Field Trip Offers Insights on Sustainability Measures Implemented at EMAL

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 July, 2012 – A total of 10 participants from the Ektashif program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, visited Emirates Aluminium’s (EMAL) state-of-the-art smelter complex at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, as part of their study tour.

Yousuf Bastaki, Vice-President – Projects of EMAL, and other senior EMAL officials received the team of students led by Dr. Kenneth Volk, Head of Outreach, Masdar Institute, and Zainab Al Ali, Senior Outreach Officer and YFEL Program Coordinator, as well as Sara Al Junaibi and Ruth Limon, Outreach Officers. Following the welcome note, a presentation on EMAL’s latest project initiatives was provided by Ahmed Al Marzouqi, Project-Reduction at EMAL, and member of Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program.

Later, the Ektashif participants were taken around the smelter complex, where they witnessed the effective use of DX Reduction Cell Technology in producing 750,000 tonnes of aluminium annually. The complex currently includes a 2,000MW power plant, carbon plant and flexible cast-house with a wide variety of world-class products. More importantly, the Ektashif participants learned about EMAL’s implementation of the most sustainable technologies that help reduce emissions in line with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) requirements to minimize its carbon footprint.

Al Marzouqi said: “As a YFEL member, I am proud to lead the presentation and the tour for the Ektashif program members. The EMAL complex stands testimony to the UAE leadership’s commitment to expand the industrial sector and diversify the economy in line with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. At the same time the sustainability measures implemented at the smelter makes it one of the most relevant projects for the Ektashif participants to visit and learn from.”

The four-hour tour of the facility concluded with an interactive session, in which the participants had the opportunity to ask EMAL officials questions on subjects related to production and sustainability techniques.

Aaesha Mohamed Al Hammadi, an Ektashif participant, said: “The field trip enhanced the program’s effectiveness and my learning experience. As a UAE National, I am pleased to witness the on-ground results from the strategies of the country’s leadership. It was interesting to learn the environment-friendly standards being implemented at such a major industrial facility. This field trip will help the UAE national students studying abroad to appreciate the UAE’s vision and commitment to sustainability.”

A joint venture between Mubadala Investment Company and Dubai Aluminium, EMAL is one of the largest industrial projects in the UAE. It has created 2,000 jobs with Emiratization at the core of its employment strategy, which will rise to 3,000 upon completion of Phase II. The company has also introduced scholarship programs to provide technical training for local graduates with guaranteed job opportunities.

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.

Select Projects to be Displayed at Award Ceremony on Completion of Six-Week Program

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 16 July, 2012 – Students participating in the research-based summer internship program continue to find their knowledge pursuit into clean energy a delightfully intense and rewarding experience at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

The summer internship program at Masdar Institute commenced from 1 July and will continue for six-weeks. A total of 16 UAE national university seniors and/or those graduating this year with science, engineering or computer science as major subjects are participating in the program that offers more than 15 research projects in clean energy and sustainable technologies.

These projects include areas such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), water recycling, solar energy, applications for healthcare data and power grid systems simulations.

Students realize the extent of the value the summer internship will bring to their professional lives in the future.

Zayed Al Mansouri, a student at the University of Alberta, Canada, said: “As a university student, working here at Masdar Institute has helped showcase what life will be like after I graduate. In the university, you are expected not to know and will be guided in detail. Masdar Institute is more like the real world. Your professor expects you to know and if you don’t, then you have to do your own research and learn for yourself.  If you are willing to work, the hands-on experience of being part of innovative research is a wonderful opportunity.”

His remark echoed similar sentiments expressed by other students.

Hazza Ali Bani Malek, a Mechatronics student at the Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaima, said: “The summer internship program at Masdar Institute is a unique hands-on experience and a life-time chance for students to learn and contribute alongside top-notch scientists on real world projects that in the future, will benefit the country, and the world.”

Participating students also believe that the singular and professional nature of the internships will be useful for their future careers.

Aisha Alsouqi, majoring in biotechnology at the University of Sharjah, said: “Being a part of this internship is an overwhelming experience and Masdar Institute unlike other institutions offers the chance to do research professionally and independently.”

Though the intense nature of the research internships may be demanding for some students, they have also affirmed that Masdar Institute is one of the best places that can effectively lead them to innovations and new technologies.

Mariam Mohamed Alkaabi, a biotechnology student at the University of Sharjah, said: “Training in Masdar Institute was both an exhausting and a wonderfully enjoyable experience at the same time.  It’s the only place that satisfy my passion in science and research and the place where ideas, inventions and technology can make this world a better place.”

The students will continue with their projects and research outcomes will be showcased during an award ceremony on completion of the program. The research is directed by Masdar Institute faculty that is well-known for its accomplishments in clean energy and sustainable technologies.

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.

12-day Residential Program Offers Scope to Learn about Cutting-Edge Research in Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Environment

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 9 July, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced 10 undergraduate engineering and science students are participating in the Outreach program ‘Ektashif’.

The 12-day residential program offers ample scope to learn about cutting-edge research in renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. An integral part of Masdar Institute’s outreach initiative, the Ektashif program has begun from 8 July.

Selective participants from different universities around the world include four from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and two from the University of Sharjah. In addition to one student each from Ajman University and the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, international institutions including Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Texas A&M have nominated one student each.

The faculty from all the eight programs at Masdar Institute program has lined up specific laboratory topics for the benefit of the participants. The subjects include ‘An introduction to Data Mining’, ‘Introduction to Digital Electronics’, ‘Use of Optical and Electron Microscopy to Study Different Materials from Micron-scale to Nano-scale’, ‘Environmental Bioprocess Modelling (EnvBioProM) Laboratory’, ‘Optical Fiber Sensing’, ‘How to Make Hard Metals Behave like Play-Dough!’, ‘Power Electronics Lab’, ‘Waste Material Characterization’, ‘Earth Observation Lab’, ‘Sustainable Energy Policy’, ‘Lit Reviews’ and ‘Reporting Data’.

Students will also participate in organized tours to industrial facilities, lectures, engineering design challenges, informational sessions about Masdar Institute programs, as well as team-building and recreational activities.

Dr Ken Volk, Head of Outreach, Masdar Institute, said: “The Ektashif program, which means ‘Explore’, provides select undergraduate students with a unique experience in sustainable engineering. They will get a comprehensive picture of how sustainable energy can be distributed and used effectively in addition to gaining a glimpse of the academic programs Masdar Institute offers for post-graduate studies. The program reflects Masdar Institute’s commitment to the UAE leadership’s measures for capacity building and knowledge development.”

During the program, students are encouraged to participate as teams of two to 10 to design or build in solving a problem. The length of the time for challenges may also vary from ‘quick’ brainteasers to more time-consuming ‘construction’ concepts. More-complex challenges may involve debating an issue or the construction of model wind turbine and may involve LEGO robotics.

Students were selected for the Ektashif program on the basis of their demonstrated interest, talent and scholastic output relating to renewable energy and/or environmental issues. The students from the engineering or science streams are also required to be among the top performers academically with a GPA of at least 3.50 on a scale of 4.00.

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.

Wail Farouq Almaeeni Participating in Leadership, Energy and Climate Change Conferences and Workshops

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 04 July, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced one of its graduate students is selected to participate in Total Summer School (TSS) 2012 at Universite Total in France.

Wail Farouq Almaeeni from the Engineering Systems and Management program at Masdar Institute and a member of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, is one of the 120 students selected from across the globe to attend the seventh edition of Total Summer School, a Universite Total’s corporate education and social responsibility initiative. Being held from 1-6 July in Paris, the event is a week-long opportunity for students to analyze and discuss major energy issues and challenges, alongside key managers and experts from business, science and research.

Launched in 2006, the Total Summer School includes various leadership, energy and climate change conferences and workshops on subjects closely relevant to Almaeeni’s research at Masdar Institute.

Dr. I-Tsung Tsai, Assistant Professor at Masdar Institute and research advisor of Almaeeni, said: “The admission of Wail Farouq Almaeeni to the Universite Total Program reflects the quality of Masdar Institute students and our commitment to learning and collaboration. The Universite Total Program, similar to the Masdar Institute, provides a perfect platform for young scholars to interact and develop fresh perspectives on sustainable development in a multicultural setting. We are confident that Wail is not only learning from the program, but is also contributing to the program by sharing Masdar’s work progress on sustainable development with young scholars from across the globe.”

Students are chosen for the Total Summer School based on their academic performance and other capabilities. Almaeeni was selected for his current GPA, and a previous nomination for post graduate scholarship in 2008. Almaeeni also had to clear two interviews – a technical one as well as a psychometric-cum-personality interview. He additionally had the advantage of his past experience, working in multicultural and cosmopolitan environments.

Almaeeni said: “I hope in the future other Emirati students from Masdar Institute would get similar chance to participate in such gatherings, which host industry leaders and distinguished students from around the world. I think this event will help me in broadening my knowledge. In addition, as a member of the YFEL program, I am keen to promote the program and Masdar Institute during the Paris event.”

He added: “My objective was to bring Masdar Institute closer to the industry and benefit from what the industry offers. I am grateful to get a scholarship from Masdar Institute and getting such a deal from Total is my way of showing the appreciation.”

The Total Summer School seeks to help to familiarize high potential students from target programs and universities, while strengthening ties and forging partnerships with universities in key growth countries. It also provides a unique, memorable opportunity for interaction between senior managers of the company and international students while attracting young talented people to our professions.

Université Total, a division of Total’s Corporate Human Resources, works towards strengthening relationships with target schools and universities worldwide, because of the international dimension of the Total Group. It also aims to develop management and leadership skills through a comprehensive range of Induction and Executives’ education programs. In addition, it provides opportunities for Total employees and distinguished outsiders to analyze, discuss and interact on technological, environmental and societal challenges.

YFEL offers participants exceptional and unmatched access to top global leaders, senior business executives and academics engaged in alternative energy and sustainability through events such as World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi and other major events held globally. It is mandated to educate, inspire and empower students and young professionals to become future leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing challenges in advanced energy and sustainability.

Each of the five students from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has a different research subject and their internship is being offered by four major corporations in Japan. But they have one objective – learn the benefits of sustainability from all walks of life.

Four weeks into the internship, they have been captivated by the Japanese people who give importance to politeness, hospitality, respectful approach, harmony with others, hard work, punctuality, teamwork, planning ahead and ‘Kaizen’ – a Japanese philosophy which refers to continuous improvement that has a big impact on their corporate vision.

Apart from these aspects of Japanese life, it is the sustainability measures, the government initiatives to implement clean energy technologies and the diverse projects that have impressed the students from Masdar Institute.

So far, they have visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Daiba-Tokyo, Shibya Incineration Plant, Machiya – traditional Japanese house, the biomass power generation plant of Japan Novopan Industrial Co, and the City Water Distribution Facilities and Heat supply Center in Osaka. More specifically, the have experienced the effectiveness of PASMO – a handy rechargeable smart card that is used on public bus, trains and subways.

The five students are keen to bring back to Abu Dhabi and the UAE valuable lessons on sustainability learnt during their internship in Japan. More specifically, they aim to deliver their experience to clean energy projects in the UAE.

Sultan Al Kaabi, Master’s Student in Electrical Power Engineering, has started his internship with Chiyoda Corporation, and has been assigned to the Green Device Project Unit for the first two weeks. Currently, he is currently working on preparing an EPC project for the PV plant in the UAE, which involves Engineering, Procurement and Construction parts. Overall, such projects involve intensive practical experience in Planning and Optimization of PV power plant, considering various details and specifications that could be helpful when designing a project or a case study for his thesis.

He believes his internship will personally enable him to offer value to the community.

Al Kaabi says: “Overall, such projects involve intensive practical experience in planning and optimization of PV power plant, considering various details and specifications that could be helpful when designing a project or a case study for my thesis. Furthermore, the training also includes the use of some new software for the first time, which in turn, could provide me with an effective tool on simulation case studies for my thesis.”

Sustainable transportation is part of Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic and social objectives. Japan has a well-developed and highly advanced public transportation system. Taking a cue from the Abu Dhabi Government initiatives, Masdar Institute students are keen to contribute to these projects. One of them is Reem Al Junaibi, student in Engineering Systems Management.

Reem Al Junaibi has started her internship with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Reem’s advisor at Masdar Institute has helped her understand the different types of modeling, the science behind energy management in the transportation sector, and the process of creating a model that will help simulate Abu Dhabi’s traffic as well as energy demand.

Reem says: “I plan to make good use of my time in Japan by learning how to use the necessary tools to simulate Abu Dhabi’s traffic and create a model that will support the future development of sustainable transportation in the UAE.”

Both Mohamed Al Hadhrami, an Engineering System and Management student, and Reem Al Junaibi are doing their internships at the Kobe facility of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, though their subject areas differ. The ‘simulation of the electrification of transportation in Abu Dhabi’ is the focus area for Al Hadhrami while ‘clean mobility simulator’ is the area of interest for Reem Al Junaibi.

Al Hadhrami says: “This internship is closely related to my thesis– almost tailor-made for me. I am a student of the ESM program and my research focuses on the feasibility of sustainable private transportation in Abu Dhabi. As Mitsubishi is a pioneer in the field of sustainable transportation, it is a great opportunity for me to learn from their expertise and find ways to bring benefit to my home country.”

The advantages of doing this internship in Japan include learning new technology from pioneers such as Mitsubishi, and an enriching cultural experience, he adds.

Each Japanese corporation is an established industry leader. JGC is a leading builder of gas processing and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants worldwide, while Chiyoda is engaged in the integrated engineering business. Toray Industries is a global leader in the production of carbon fiber. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is an international leader in the design and supply of energy, aerospace, machinery, transportation, as well as environmental systems and equipment.

Mozah Zeyoudi, Master’s student in Water and Environmental Engineering, now interning at Toray’s Shiga prefecture facility, has her research focused on water treatment. She says: “The topic of my project is the use of water resources in the UAE that includes desalination of seawater and treatment of wastewater. Working at Toray is linked to my project because the company is one of the leaders in water treatment technology.”

The Emirati students are learning how intuitively the Japanese have devised several sustainable methods. For example, Japan’s City Water Distribution Facilities and Heat supply Center in Osaka stores water below a football stadium – underground. The plant uses the water to generate electricity while supplying the water to residential areas. The Heat supply center at the Nakanoshima district heating and cooling (DHC) plant is another example of efficient use of water to generate power.

The Masdar Institute students have additionally visited the Urban Design Center Kashiwa-no-ha (UDCK), which aims to change Kashiwa into a smart city for 26,000 people. One of the key components of the concept was how smart cities would address environmental and energy issues. The city will have sustainable transportation system including electric cars, bicycles and public transportation (bus and train). Energy conservation will be integral to the city that will also have clean energy (water, wind and solar). It already uses an area energy management system (AEMS) and aims to optimize local power generation.

Sustainability in Japan is similar to what Masdar Institute is propagating. Waste is being recycled, rooftops are covered with solar panels, efficient appliances are used and electric vehicles are seen everywhere. The difference between sustainability in Abu Dhabi and Japan may be the public acceptance and incentives that promote sustainability, points out Al Junaibi.

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.

A total of 11 members of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, engaged and interacted with industry leaders at the IEEE Technology Time Machine (TTM) 2012 in Dresden, Germany.

Held recently, TTM 2012 was titled ‘Symposium on Technologies beyond 2020’ and served as a unique platform to share visions and missions in emerging technologies. The unique event was hosted at ‘Silicon Saxony’, Europe’s leading cluster for micro- and nano-electronics. The symposium brought together around 200 CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, and leading scientists from across the world in addition to academics and decision-making government officials who direct R&D activities, plan research programs or manage portfolios of research activities.

IEEE Technology Time Machine 2012 aimed to enable interdisciplinary discussions about social impacts of new technologies and to trigger an extensive discourse on the contribution of future technologies to tackling major global challenges.

In order to create an optimal learning environment, YFEL scheduled a week-long calendar of events for the members, who had informal interaction with other delegates, senior business leaders and world-renowned innovators in Dresden. The Symposium additionally provided YFEL members with the opportunity to visit leading German research institutes including the renowned Technische Universität (TU) Dresden and other key industrial facilities.

Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “The IEEE Technology Time Machine 2012 in Dresden, Saxony, has set the stage for the YFEL members’ participation in international events. With the continuous support of the UAE’s leadership, the first overseas visit this year has provided the YFEL 2012 members with an opportunity to learn about emerging technologies and network with leaders, researchers and pioneers in their respective fields.

“The Dresden event gathered technology leaders, researchers and pioneering academics, making it an ideal forum for YFEL students and young professionals to learn about the new trends and innovations in technology, and to network for their development, both personally and professionally. The YFEL annual calendar of activities is carefully designed, enabling members to widen their knowledge and meticulously chart their future career paths.”

At TU Dresden, YFEL members visited the Centre for Energy Technology (CET) to learn about the nuclear reactor for research and education, fuel and power plant technology, research power plant with steam-injected gas turbine, turbo machinery lab, and efficient utilization of energy and renewable. In addition, they visited the Institute for Electrical Energy Supply and High Voltage Power Techniques (IEEH), and the Department for Electrical Machines and Drives (EMD).

YFEL members attended the official opening ceremony and the panel discussions at TTM 2012 that were followed by a welcome reception at the State Chancellery of Saxony in Dresden. On the second day of the event, they attended the panel discussions on ‘Smart Power’ that included Dr Steven Griffiths, Executive Director of Institute Initiatives, Masdar Institute, on the panel. Later they attended an exclusive banquet dinner event at the renowned Albertinum Dresden..

On the third day, YFEL members visited the GlobalFoundries facility in Dresden. GlobalFoundries is fully owned by Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), which is spearheading Abu Dhabi’s expansion into the semiconductors and advanced technology areas.

Later at Freiberg, they visited the Gastechnologisches Institut, Geokompetenzzentrum Freiberg and TU Bergakademie Freiberg, where they attended a presentation and participated in a discussion on smart energy. A visit to the Gas-Oil-Technique and labs was also part of the agenda.

YFEL offers participants exceptional and unmatched access to top global leaders, senior business executives and academics engaged in alternative energy and sustainability through events such as World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi and other major events held globally. It is mandated to educate, inspire and empower students and young professionals to become future leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing challenges in advanced energy and sustainability.

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology continues to play a vital role in developing, hosting, and maintaining the global renewable energy atlas within its commitment to building the global value chain of renewable energy potentials, databases and atlases, according to Dr. Taha B. M. J. Ouarda, Deputy Director of UAE Research Center for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment at Masdar Institute.

Dr Ouarda was offering a presentation titled ‘Adapted wind resource modeling in the GCC region’ at the Rio+20 Summit of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, being held from 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro. More than 50,000 participants from governments, companies and environmental and non-government groups have gathered in the Brazilian city to set new goals across seven core themes including food security, water and energy.

As an institution that remains committed to sustainability, Masdar Institute has sent a delegation to proactively drive participation at the event. The institute’s collaboration with its partners including the Abu Dhabi-headquartered International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on some of the leading projects, including the Solar Atlas are being showcased at the event.

In his presentation, Dr. Ouarda, specialist in hydrometeorology, wind resource analysis, environmental and public health modeling, and risk analysis, highlighted that the Center provides renewable primary energy resource assessment capability to make the UAE a hub and knowledge center for renewable energy technology development. One of the projects of the Research Center for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment, the Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy is a collection of geo-linked data layers that together provide detailed insights on availability and cost of renewable energy.

Dr Ouarda said: “Innovation in the field of renewable energy lies in developing state-of-the-art techniques that are adapted to the local climate and environment. Of-the-shelf tools are not necessarily adapted to produce adequate results in the UAE and the GCC countries. The selection of the appropriate distribution and the adequate values of the parameters have the most impact on wind power estimation.

“Such developed tools can then be used and adapted in other countries with similar conditions like the GCC region as well as the Sahel region in Africa. The center in Abu Dhabi will share its knowledge and empower others to draw from its ideas and actions for a sustainable future.”

The Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy, an initiative of the Department for Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of IRENA, is supported by the Dubai Supreme Council for Energy and Masdar Institute’s Research Center for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment.

Dr Ouarda added: “Traditional approaches for the modeling of wind potential are based on the hypothesis of ‘stationarity’ and the fitting of a probability density function to the wind speed data. Classical frequency analysis of wind characteristics using the Weibull distribution shows that there is a need to integrate non-stationarity in the modeling and estimation of future wind potential.”

Through participating in the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Multilateral Solar and Wind Working Group, the Research Center for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment aims to position the UAE as regional leader in renewable energy mapping and assessment.

Additionally, the Center seeks to build local technical and human capacity for renewable primary energy resource assessment as well as develop a global renewable energy atlas starting with the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula.

Holder of a PhD in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University, Dr. Ouarda has developed several approaches for the estimation of extreme hydro-meteorological events on local and regional scales, developed several methodologies for the modeling of hydro-meteorological variables under changing environments, and developed several computer softwares that deal with a range of problems in water resources and environmental engineering. He has also led several international projects dealing with hydro-meteorological modeling, environmental analysis and the links between climate evolution, the environment, and public health.

Recipient of a number of prestigious awards, Dr. Ouarda sits on the editorial boards of a number of international scientific journals such as the Hydrological Sciences Journal.

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.

Rio de Janeiro-Brazil/Abu Dhabi-UAE: 16 June, 2012 – The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, reflects the UAE’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future, according to Maitha Mohammed Al Kaabi, a Master’s Graduate in Water and Environmental Engineering.

From the Green Composites and Bio-fuels Lab at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi to the isolated southernmost continent of Antarctica and then to Northern India for developing community-based energy projects, Maitha Al Kaabi reflects the Emirati youth’s strong commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

A member of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, Maitha Al Kaabi shared her experience of the 16-day journey to Antarctica and the UAE’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges with delegates at the Rio+20 Summit organized by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. To be held from 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the event has gathered more than 50,000 participants from governments, companies and environmental and non-government groups to set new goals across seven core themes including food security, water and energy.

Maitha Al Kaabi was part of the delegation from Masdar Institute, participating in key events at the Summit in Brazil.

Speaking at the UAE Pavilion Theatre, Maitha Al Kaabi said: “The YFEL program at Masdar Institute is a true enabling agent for students and youth. YFEL gave me an opportunity to travel the world in pursuit of knowledge in sustainable energy and advanced technology. Today, I am proudly sharing my experience as a YFEL member with everyone including industry leaders and those propagating the sustainability cause. I am privileged to be part of the Rio+20 Summit, which seeks to raise awareness among decision-makers and corporate leaders on the need to remain sustainable.”

Al Kaabi also highlighted the role of her research in water treatment and desalination at Masdar Institute that will lead to cost-effective methods to bring potable water to desert regions.

YFEL offers participants exceptional and unmatched access to top global leaders, senior business executives and academics engaged in alternative energy and sustainability through events such as World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi and other major events held globally. It is mandated to educate, inspire and empower students and young professionals to become future leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing challenges in advanced energy and sustainability.

The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) hosted a dinner reception in Tokyo for the five students from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology who are doing their internship with four Japanese corporations at various cities in Japan.

His Excellency Saaed Ali Al-Nowais, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, and Ms. Masako Kishimoto, Vice-President, JICE, attended the reception. JICE is coordinating the internship program that is supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Technology and Industry (METI).

Ms. Masako Kishimoto welcomed the UAE Ambassador to the event and praised the strengthening ties between the UAE and Japan.

The five UAE national graduates from the Foundation program and First year M.Sc include Sultan Al Kaabi, Abdulla AlShamsi, Mohamed Al Hadhrami, Reem Al Junaibi and Mozah Al Zeyoudi. At present, they five are going through basic training, learning the Japanese language, culture and other relevant aspects of the internship. They will be completing the program by the end of next week and will then go to their respective company assignments. Last week, the Interns traveled to Kyoto and Osaka for a study tour.

Each intern will have individually dedicated program suitable to their areas of research and specialization as part of their internship.

His Excellency Saaed Ali Al-Nowais praised the UAE’s leadership for their support to programs that develop the overall capabilities of the students and youth and equip them with the right skills sets to be full-fledged professionals. He also commended the students for their academic performance that enabled their selection to the internship program that runs from 27 May – 9 August in Japan. He urged them to fully utilize the internship opportunity in Japan and apply the knowledge effectively after returning to the UAE.

The four Japanese corporations with which the students will intern include JGC – a leading builder of gas processing and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants worldwide, Chiyoda – leaders in the integrated engineering business, Toray Industries – global leader in the production of carbon fiber, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – an international leader in the design and supply of energy, aerospace, machinery, transportation, as well as environmental systems and equipment.

Through the internship program, the five students aim to gain practical work experience in renewable energy, smart community, and sustainable technologies, in addition to learning from cross-cultural experiences such as local site visits, and introductory language courses.

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.

CAPTION: His Excellency Saaed Ali Al-Nowais, JICE Vice-President Ms. Masako Kishimoto, and Mohamed Al Falahi, Second Secretary, UAE Embassy, with the five students during the dinner reception in Tokyo.

The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced two of its members will highlight the role of research in obtaining sustainable solutions at Rio+20 Summit in Brazil.

The two Masdar Institute students, Maitha Al Kaabi, a Water and Environment Engineering graduate, and Rasha Abd Rabu a Mechanical Engineering graduate, will engage the leaders and interact with the stakeholders during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development’s Rio+20 Summit that will be held from 20-22 June. More than 50,000 representatives from governments, companies and environmental and lobby groups will aim to set new goals across seven core themes including food security, water and energy at the summit.

The participation of the two YFEL members is in line with the UAE leadership’s directive to train the youth and offer them an opportunity to network with global leaders in the energy industry and sustainability sectors. The participation aims to equip them with the right knowledge and enable them to become future leaders in the sector.

Maitha Al Kaabi will be a key speaker at the UAE Pavilion Theatre. Al Kaabi will highlight the UAE’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges and her expedition to Antarctica that emphasized the role of sustainable living. She will also focus on the role of her research in water treatment and desalination at Masdar Institute.

As a YFEL member, Rasha Abd Rabu will offer a presentation on ‘Dual Chamber Tubular Reactor for Continuous Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil’. Abd Rabu will also participate in the Women Leaders’ Forum on ‘Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development’, in addition to offering support at the UAE Pavilion Theatre.

Dr. Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute said: “The two Masdar Institute graduates and YFEL members represent the kind of UAE youth that remains committed to finding sustainable solutions for the benefit of the community. They also represent YFEL, a dynamic outreach initiative supported by the UAE leadership, offering the future young leaders an opportunity to engage and network with the leaders at international forums such as the Rio+20 Summit. The Masdar Institute graduates’ research projects demonstrate their enthusiasm to explore new avenues to reach sustainability across the global community. We believe the participation in Rio+20 Summit will immensely enrich their experiences.”

The presence of the two YFEL members in Rio is part of the annual schedule of programs that takes them to global and regional forums. Earlier, select YFEL members participated in a global conference on evolving technologies that was held in Dresden, Germany.

The YFEL program aims to train students and young professionals to become future leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing challenges in advanced energy and sustainability. It offers participants exceptional and unmatched access to top global leaders, senior business executives and academics engaged in alternative energy and sustainability through events such as World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi and other major events held globally.

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the ICT Fund, an initiative of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), today jointly announced a scholarship program for 30 outstanding students to study ICT at the institute.

A first-of-its-kind fund in the Arab world, the ICT Fund aims to achieve a global leadership position for UAE’s ICT sector through fostering innovation. The scholarship will cover tuition fees, textbook allowance, application and enrollment fees, fees for preparatory programs and administrative services, housing fees and monthly stipend.

The announcement was made at a press conference organized by the ICT Fund and Masdar Institute in Dubai. The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdul Qader Al Khayat, Chairman, Board of Trustees of ICT Fund, and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute.

Dr. Eesa Bastaki, CEO of the ICT Fund, Hamza Kazim, Vice-President for Operations & Finance of Masdar Institute, and Dr. Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs of Masdar Institute, were also present at the press conference.

Students availing the scholarship will have to pledge that they will join any relevant positions in the ICT sector in the UAE upon graduation. The scholarship will be available only to full-time students who maintain the minimum GPA required by the TRA and Masdar Institute.

The agreement is part of TRA’s collaboration with Masdar Institute to focus on human capital development efforts in the UAE. According to the agreement, Masdar Institute will select the students who meet the TRA’s requirements and supervise them during their studies in accordance with the set criteria.

Dr. Eesa Bastaki said: “We focus on three core areas – education, research and development, and incubators – to stimulate the ICT sector’s growth. Masdar Institute continues to play a crucial role in developing Emirati human capital, especially in advanced technology areas. We are confident the scholarship program will effectively create the best professionals from among the high-caliber students at the research-based institution.”

In line with the agreement, Masdar Institute will additionally clarify the objectives and requirements of the TRA scholarship program to potential candidates and enrolled students. In effect, the collaboration aims to provide the ICT sector in the UAE with skilled Emirati professionals, and help graduating national students to find work in the UAE’s ICT sector.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute, said: “Masdar Institute is mandated to develop and nurture students of high academic standing as part of its contribution to the UAE’s human capital development concurring with the directive by the country’s leadership. The agreement with TRA for the scholarship program will ensure students, on their part, contribute to the growth of the UAE’s ICT sector. We will continue our contribution as an academic institution in developing the country’s knowledge base through relevant and meaningful collaborations.”

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.