, senior program officer at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and director of the Arab-American Frontiers program said: “The program provides a platform to engage, connect and empower brilliant young researchers and highlights that they can be at the forefront of scientific and technological development. The symposium is participant-driven and is therefore an excellent opportunity for both organizing committee members and general participants to strengthen their leadership, communication and organizational skills and expand their professional network. In addition, by convening a group of participants that is diverse not only in research fields, but also geographically, the Arab American Frontiers symposia is building bridges and fostering mutual understanding between countries.”

The conference will address topics including ‘Solar Energy and Water for Sustainable Living’, ‘Nanotechnology for Next Generation Electronics and Photonics’, ‘Exploring the Brain’, ‘Advances in Petroleum Geosciences, Oil and Gas Exploration’, and ‘New Spacecraft Technologies for Earth and Space Exploration’. The organizing committee, which includes specialists from U.S. and regional institutions, finalized the topics at a recent meeting at Masdar Institute. The co-chairs of the committee are Dr. Nader Behdad from the University of Wisconsin and Dr. TieJun Zhang, Masdar Institute.

The Arab-American Frontiers Program is based on the long-standing Frontiers of Science and Engineering Programs managed by the US National Academies over the past 20 years. The Arab-American Frontiers program is designed to enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the US.

 

Clarence Michael
News Writer
23 October 2016