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Masdar Institute to Host Orientation Week for Newly Enrolled Students from 25-29 August

September 21, 2018

Week-Long Events Designed to Offer Holistic View of Masdar Institute Offerings

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 21 August, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced presentations on academic and research offerings as well as the cultural landmarks of the UAE will be some of the highlights at the Orientation Week for the newly enrolled fifth batch of students.

The five-day event for the students admitted to 2013-2014 academic year will be held from 25-29 August and include registration and distribution and an overview of housing and facilities. A welcome note by the President of Masdar Institute will mark the beginning of the week-long program that will be addressed by the Provost. The Dean of Student Affairs will speak about student life at the campus, while the Dean of Faculty will provide an overview of the research-based institution’s renowned faculty members. The Dean of Academic Programs will provide an introduction on graduate education and academic procedures.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “This year’s Orientation Week aims to offer an insight into the academic, research and outreach offerings for the benefit of the newly enrolled students. With the support of the UAE’s leadership, Masdar Institute has evolved into an internationally-recognized graduate-level institution, attracting students from across the world. We expect the new entrants to emulate their seniors and alumni in facilitating clean energy research that paves way for breakthrough innovations.”

Other key aspects of the program include video presentations on academic programs and research projects by individual faculty members and program heads, and information on student services, as well as a dedicated session titled ‘Masdar, Masdar Institute and Beyond’. An introduction by the Director of Library on the e-resources available at Masdar Institute will also be a key component of the event.

A presentation from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will inform the new students about scholarship options. Part of the effort to promote human capital development, a total of 20 highly-accomplished applicants is annually awarded IRENA scholarships at Masdar Institute, with the support of the UAE Government.

The IRENA scholars will also be able to attend an exclusive high-level lecture program, aimed at presenting the latest developments in the field of renewable energies.

A traditional annual visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the major cultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi – will be the highlight of the program. Other places the students will visit will include the Heritage Village, Yas Island, and the Emirates Palace.

Dr. Nidal Hilal, Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “At Masdar Institute we encourage multi-disciplinary research, from fundamental research through to cutting edge industrial applications. We also promote trans-disciplinary research and collaboration with leading universities around the globe such as MIT. And by doing things differently; we are making a significant change. The five-day Orientation program will be an ideal opportunity for the new students to familiarize themselves with the academic environment and the cultural diversity at Masdar Institute that will lead to better understanding of the faculty and fellow students. We aim to smoothen the transition of students from diverse cultures into this research-based institution.”

In addition to academic life, there will be separate sessions covering career services, internships and alumni, Masdar Institute Ambassadors’ program, Student Government Association and various clubs, as well as a round-table for new and returning students. The individual events of the Orientation Week are designed to offer a holistic view of all Masdar Institute offerings to the new students.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.