A Total of 40 Trained Physicians Join UAE’s Growing Healthcare Sector

 

Khalifa University organized the Hippocratic Oath Ceremony for 40 graduating cohort of 2026 MD students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, at the Main Campus, recognizing the graduating medical students’ formal commitment to the ethical and expert standards of the medical profession.

 

H.E. Homaid Al Shimmari, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, H.E. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, and members of the University’s Executive Committee including Prof. Habiba Alsafar, Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, attended the ceremony.

 

The Hippocratic Oath was recited by H.E. Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, and Dr. Ajlan Zaki, Buhooth Scholar and Staff Physician, Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Cancer Institute. Rashed Almheiri, MD, batch of 2026, delivered the student address on behalf of his graduating cohort. 

 

The 2026 cohort recorded the highest U.S. Medical Licensing Examination pass rate and the highest Step 2 average score in the program’s history, at 247. Of the 40 graduates, representing 16 nationalities, 21 have already secured residency placements at hospitals in the U.S. and Canada in highly competitive specialties including surgery, pediatrics, neurology, internal medicine, and interventional radiology. The remaining 19 graduates have applied for positions in the UAE, with match results expected in mid-July 2026.

 

Prof. Habiba Alsafar said: “The physicians who graduated today are the product of rigorous scientific training, cutting-edge research, and an unwavering commitment to serving the UAE. At the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, we develop medical scientists who are equipped to tackle the healthcare challenges of tomorrow, contribute to discovery, and strengthen the foundations of a healthcare system the UAE is building for generations to come.”

 

Rashed Almheiri, MD, Class of 2026, said: “Taking this oath, carries a weight I have been preparing for throughout my years at Khalifa University. This personal milestone is also a responsibility to the patients who will place their trust in us and to a country that has invested in our medical training and our future.”

 

Jude Maraka, MD, Class of 2026, said: “I am incredibly proud to be among the physicians trained entirely within the UAE. This moment belongs to my family, professors, and to a country building its own medical future.”

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer 

Khalifa University Faculty May Collaborate with U.S.-based Scientists Through Simons Foundation Grand Challenge Research Calls

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it is exploring collaboration opportunities with the Simons Foundation in New York on advanced computational research aligned with strategic priorities in areas including artificial intelligence, energy, health, quantum technologies, and space sciences, supporting the UAE’s goal of strengthening research capabilities.

 

The engagement with the Simons Foundation’s Flatiron Institute, which remains one of the world’s leading centers for computational science, expands opportunities for UAE-based faculty and researchers to participate in international grand challenge research programs. These include collaborative proposals with US-based scientists under the Simons Foundation’s competitive funding calls.

 

The senior delegation, led by His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, included Dr. Ray O. Johnson, Senior Advisor to President, and Professor Samuel Mao, Senior Director of the Resource Management and Sustainability Institute and Co-Chair of the UAE Universities Climate Network. The delegation met with Dr. David Spergel, President of the Simons Foundation; Dr. Amiel Sternberg, Vice President for External Scientific Partnerships and Senior Research Scientist, Flatiron Institute; and Vaughan Turekian, Executive Director of the U.S. National Academies’ International Networks.

 

H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri said: “Khalifa University remains committed to supporting the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy by advancing high-impact, computationally enabled research. Our discussions with the Simons Foundation and the Flatiron Institute reflect a shared commitment to addressing complex scientific challenges, while creating meaningful opportunities for UAE-based researchers to contribute to globally competitive collaborations.”

 

Dr. David Spergel said: “The Simons Foundation was honored to host His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri during his visit to New York City. We had numerous discussions about our shared visions for science. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing the frontiers of mathematics and the basic sciences. Such fundamental research is essential to enabling breakthrough discoveries that benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of the universe.”

 

The discussions underscored the synergy between Khalifa University’s mission-driven research agenda and the Simons Foundation’s expertise in computational science, particularly in the areas of astrophysics, biology, mathematics, neuroscience, and quantum physics.

 

Khalifa University’s expanding computational ecosystem is anchored by the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, which offers a graduate degree in Computational Data Science and supports national talent development through initiatives such as Cyber Week 2025, the MedBio Hackathon, and the Quantum Winter School. These programs contribute to building a highly skilled Emirati and resident research workforce, capable of solving national and global challenges.

 

Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the Simons Foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. The Flatiron Institute, established in 2016, advances scientific discovery through computational approaches, including data analysis, theoretical development, modeling, and simulation.

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist 

Partnership Reinforces Commitment to Advancing UAE’s Capabilities, Value Creation, Technology Adoption, and Industrial Diversification

 

INTRATOMICS Advanced Material Technologies, a subsidiary of Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) and commercial spin-off of the Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sindan, the UAE’s national hub for AI-driven advanced manufacturing, to advance additive manufacturing with next-generation materials.

 

The MoU was signed by Fahad Al Absi, CEO, INTRATOMICS, and Heyuan Huang, Managing Director and CEO of Sindan, on the sidelines of Make It In the Emirates 2026. The collaboration reinforced the partners’ commitment to advancing manufacturing capabilities in the UAE, while contributing to local value creation, advanced technology adoption, and industrial diversification.

 

Fahad Al Absi said: “This collaboration reflects INTRATOMICS’ strategy of delivering engineered materials directly into real industrial workflows. By aligning our materials platform with established additive manufacturing operators such as Sindan, we accelerate the transition from material innovation to commercial deployment.”

 

Heyuan Huang said: “This collaboration strengthens our role in connecting material innovation with industrial application. By working with INTRATOMICS, we are integrating advanced material capabilities into our platform, expanding access to high-performance materials and enabling more scalable use cases across the manufacturing ecosystem.”

 

The collaboration establishes Sindan as a strategic offtaker partner of INTRATOMICS’ advanced material feedstocks, including graphene and 2D material-enhanced pellets, filaments, and additive manufacturing inputs. INTRATOMICS will supply high-performance materials engineered for industrial-grade applications, supporting Sindan’s growing capabilities across design, production, and advanced manufacturing services.

 

Select Sindan additive manufacturing and extrusion systems will be deployed within INTRATOMICS 2DWORKS facility in Abu Dhabi. This integration enables a streamlined environment where advanced materials and manufacturing systems operate in close alignment, accelerating validation, application development, and industrial deployment.

Program Utilizes INTRATOMICS’ STRAT WX™ Reactor to Assess Commercial Potential for Scaling Graphene Production from Biosolids in Abu Dhabi  

 

INTRATOMICS Advanced Material Technologies, a subsidiary of Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) and commercial spin-off of the Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TAQA Water Solutions and MAGMA to launch a pilot program exploring the conversion of wastewater biosolids into graphene and advanced materials.

 

The MoU was signed during the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi by Fahad Mohamed Rashed Al Absi, CEO, INTRATOMICS Eng. Abdul Wahab Sharif, Chief Business Development Officer,, TAQA Water Solutions, and Mark Anthony Woods, CEO, MAGMA. The collaboration contributes to UAE’s National In-Country Value Program and the Net Zero 2050 Strategy, Water Security Strategy 2036, and Abu Dhabi’s circular economy objectives.

 

The program will deploy INTRATOMICS’ proprietary STRAT WX Reactor, powered by Instant Volumetric Conversion (IVC™) technology, at INTRATOMICS’ 2DWORKS pre-industrial facility in Abu Dhabi. TAQA Water Solutions will provide biosolids feedstock at utility scale, while MAGMA will support feedstock preparation and logistics to ensure materials meet process specifications. This pilot study will assess technical feasibility, feedstock suitability, material yields, and the potential to scale the program commercially in Abu Dhabi.

 

Fahad Mohamed Rashed Al Absi said: “This MoU marks a significant step in demonstrating a complete circular value chain, from waste origin through controlled up-cycling to qualified industrial material. TAQA Water Solutions generates the feedstock at utility scale; INTRATOMICS’ STRAT WX™ platform up-cycles it at industrial scale. Together with MAGMA, we are establishing a new category of sovereign advanced materials production in Abu Dhabi.”

 

Eng. Abdul Wahab Sharif, Chief Business Development Officer, said: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding how water utilities create value beyond their core operations. By transforming biosolids into advanced materials such as graphene, we are unlocking new economic and environmental opportunities from what was once considered waste. Through this partnership, we are advancing our circular economy ambitions, supporting national sustainability goals, and contributing to the development of future-ready industries in Abu Dhabi. Together, we are not only managing resources more responsibly, but also shaping a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable water sector.”

 

Mark Anthony Woods said: “This initiative directly aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the principles of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031. By converting industrial waste into valuable resources, we are contributing to the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable innovation and green economy transformation. Our partnership exemplifies how the UAE is pioneering circular economy solutions that not only protect our environment but also create economic value, supporting the country’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.”

 

TAQA Water Solutions is Abu Dhabi’s designated wastewater utility provider, managing 41 sewage treatment plant catchment centers across a 13,000-kilometre network and treating over 1.3 million cubic meters of wastewater daily. The Company has already achieved significant milestones in water reuse. This collaboration will include the provision of 400 kilograms of sludge by TAQA Water Solutions.

 

The Instant Volumetric Conversion is a rapid, non-combustion conversion process that structurally transforms carbon-rich waste into graphene and graphene-related material without incineration, combustion emissions, or landfill.

 

The STRAT WX Reactor is specifically engineered for waste-derived feedstocks including biosolids, plastics, coke, fly ash, and petrochemical sludge, and is designed for continuous industrial-scale throughput as part of INTRATOMICS’ broader STRAT REACTOR platform. The resulting graphene-related materials have active applications in coatings, construction composites, filtration, and energy storage, sectors where global graphene demand is growing rapidly.

Alumni-Driven Initiative Shaping Next Generation of Professionals, and Bridging Gap between Academic Learning and Real-World Career Readiness

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced the first cohort of participants of the Athar program, a signature alumni-driven mentorship initiative, successfully concluded their six-month activities, dedicated to shaping the next generation of professionals, and bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world career readiness.

 

Athar, which means ‘impact’ in Arabic, was launched to offer students and fresh graduates’ invaluable guidance from the University’s experienced alumni. Part of the University’s broader efforts to support student development and alumni engagement, the first cohort of the Athar program has supported 59 active mentor–mentee connections, pairing 31 alumni mentors with 47 senior students and 12 recent graduates.

 

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “With the success of the first cohort, the Athar program has firmly established itself as a flagship program at Khalifa University, standing as a testament to the dedication of our alumni mentors and the eagerness of our students to learn and grow. The program reflects Khalifa University’s commitment to developing well-rounded graduates who are confident, capable, and prepared for the workforce. By connecting our students with accomplished alumni, we are creating a cycle of giving back that strengthens our entire community. The alumni mentors’ collaboration has created a lasting impact that will continue to expand with every new cohort, and we believe future cohorts will continue the program’s momentum, ensuring more students and fresh graduates benefit from the guidance of the University’s alumni community.”

 

Athar’s first cohort delivered impressive engagement and meaningful outcomes, deepening bonds between current students, fresh graduates, and the alumni community. Beyond one-on-one mentorship, the program offered a comprehensive schedule of events and learning opportunities, including an industry panel discussion, four informational sessions, four onboarding and training sessions, a community gathering, as well as separate sessions for mentees and mentors. These touchpoints fostered community, encouraged collaboration, and enriched the mentorship experience beyond private meetings.

 

Mentor Dr. Eng. Sara Ahmad, Senior Engineer, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and a Fall 2015 Computer Engineering graduate, said: “I truly appreciate this valuable opportunity, which helps bridge the gap between generations. It has been enriching to understand the perspectives and concerns of new graduates while sharing our own experiences. It is a learning journey for both sides, and I am grateful to be part of it.”

 

Mentee and Junior Biomedical Engineering student Meera Alshamsi said: “The most valuable aspect of my experience as a mentee was having personalized guidance from someone who had already navigated the challenges I was facing. My mentor provided both academic advice and career insights, which helped me make more informed decisions, strengthen my confidence, and develop clearer goals for my future. The support system made the transition and growth process much smoother and more motivating.”

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist

Khalifa University Enterprises Company’s INTRATOMICS to Debut First Graphene-Enhanced Additive Manufacturing Product Line

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced its participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026, where it will showcase a portfolio of advanced research technologies alongside a dynamic, multi-day engagement program led by the Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC), the University’s commercialization and technology transfer platform.

 

Khalifa University will be exhibiting at Stand – ES04, Hall 13, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), from 4 to 7 May 2026. This year’s participation expands Khalifa University’s 2025 presence at the event to deliver a fully immersive ‘Lab-to-Market’ engagement experience. Across four days, the Khalifa University booth will serve as a live platform for innovation exchange, featuring multiple structured sessions, with KUEC hosting a series of curated talks, founder stories, and hands-on workshops demonstrating research commercialization.

 

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University’s participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 is a direct expression of the UAE’s commitment to building an economy driven by knowledge and local production. The technologies on display, with an engagement-driven approach, reinforce Khalifa University’s commitment to not only developing breakthrough innovations, but also enabling the ecosystem required to commercialize them at scale.”

 

Her Excellency Amal Al Jaberi, Chief Executive Officer, Khalifa University Enterprises Company, said: “KUEC is where ‘lab to market’ becomes reality, bridging discovery and deployment by turning Khalifa University’s innovations into scalable, market-ready ventures. Platforms like Make it in the Emirates remain critical in accelerating this transition, connecting research-driven innovation with industrial partners, investors, and market opportunities that enable technologies to scale and create real economic impact.”

 

At the core of the program is a focus on the journey from research to industry, providing an inside look into how KUEC supports innovators through IP protection, prototyping, and venture-building support. The agenda also highlights real-world startup journeys emerging from Khalifa University’s ecosystem. Complementing these sessions, KUEC will host interactive workshops aimed at researchers and industry stakeholders.

 

INTRATOMICS, a KUEC company spun out of Khalifa University’s Research and Innovation Center on Graphene and 2D materials (RIC2D), is also introducing its first line of Additive Manufacturing products, under the GraphForm brand, including filament and pellet series. A drone manufactured using GraphForm materials will also be showcased. An interactive display screen and technical briefings will allow visitors to explore the products and their commercial applications.

 

Other prototypes being featured include a steam-based process that converts date seeds into activated carbon for use in 3D printing, cosmetics, and water filtration; a CO2 capture technology with direct relevance to the energy sector; as well as an advanced materials gasket offering a safer and more cost-efficient alternative to industry-standard models.

 

Also on showcase will be a graphene-based water sensor; rescue hydration bags that convert seawater and contaminated water into safe drinking water, using innovative graphene membrane technology and natural date syrup; and lightweight hydrogen tanks developed for potential applications in drones and automotive industries.

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

Appointment in Recognition of Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis’ International Contributions to Advanced Materials and Bioelectronics

 

Khalifa University Assistant Professor Dr. Charalampos Pitsalidis, has been appointed to the Editorial Board of Materials Science and Engineering R: Reports, a flagship Elsevier journal and one of the most prestigious publications in materials science and engineering.

 

The journal is ranked in the 99th percentile worldwide (top 1%), with an Impact Factor of 26.8 and a CiteScore of 40.8, reflecting its exceptional scientific influence and global standing as a leading venue for authoritative review articles. Dr. Pitsalidis’ appointment represents a significant international recognition of his scientific leadership and contributions to advanced materials and bioelectronics. In this role, he will help guide the journal’s editorial strategy, ensure rigorous peer-review standards, and curate high-impact review articles that define future research directions in the field.

 

Dr. Pitsalidis is also a member of the Health Technologies Cluster of Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) and leads the Laboratory of Biosystems and Bioelectronics on Chip (Lab-BBC) at Khalifa University, an interdisciplinary research group operating at the intersection of materials science, electronics, physics, and biology. His research focuses on the design and development of bioelectronic, biomimetic, and energy-harvesting systems that interface with living systems and environmental energy sources. In particular, emphasis is placed on triboelectric and piezoelectric devices that convert ambient mechanical stimuli into electrical energy for self-sustaining, biointegrated sensing and actuation in biomedical and environmental applications.

 

A visiting scholar at FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas) and former visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge, Dr. Pitsalidis’ academic career includes postdoctoral research appointments at Institut Fresnel, École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne, and the University of Cambridge, where he worked at the forefront of organic electronics, hybrid materials, and bioelectronic systems.

 

Dr. Pitsalidis said: “It is an honor to join the Editorial Board of Materials Science and Engineering R: Reports, a journal that plays a defining role in shaping research directions across materials science. This recognition also reflects the strength of the research ecosystem at Khalifa University, particularly the interdisciplinary nature of our work at Lab BBC, where we bring together materials science, electronics, and biology to develop next generation technologies. I look forward to contributing to the journal’s mission of advancing high impact, forward looking research that bridges fundamental science with real world applications.”

 

Clarence Michael 
English Editor – Specialist