Abu Dhabi-UAE: 17 January, 2015 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, is set to announce several major innovation initiatives and projects during this year’s Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). With heightened interest at the UAE federal level in research-driven innovation, the university’s R&D activities are expected to capture more attention than ever.
Masdar Institute will be making a number of important announcements during the week, including one relating to the launch of a unique mobile app for renewable energy, another announcement regarding the Institute’s Sustainable Bioenergy Research Center and others to initiate new research partnerships – all expected to be of great significance to the UAE and wider region.
Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said, “Every year Masdar Institute’s participation at ADSW drives forward our growing profile on research and innovation. This year, we are showcasing some of the most novel concepts in clean energy, water and advanced technology, which we achieved with the support of the UAE leadership. As a research-based institution, we will continue to widen our focus areas to bring more effective sustainable solutions for the benefit of the local, regional and global communities.”
Organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ADSW 2015 will be held from 17-22 January in Abu Dhabi. The event will include the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and the 3rd International Water Summit (IWS).
Through its participation at WFES 2015, Masdar Institute will effectively showcase its tangible research outcomes and achievements, emphasizing its role as an innovation leader in clean energy and sustainable advanced technologies.
Reflecting its status as a leader in the clean energy innovation, Masdar Institute’s Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh will moderate a panel on ‘R&D and Innovation as key drivers in the agenda of solutions and the importance of collaborative innovative solutions.’ Another panel discussion on ‘Integration & Deployment – Research & Capacity Building’ to be led by Dr. Steve Griffiths, Executive Director, Office of Institute Initiatives, Masdar Institute, will highlight the importance of building human and intellectual capital through partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy. Dr. Vladimir Bulovic, Associate Dean for Innovation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), will also take part in this panel session.
Reiterating its research emphasis on water, a strategic area for the UAE, Masdar Institute will lead various events at Innovate@IWS 2015. Dr. Taha B.M.J. Ouarda, Head of the Masdar Institute Center for Water and Environment (iWater), and Professor, Water and Environmental Engineering, will lead a workshop focusing on research and development for water in the GCC region.
Also at Innovate@IWS, Dr. Bruce Walker Ferguson, Head of the Masdar Institute Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iInnovation) and Professor of Practice, Engineering Systems and Management, will sit as a jury member in the judges’ panel that will select winning innovators in three categories – municipal water, industrial water, and water for real-estate. There, competing innovators will have a chance to pitch their inventions to a jury of experts. The winning technologies will demonstrate excellence in the following areas – uniqueness, business potential and long-term vision.
Dr. Marouane Tamimi, Associate Professor, Water and Environmental Engineering Program, will offer his thoughts on ‘How to achieve sustainable marine and coastal environment in the Arabian Gulf’ at an IWS workshop. He will also highlight the recent work completed by his research group in the Arabian Gulf in addition to tools they have developed to monitor threats and assess the state of the Gulf waters.
In addition, Dr. Ferguson will join the ‘Speed Mentoring’ event at the Masdar Institute stand from 12:00 – 1:00 PM on 21 January, hosted by iInnovation. The event aims to connect potential sustainable and advanced technology entrepreneurs with business development advisors from different companies. The advisors will be evaluating business ideas and providing advice on how to improve on concepts and what are the best approaches to funding and launching new businesses.
Highlighting the role played by Masdar Institute in the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) arena, Dr. Mohamed Abu Zahra, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, will lead a workshop titled ‘Using CO2-EOR (carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery) in the Gulf States to reduce CO2 emissions’. The session will provide a detailed understanding of the role carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery can play in providing multiple benefits in the Gulf region.
Dr. Nicolas Calvet, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering (MME), is a key speaker in the presentation of the results of a joint project with IBIDEN Co., a Japanese manufacturer. The project was launched eight months ago at the Masdar Institute Solar Platform and aims to test the durability and reflectivity of special mirrors for solar energy applications.
Beyond its major announcements, Masdar Institute’s participation at the four-day summit will include student and faculty project displays at the Masdar Institute Innovation Zone, as well as additional panel discussions and workshops led by faculty members.
Visitors to the Masdar Institute stand (Stand #5350) will be met with faculty, students and research experts who can provide useful insight into the university’s innovation capabilities and accomplishments.
ENDS
