RIC2D’s presence at the event emphasized its focus on creating an advanced materials innovation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi through research, technology development and commercialization.
Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), a leading center for graphene research and development, highlighted the commercialization of research and how challenges from the region are addressed with innovations in construction, health care, aerospace, energy, and water purification, at the 2nd EU-UAE International Workshop at Graphene Week 2023 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The workshop was part of the Graphene Week 2023 program, where attendees had an opportunity to learn about ongoing research activities and real-world technology transfer applications in the UAE, including spin-offs from the Graphene Flagship. Dr. Hassan Arafat, Senior Director, RIC2D, discussed the future of graphene during a talk hosted at the event.
Prof. Arafat and Dr. Kari Hjelt, Head of Innovation, Graphene Flagship, co-chaired the workshop in which eight presentations were given by representatives of Graphene Flagship industry partners and business developers, as well as UAE partners, each presenting relevant research and innovation actions involving graphene and 2D materials, addressing important technological and societal challenges.
RIC2D’s local partners, including the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) Abu Dhabi, and STRATA Manufacturing offered presentations, in addition to international partners Graphmatech AB, Levidian and Grapheal. Apart from these presentations, this workshop provided opportunities to discuss topics of common interest, explore possible new collaborations, and an interactive panel discussion that clarified queries raised by participants.
Prof. Arafat presented on ‘The Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) at Khalifa University’ explaining the emergence of RIC2D as a result of the UAE’s early recognition of the significant potential of graphene and other 2D materials. From its inception, the center has established a valuable association with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at the University of Manchester.
The talk also emphasized RIC2D’s focus on creating an advanced materials innovation ecosystem in Abu Dhabi through research, technology development and commercialization, providing funding and support for collaborative international research endeavors. Prof. Arafat also shared that within the realm of 2D technologies, RIC2D prioritizes areas such as water, energy (including hydrogen), and lightweight materials, while exploring opportunities in healthcare, photonics, and communications. The presentation also explored how RIC2D extends an open invitation to all stakeholders for joint research and development proposals.
At Graphene Week, RIC2D played a pivotal role in catalyzing scientific development and fostering the commercialization of technologies derived from graphene and other enhanced 2D materials in the UAE. RIC2D’s presence at Graphene Week 2023 underscored its dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation, and the realization of this transformative potential.
Dr. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Professor, and Director, Khalifa University’s Center for Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS), was also an Invited Speaker at Graphene Week 2023, and presented a research paper that demonstrated how certain catalysts can address sustainable needs in the energy and fuel sector.
Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
31 October 2023
