Khalifa University Kicks off 6th Contact Mechanics International Symposium

This is the first time the symposium will be held in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi 3 February 2014: Khalifa University opened the 6th Contact Mechanics International Symposium (CMIS 2014) at its Abu Dhabi Campus from February 3rd to the 5th. This is the first time that the symposium has been held in the Middle East. The program features 39 contributed papers and over 40 attendees from Europe the United States and Asia. 

CMIS 2014 is a scientific event with the aim of stimulating interaction between mathematicians scientists and engineers who are active in the area of Contact Mechanics. The meeting will take place over three days with all peer-reviewed talks given in plenary format. The conference will be opened with a welcome by Dr. Tod Laursen Khalifa University President Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Conference Chair. 

Contact mechanics is foundational to many fields of engineering; it provides necessary information for the safe and energy efficient design of mechanical systems and for the study of friction mechanical wear and durability of interfaces. Principles of contacts mechanics can be applied in areas such as locomotive wheel-rail contact coupling devices braking systems tire design and analysis combustion engines metal forming ultrasonic welding electrical contacts and many others. Current challenges faced in the field include stress analysis of contact and coupling members and the influence of lubrication and material design on friction and wear. Applications of contact mechanics further extend into the micro- and nano-technological realm and are also to be found in biomechanics as well. 

“We are pleased to be hosting this very interesting and engaging symposium ” said Dr. Tod Laursen. “The next two days promise to be very enlightening for those of us involved in contact mechanics and will hopefully result in new collaborations new ideas and new innovations. Khalifa University is honored to have been given the chance to host this exciting event for the first time in the Middle East and I believe it underlines our dedication to building the knowledge economy of the UAE and our promise to provide our students with unique opportunities to meet and learn from top minds from all over the world.” 

For more information on the symposium please visit: http://events.ku.ac.ae/cmis/

Khalifa University Professor Publishes Book on Airpowers Effects on the Environment

Prof. Joel Hayward has looked at environmental degradation caused by the world’s militaries especially its air forces.

Abu Dhabi 10 February 2014: Khalifa University Professor Joel Hayward who is Chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and Director of the Institute for International and Civil Security has released a ground breaking book highlighting the environmental impact of the world’s air forces.  His book Airpower and the Environment: The Ecological Implications of Modern Air Warfare was published by the United States Air Force and is the culmination of four years of research and collaboration. 

Professor Joel Hayward a well-known scholar of international conflict and strategy assembled a distinguished group of eleven ecologists and strategists to advance an innovative set of ideas on how to minimize the environmental harm caused by air forces during both peace and war. These ideas were subsequently published in the book.

Professor Hayward is the author or editor of many books and dozens of peer-reviewed articles on warfare and strategy. Yet he says that his new book is undoubtedly his most creative and ground-breaking. “This book represents the very first significant analysis of the environmental harm caused by airpower and will hopefully prompt other ecologists and strategists to undertake similar studies on other ecological aspects of modern warfare.”

He first became interested in the environmental harm caused by warfare when he observed the wanton ecological harm caused when NATO repeatedly bombed Yugoslavian oil refineries and storage facilities during the 1999 Kosovo War. “For a war that was intended to address humanitarian concerns I was shocked at the widespread environmental damage that took place. It occurred to me that there must be better ways of coercing rogue regimes without inflicting substantial harm on the ecosystems in those countries” 

Professor Hayward is well placed to work on this subject having served for five years as Dean of the historical and prestigious Royal Air Force College and having written several other books on airpower. He has also taught the ethics of war to six air forces around the world and provided strategic policy advice to numerous countries’ political and military leaders.

Even after having studied its horrors for two decades Professor Hayward continues to find war intellectually interesting. He is currently under contract with Cambridge University Press to author what he hopes will be a pioneering new study: An Ecological History of War: The Environment Consequences of Warfare from Antiquity to the Present. Moreover expanding on his 2012 monograph “Warfare in the Qur’an ” he is writing for Kube Publishers a major new book on warfare during the first days of Islam to be titled: Prophet and Warrior: The Conduct and Justice of Muhammad’s Military Campaigns.

“Khalifa University would like to congratulate Prof. Hayward on publishing his book ” says Prof. Tod Laursen Khalifa University’s President. “The ideas he champions will hopefully lead to a heightened understanding of consequences of air warfare and more enlightened decisions about use of airpower in conflicts.  Khalifa University is dedicated to recruiting leading minds from all over the world and Prof. Hayward is an example of the commitment.  He is an internationally respected figure in his field and we are pleased to call him a member of our community.”

Khalifa University’s Masters of Art in International and Civil Security focuses on the study of terrorism warfare weapons of mass destruction natural disasters and a myriad of other security threats to nations. This unique program supports research teaching and policy analysis in the field of security studies. In addition to what takes place inside the classroom the institute hosts speakers workshops events and works with other institutions- within government academia and the private sector – to advance security research education training and policy-making. 

Khalifa University Hosts Second Graduate Engineering Research Symposium

Symposium was held as part of ICTRF2014 and saw the participation of 60 papers

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Vice Chairman of Khalifa University Board of Trustees the second Graduate Engineering Research Symposium (GERS2014) for graduate students who specialize in the field of information and communication technology was held today at Khalifa University. The forum saw a wide range of students from inside and outside the country participate. This event was part of the Eighth Information and Communication Technology Research Forum (ICTRF2014) which is organized by Khalifa University and was held at its Abu Dhabi campus on May 13th. 

The GERS2014 received 60 papers from graduate students attending universities inside and outside the UAE. Papers were submitted by students in the UAE New Zealand the UK and Morocco. 

Students from Khalifa University presented on a number of topics including integrated remote sensing mapping and exploration video encryption forensic investigation lung sputum color analysis energy optimization and large-scale network intrusion detection.  

GERS2014 is the only symposium of its kind in the UAE that allows graduate students to submit papers for presentation to a gathering of the top minds in their field. It is also seen as an excellent opportunity for graduate students to meet and speak to ICT industry leaders and some of the leading academic minds and peers from around the world. 

ICTRF2014 is co-organized by EBTIC and the Emirates Advanced Network for Research and Education (ANKABUT). ICTRF2014 is sponsored by the TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) in partnership with Etisalat Abu Dhabi Education Council the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and the IEEE UAE Section.

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Symposium was held as part of ICTRF2014 and saw the participation of 60 papers

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Vice Chairman of Khalifa University Board of Trustees the second Graduate Engineering Research Symposium (GERS2014) for graduate students who specialize in the field of information and communication technology was held today at Khalifa University. The forum saw a wide range of students from inside and outside the country participate. This event was part of the Eighth Information and Communication Technology Research Forum (ICTRF2014) which is organized by Khalifa University and was held at its Abu Dhabi campus on May 13th. 

The GERS2014 received 60 papers from graduate students attending universities inside and outside the UAE. Papers were submitted by students in the UAE New Zealand the UK and Morocco. 

Students from Khalifa University presented on a number of topics including integrated remote sensing mapping and exploration video encryption forensic investigation lung sputum color analysis energy optimization and large-scale network intrusion detection.  

GERS2014 is the only symposium of its kind in the UAE that allows graduate students to submit papers for presentation to a gathering of the top minds in their field. It is also seen as an excellent opportunity for graduate students to meet and speak to ICT industry leaders and some of the leading academic minds and peers from around the world. 

ICTRF2014 is co-organized by EBTIC and the Emirates Advanced Network for Research and Education (ANKABUT). ICTRF2014 is sponsored by the TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) in partnership with Etisalat Abu Dhabi Education Council the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) and the IEEE UAE Section.

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Khalifa University wins Best National Day 42 Celebration

The student headed festivities were voted the best in a competition organized by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Community Services.

Abu Dhabi 2 January 2014: Khalifa University announced today that its Abu Dhabi campus has won the “Best National Day 42 Celebration” category in the “Exceptional University” competition organized by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Community Services.

 

The innovative day long festivities were organized by students faculty and staff and included a variety of activities such as the “Time Machine” museum and a play written by Khalifa University students about a student whose invention saves the world. The play is set in 2100 and showed a future version of the UAE projecting a very advanced society based on technology and knowledge economy. 

 

Other activities included traditional dances and a souq that was built inside the Abu Dhabi campus and demonstrated traditional merchandize a photography kiosk and a traditional tent where several traditional handicrafts were demonstrated. 

In addition to the best celebration win Khalifa University students also ranked highly in the other categories.  Khalifa University student Mohammed Abdulrazaq Hussain won second place in the “Best National Short Movie about the Union” category for his movie titled “Between the Past and the Future.” And student Meera Saeed Al Yammahi won first place in the “Best National Dress for girls over the age of 16” category. 

The awards were launched by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Community Services with the aim of instilling and supporting a feeling of pride in the National Day Celebrations the state and its achievements its leaders and of Emirati youth in the UAE. The awards also aim to encourage cooperation between the ministry and universities and encourage the creative abilities and talent of university students. 

“We are very pleased that our National Day Celebrations have been voted the best in the UAE ” said Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla Senior Vice President of Research and Development. “I would like to thank our students and staff for putting together such an enjoyable program for National Day. Our students did an excellent job showcasing Emirati tradition and heritage and engaging our non-Emirati staff and students in the festivities. The National Day represents the UAE’s success in the 42 years since its creation and it represents the importance of unity and cooperation. Our students and staff demonstrated this unity on the day and showed their pride in the UAE and the bold vision of its founding fathers. We are molding the next generation of leaders and it’s important that they recognize the achievements of the past as they move forward towards creating sustainable growth.”

Khalifa University Organizes Commemoration Day Event

Khalifa University organized an event to mark Commemoration Day in the UAE today at its Abu Dhabi campus. Students staff faculty and researchers expressed solidarity with the UAE’s Armed Forces and its martyrs by wearing military scarves.

Khalifa University lowered the UAE flag to mark the occasion and later a moment of silence in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives to the UAE took place followed by the recitation of the UAE’s National Anthem and the raising of the UAE’s flag to mark the end of the event.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President said “We value our wise leadership’s initiative to make today Commemoration Day which is a day to remember our brave martyrs who symbolize the UAE’s pride and dignity. They are heroes who sacrificed themselves for the UAE and they deserve this moment of respect and admiration. They are alive inside us inspiring us to live and die for our nation.”

He added: “Khalifa University honored two of our students who lost loved ones as martyrs for the nation. By doing so we are one with our wise leadership under the umbrella of our beloved UAE to which we are faithful work hard and excel in all fields to bear our responsibility in facing challenges with courage strength and patience armed with education and hard work for the present and future of our wonderful country.”

Khalifa University Celebrates UAE’s Flag Day

Khalifa University celebrated United Arab Emirates’ Flag Day today with an assembly for students faculty and staff. Attendee’s recited the UAE’s National Anthem and the pledge of allegiance while raising the UAE’s flag.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President said: “The UAE flag is embedded in the hearts of all Emiratis. It is a symbol of the UAE that reminds us that we are united under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and it motivates our students to become scientists researchers and innovators and future leaders of industry and contribute to the UAE’s prosperity. Our flag is a symbol of the heroism of our brave armed forces and our martyrs who offered the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They are an inspiration to us all and remind us that Emiratis should live and die for the UAE. The initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE’s Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to raise the UAE flag on every organization and house today encourages us to work hard study and do everything we can to raise the name of the United Arab Emirates. “

 

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Khalifa University celebrated United Arab Emirates’ Flag Day today with an assembly for students faculty and staff. Attendee’s recited the UAE’s National Anthem and the pledge of allegiance while raising the UAE’s flag.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President said: “The UAE flag is embedded in the hearts of all Emiratis. It is a symbol of the UAE that reminds us that we are united under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and it motivates our students to become scientists researchers and innovators and future leaders of industry and contribute to the UAE’s prosperity. Our flag is a symbol of the heroism of our brave armed forces and our martyrs who offered the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They are an inspiration to us all and remind us that Emiratis should live and die for the UAE. The initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE’s Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to raise the UAE flag on every organization and house today encourages us to work hard study and do everything we can to raise the name of the United Arab Emirates. “

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Ankabut to Host 12th Users Meeting

This meeting will focus on ‘Serving Innovation’.

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research The United Arab Emirates’ Advanced National Research and Education Network known as Ankabut an initiative founded by Khalifa University will host its 12th Users’ Meeting at New York University’s Abu Dhabi Campus on November 16 and 17. 

This meeting’s focus will be on “serving innovation” and will gather some of the most knowledgeable researchers from all over the world as well as leaders in the industry of innovative educational technology to explore this important topic. The conference will include technical sessions on cutting-edge issues related to the industry as well as providing opportunities for networking and socializing with Ankabut’s partners. The conference aims to inspire educators to discover the latest innovative educational technologies. In addition this year’s conference will host the international Special Internet Group Meeting and an MOU will be signed between the IBM Company and Ankabut. 

Ankabut offers academic institutions connectivity to other education networks around the world. Ankabut also connects schools and public institutions together across the UAE. Ankabut cooperates on a national GCC regional and international arena representing the UAE in conferences exhibitions and forums. 

This meeting will focus on ‘Serving Innovation’.

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research The United Arab Emirates’ Advanced National Research and Education Network known as Ankabut an initiative founded by Khalifa University will host its 12th Users’ Meeting at New York University’s Abu Dhabi Campus on November 16 and 17. 

This meeting’s focus will be on “serving innovation” and will gather some of the most knowledgeable researchers from all over the world as well as leaders in the industry of innovative educational technology to explore this important topic. The conference will include technical sessions on cutting-edge issues related to the industry as well as providing opportunities for networking and socializing with Ankabut’s partners. The conference aims to inspire educators to discover the latest innovative educational technologies. In addition this year’s conference will host the international Special Internet Group Meeting and an MOU will be signed between the IBM Company and Ankabut. 

Ankabut offers academic institutions connectivity to other education networks around the world. Ankabut also connects schools and public institutions together across the UAE. Ankabut cooperates on a national GCC regional and international arena representing the UAE in conferences exhibitions and forums. 

Khalifa University Academics Visit Etihad Innovation Centre

Academics from the Khalifa Semiconductor Research Centre at Khalifa University and staff from EBTIC visited the Etihad Innovation Center to participate in a workshop last week.

The purpose of the visit was to exchange knowledge and develop the relationship between Khalifa University and Etihad Innovation Center which is at the forefront of developments in the aerospace industry in UAE.

The academics and EBTIC staff were given a tour of the facilities at the center which is home to Etihad’s Innovation Training Academy. Following this Etihad presented an overview of Etihad Airways Partners group and Etihad Engineering Innovation Team.

Etihad’s current focus is on health management so Khalifa University and EBTIC professors and researchers presented multiple presentations summarizing their previous work in this area in addition to the fields of data analytics and systems engineering. Etihad also gave a demonstration of their own developed platform for aircraft monitoring.

Finally next steps were discussed with further collaboration between the two organizations anticipated in the future.