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Masdar Institute to Showcase Role of Human Capital in Clean Technology Innovation at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2013

September 21, 2018

Officials, Faculty and Students to Lead Knowledge Exchange Sessions

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 08 January, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it will showcase the role of human capital in obtaining breakthroughs and innovations in clean technology during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2013.

Hosted by Masdar and supported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), ADSW 2013 is the foremost annual event, dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies. Organized under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will be held from 13-17 January 2013 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

ADSW 2013 comprises the General Assembly of IRENA, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the International Water Summit (IWS), the Abu Dhabi International Renewable Energy Conference (ADIREC), the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) award ceremony, and the inaugural energy ministerial of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA).

Demonstrating its inherent strength in human capital development and driving innovation in clean energy and sustainable advanced technology areas, Masdar Institute will be actively involved in various activities during ADSW 2013. Top officials will participate in key events while faculty will lead knowledge exchange sessions, especially at the inaugural International Water Summit (IWS). Students will also be equally involved in panel discussions.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Our participation in World Future Energy Summit during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will illustrate the research-based institution’s integral role in building the human capital necessary to UAE’s ambition in transforming its economy to a knowledge based one with particular emphasis on energy and water. Faculty members and students will collectively portray our pioneering contribution to the renewable energy and water technologies development.

“The UAE’s leadership has wisely launched several initiatives to implement clean technology projects in the country and across the world. With their support, Masdar Institute continues to lead in obtaining innovative solutions and technology breakthroughs through advanced research. We hope our participation in the Summit will raise awareness on the need for wider adoption of sustainable measures across communities.”

Dr Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, will be participating in a panel discussion titled ‘The role of Women in Future Energy: Breaking down the Barriers’. In keeping with Masdar Institute’s tradition of developing young leaders, three students – Reem Al Junaibi, Reem Ketait and Catherine Wilcox – will be given the opportunity to share the platform with other dignitaries and women leaders in energy industry.

Renowned experts will join the Executive Council members of the University Leadership Council and participate in a debate on the urgent need for a system to facilitate R&D in the UAE. Titled ‘Building a robust R&D Infrastructure’, the panel will be moderated by Dr Fred Moavenzadeh. Panel members will include Prof. Adnan Badran, President of Petra University in Jordan, Dr Mohammed Baniyas, Provost, UAE University, Dr Larry Wilson, Provost, Zayed University and Dr Tod Laursen, President, Khalifa University.

Highlighting its role in human development, Masdar Institute will also host the third lecture for 40 IRENA scholars at a workshop titled ‘Renewable Energy Deployment: Barriers, Policies and Regulations’. Dr. Eric Martinot, Former World Bank Senior Energy Specialist; Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies in Tokyo, Japan; and lead author, REN21 Renewables Global Status Report, will share his views on the impact of climate change, universal access to energy, social changes and national security concerns on renewable energy policy and the adoption of new regulations. The IRENA Scholarships are awarded to 20 highly accomplished applicants at Masdar Institute every year.

Endorsing the importance of the first inaugural International Water Summit, Masdar Institute faculty will lead two events at ADSW 2013. Dr. Farrukh Ahmed, Associate Professor – Water and Environmental Engineering, will share his expertise at a workshop titled ‘The role of Water Recycling and Water Re-Use in Arid Regions for Mitigating Water Scarcity’. Dr. Hassan E. S. Fath, Professor of Practice – Water and Environmental Engineering, will offer his views during a panel discussion on ‘Optimization of Water Production, Technology and Process to Positively Impact Environment’.

In addition, a dedicated Masdar Institute stand will display the key water-related research projects at the Summit. The display will include research initiatives undertaken by Dr. Nidal Hilal, Professor in Nano-membranology and Water Technologies. Dr Hilal, who is additionally the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Desalination’, an international journal on the science and technology of desalting and water purification, is closely involved in establishing a Centre of Excellence for Water Technologies at Masdar Institute.

Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s  renewable energy company, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week offers a global platform not only to highlight the activities of participating governments, businesses and organizations, but also to strengthen cooperation in driving sustainable development, focusing on the interconnected challenges of energy and water. ADSW 2013 is expected to attract an anticipated 30,000 participants from 150 countries for what is set to be the largest gathering on sustainability in the history of the Middle East.

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.