The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) announced today at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, that it has joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative (MITEI) as a founding public member. The collaboration will support ongoing research and development of alternative and renewable energy technologies and solutions, as well as provide new opportunities to help meet the world’s need for sustainable energy supplies and practices.
"The Masdar Institute is excited to be deepening our relationship with MIT by joining this initiative. This is a natural extension of our mandate to help advance research and development in Abu Dhabi and worldwide," said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar. "Our partnership with MIT has been at the forefront of our drive toward executing the wise vision of our leadership; growing Abu Dhabi into a centre of knowledge for alternative energy," he added.
The Masdar Institute is one of several public and private organizations in the alternative energy sector that have joined as members of MITEI. As a founding member, Masdar will have a seat on MITEI’s governing board. The Masdar Institute will also be directly involved in identifying sponsored research programs, and will join with other MITEI members in supporting the MITEI Energy Research Seed Fund program which funds innovative early-stage research projects solicited from across the MIT campus. As a founding public member of MITEI, Masdar will appoint post-doctoral fellows to MIT as well as explore opportunities to bring post-doctoral fellows to the Institute to further enhance its intellectual infrastructure and capabilities.
"As we press for bold answers to the world’s energy challenges, we actively seek global partners who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Given its demonstrated commitment to renewable energy research and experimentation at scale, the Masdar Institute is poised to make invaluable contributions to MITEI," said MIT President Susan Hockfield.
Professor Ernest Moniz, Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems and MITEI Director noted that "MITEI is excited that MASDAR is strengthening its relationship with MIT. To date, most of Masdar’s work with MIT has had an energy focus. Joining MITEI as a founding member will create new opportunities for Masdar and MIT to work together to help address global energy challenges through research and education."
The Masdar Institute, which commences its classes in September 2009, was developed in cooperation with MIT to be the world’s first graduate level institution dedicated to the study and research of advanced energy and sustainable technologies. The Masdar Institute’s longstanding partnership with MIT includes assistance in the development of graduate degree programs and recruitment of faculty and senior level administration, joint collaborative research, and outreach that encourages industrial participation in research and development activities.
