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Visit to Arizona State University Cements Collaboration Opportunities for Blockchain Research

KU’s Dr. Khaled Salah, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Raja Jayaraman, Associate Professor of Industrial Systems and Engineering, have returned from a visit to the Arizona State University’s Blockchain Research Lab, where they met with faculty, students, and business executives to discuss potential areas for Blockchain-related research collaboration between Khalifa University’s Digital Supply Chain and Operation Management (DSO) Research Center and ASU’s Blockchain Research Lab.

Dr. Salah and Dr. Jayaraman toured the ASU Blockchain Research Lab and learned about the Lab’s ongoing research projects in Blockchain-enabled supply chain management, Blockchain-based energy trading, and BAAS (Blockchain as a Service) IoT solutions.

They introduced the faculty of the ASU Supply Chain Management Department and researchers of the ASU Blockchain Research Lab to Khalifa University and the research projects being carried out at the DSO Research Center, which was launched in July 2019 to conduct research in supply chain analytics, digital operations management and the future of work in digital enterprises.

The KU professors met with Dr. Dragan Bosocovic, Research Professor and Director of the Blockchain Research Lab, and Dr. Todd Taylor, Professor of Practice in the ASU Supply Chain Management Department and founder of the Blockchain Research Lab, who is also a member of the DSO Research Center’s steering committee.

The productive meeting included discussions with ASU industry partners Dash and ChainRider, who are affiliated with the University’s incubator program, called Skysong Innovations, which brings together industry, faculty, and research students to support the commercialization of Blockchain-related research being carried out at ASU. SkySong offers opportunities for companies whose business objectives would benefit from a strong connection with ASU’s entrepreneurial and research-based initiatives. Dr. Salah found the business model particularly inspiring, noting that it created mutually beneficial partnerships and robust university innovation ecosystem.

Dash and ChainRider developed Blockchain platforms with numerous potential applications, including digitalizing land records and automating the registration of title deeds. Dr. Salah and Dr. Jayaraman received training on the ChainRider platform, and discussed ways for the DSO Research Center to implement the platform in their research.

Developing opportunities for further collaboration between the two research centers was a top priority during the professors’ visit. They invited a PhD student from ASU to visit KU for one week to lay the foundation for the development of various blockchain-based solutions. While Dr. Salah was invited to participate in the 2020 Hyperledger Global Forum, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, in March 2020. The professors also discussed different projects for collaboration, including Blockchain solutions in healthcare, energy trading, M2M economy, and IoT management.

Forging strong collaborations with leading academic institutions and industries is key to achieving impactful research, and the members of the DSO Research Center are eager to leverage these critical connections and bring more skills, talent, and experience to their center. Arizona State University has been ranked as the #1 in the U.S. for Innovation, according to US News and World Report for the past five years in a row. It, therefore, has much to offer the DSO Research Center in its mission to become an internationally recognized center in the digital transformation of supply chains and analytics-driven management.

Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
24 November 2019

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Alumni Success: The First Emirati Female Nuclear Safety Inspector

Graduates from Khalifa University leave with the skills, experience, and expertise to succeed in any field they choose, and one alumna did just that, becoming the first Emirati female to work as a nuclear safety inspector.
Meera Al Mehairi graduated from KU in 2015 with a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Nuclear Engineering.

“I chose Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering as a major when I started at Khalifa University,” said Al Mehairi. “I didn’t know where I would end up, or if I was even sure I wanted to do this course. All I had was a passion for math and science, and a curiosity for the future.

“Course after course, and each semester, I felt happier about the decision I had made,” said Al Mehairi. “I enjoyed every part of the university experience, even the late nights at the lab, the ups and downs of my mood and marks, and the usual morning runs to catch the bus! Indeed, KU taught me the art of discipline and time management, which I will always be grateful for.”

Al Mehairi chose to go into nuclear power after graduation as it was a completely new field to the UAE. When she heard about it, she knew that was the challenge she needed.

“After graduation, I decided to pursue a career in the nuclear field, at the UAE’s regulatory body, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR),” she continued. “I am the first Emirati female as a nuclear safety inspector, where I conduct inspections that are intended to ensure that the nuclear power plant, including facilities, equipment, and work performance, meet all necessary requirements, and are in compliance with the applicable laws, regulations and any license conditions.”

The nuclear safety inspector role is critical to the safe operation of any plant, and to ensure she continues to build on the skills and knowledge acquired at KU, Al Mehairi gets involved in as many projects as possible at FANR, attends most of the technical trainings provided in-house and internationally, and seeks one-to-one mentoring sessions with her senior colleagues.

“I love how dynamic my job is, as I get to explore different technical areas every mission,” said Al Mehairi. “My senior colleagues told me: ‘You’ll always learn something new.’ And they’re right! However, the job is very challenging as it requires precision, comprehensiveness, and a thorough understanding of the science and technology of the nuclear power plant, with a mindset always concerned with safety.

“It’s a huge responsibility and I was panicking since day one! I used to worry, what if I did something wrong? But all these fears have faded away, as I have great support from my colleagues and management, and all the necessary technical knowledge and soft skills.”

Al Mehairi plans to continue to work on different tasks and projects at FANR to develop her skills but also plans to enrich her knowledge in areas of personal interest like international affairs, diplomacy, psychology, and interfaith dialogue.

Al Mehairi remains an inspiration for alumni and current students, advising everyone to read, think critically, and be mindful. She encourages everyone to read and understand the depth and breadth of different topics and pursue continuous learning.

“I want to volunteer as much as possible. The Special Olympics were by far my favorite and the closest event to my heart, and I am really looking forward to Expo 2020 in Dubai. I also hope to engage with more youth to foster tolerance and coexistence, as I am the Vice President for the Coexistence Lab. There’s a beautiful piece of advice from His Excellency Ahmed Belhoul I would like to share: ‘Always be humble to learn.’”

“I’m in it to break down barriers,” she said. “I’m in it to inspire other girls, women, and people to pursue their dreams fearlessly, and to keep trying, learning, and moving forward until they fulfill their dreams. Thank you Khalifa University, FANR and Youth Council for turning me into the person I am today, and thank you to my mother for teaching me how to break down barriers in the first place.”

Jade Sterling
News and Features Writer
25 November 2019

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HEIG Holds 1st International Workshop to Address Challenges in Healthcare

The Healthcare Engineering Innovation Group (HEIG) hosted its 1st International workshop from 25 – 26 November 2019.

The HEIG seeks to develop novel methodologies, devices, and tools for the diagnosis, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of the wide spectrum of health challenges associated with cardiovascular diseases. The group also has the framework to tackle other relevant health challenges in the UAE.

The HEIG workshop focused on the themes of vision on healthcare, innovation, and value creation.

The workshop offered a unique opportunity for local and international researchers and healthcare professionals to address challenges related to healthcare innovation, with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases.

Highly qualified local and international institutions participated, including representatives from SEHA, the Department of Health, Mubadala, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, University of Limerick (Ireland), The BioRobotics Institute (Sculoa Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), New York University Abu Dhabi, Medical Micro Instruments (MMI, Italy), University Of Applied Sciences (Germany), Polytechnic of Milan (Italy), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and American University of Sharjah.

The researchers presented their projects, achievements, and latest research findings on issues related to patient needs, clinical challenges in terms of diagnosis, intervention, therapeutics, and rehabilitation.

Discussions also centered around anticipated future challenges for the local, regional, and international healthcare industry.

Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
26 November 2019

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Khalifa University’s 48th UAE National Day Celebration Highlights

The Khalifa University community celebrated the 48th UAE National Day with several activities including student-led events on its Main and Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) campuses on 26 November. The activities reflected the ‘Year of Tolerance,’ which aims to raise the UAE’s status as a global frontrunner for acceptance and coexistence.

In his UAE National Day message, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, said: “We are proud to host the student-led events on the occasion of the 48th UAE National Day celebrations, demonstrating our commitment to the path of tolerance shown by the UAE Founding Father Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the current leadership. We believe the events at our campuses will not only illustrate the students’ extent of involvement in remaining part of the UAE’s heritage and success, but also in upholding the values directed by the leaders to ensure future progress.”

Celebrations at the SAN Campus began at the Arzanah and Habshan buildings where students gathered for the flag hoisting and the singing of the National Anthem. After the unfurling of the UAE National Flag, the festivities started and traditional Emirati Dhiyafa were served to students, faculty, and staff.

Activities at the Main Campus also opened with the National Anthem and unfurling of the flag as students gathered in the open courtyard near the S-building after 4pm.

Student-sponsored stalls included the UAE-Korean Corner, the Year of Tolerance booth, the ‘National Memories Museum,’ and a special booth dedicated to ‘Evolution of UAE Medicine’.

The UAE-Korean Corner included a UAE Majlis, a Korean Majlis, an Emirati-Korean Dukkan, an Engineering Challenge, Kids’ area, and a photo-booth to capture special moments.

The ‘Year of Tolerance’ booth highlighted how the UAE remains a global capital for tolerance since its establishment and a bridge of communication among the people of the world and their various cultures, in an environment of openness and respect that rejects extremism and promotes coexistence. The newly-elected Khalifa University Student Council oversaw the booth where international students highlighted the UAE’s contribution to tolerance, coexistence, and openness to different cultures.

The Student Council also organized a photography competition titled ‘UAE Through the Eye of the Lens’. With the theme ‘Landmarks of the UAE,’ around 10 professional photos taken by students were displayed for the competition.

At around 6pm, the program started with a stage performance by students, followed by welcome messages, a Zayed Legacy Show, and a short film titled ‘Zayed Tolerance Pledge’. The highlight of the program was a show prepared by the Theater and Emirati Club. The celebrations concluded at around 8:30pm with closing remarks and an appreciation ceremony.

Clarence Michael
News Writer
27 November 2019

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KU links up with Al Ain Distribution Company for Joint Event to Promote Practical Applications of Power Engineering Research

Khalifa University’s Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) and the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PEC) organized the first Al Ain Distribution Company – Khalifa University (AADD-KU) Joint Event on Sunday, 24 November.

The aim of the joint event was to promote research and industrial collaboration of practical applications in the field of electrical power engineering. Distinguished experts and representatives from AADC, KU and UAE University presented a series of technical lectures on emerging research, practical knowledge and applications of electrical power engineering.

Faculty from APEC highlighted research related to renewable energy integration, modern power electronics devices, active transmission and distribution systems, high voltage and dielectric materials, and industry engagement and professional development.

Dr. Ehab El-Saadany, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Center Director of APEC, and Dr. Ahmed Al-Durra, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, participated in a panel during the event on the topic of “Bridging the Gaps in Front of Practical Research.”

The event concluded with technical tours of AADC facilities, including the AADC Primary Distribution Substation, the AADC Distribution Management System and the AADC Technical Training and Research Center.

Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
28 November 2019

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KU Students win Outstanding Performance at Huawei Middle East ICT Competition

Two undergraduate students from Khalifa University made it to the final rounds of the 3rd Huawei Middle East ICT Competition held by Chinese multinational ICT company Huawei and were awarded Outstanding Performance.’

Amir Abdela Mohamedsalih and Solomon Fissehaye Tewelde were the UAE national finalists, selected from 30 students that competed in the first round of the competition from Khalifa University, UAE University and Zayed University. Amir won first place, Solomon took second, and a student from UAEU placed third in the UAE National round. The competition comprised of an exam, where students had to configure practical ICT related simulations and solve challenges. The National exam consisted of solving and configuring   a given network topology . In addition the exam also consisted some basics of cloud computing.

The Huawei ICT Competition covers ICT fields such as Routing & Switching, WLAN, Security, AI, 5G and Cloud Computing. The aim of the competition is to provide students with a platform to compete and exchange ideas in order to enhance their ICT knowledge, practical and application skills, and raise their innovation awareness.

The 2019 Huawei Middle East ICT Competition ran in 10 Middle Eastern countries. Over 435 universities and 21,000 students participated from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Amir, Solomon and the UAEU student joined the top 3 finalists from each country and competed in the final stage of the competition, which took place at Huawei Headquarters in Shenzhen on 28 November. A total of 13 teams of 39 students from across the Middle East competed in the final rounds. In this final, teams competed in day-long competitions, which included technology workshops with global ICT experts. The UAE team were honored with the award for ‘Outstanding Performance.’

Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
4 December 2019

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2014 WFES Green Career Fair: Renewable energy offers significant potential for job creation

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 04 January 2014 – As businesses around the world realize that sustainable practices are vital to remaining competitive, the Green Career Fair, to be held in partnership with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Reed Exhibitions during the 7th World Future Energy Summit from 20-22 January, will be a valuable opportunity for recruiters to highlight job opportunities at their companies and provide career guidance in the advanced energy and sustainability industry.

The Green Career Fair aims to provide cost-effective and convenient ways to create social and professional networking opportunities. Besides meeting up with potential employers, professionals will be able to attend workshops on renewable energy career topics and make use of a Career Advice Desk to get tips from HR professionals on site. The Fair will also include features such as career opportunity booths and interview areas.

Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Dean of Students, Masdar Institute, said: “Platforms such as the Green Career Fair offer emerging clean energy professionals the right channel for their professional development through engaging with industries in the field to discuss future trends in clean energy capacity building. Mandated to focus on human capital building and knowledge development, Masdar Institute contributes to nurturing a talent base that generates IPs and patents, most suitable to the industry. We hope WFES 2014 will serve as the right forum for leading clean energy corporate brands to identify and select the right professional skills to ensure industry growth.”

Investments in renewable energy are one of the key potential catalysts for job growth in the sector. There is an expected growth in demand for architects, engineers, urban planners and environmental experts specialised in building sustainable cities and communities, smart power grids, wind farms, solar power plants, hydroelectric plants, and energy efficient transportation systems, as governments adopt sustainability in their economic development plans. Building sustainable communities across the MENA region is of vital economic and strategic importance for future sustainability. There is an increasing need for youth to develop careers in renewable energy sectors.

The U.S. Green Building Council stated recently that “green construction” employed more than 1 million people from 2000 to 2008. That number is expected to rise to 3.3 million by 2013 and job growth will multiply globally. The China Council of International Co-operation on Environment and Development estimates that by 2016 the green job sector could employ 9.5 million people in the country.

The U.N. report “Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-CarbonWorld” predicts that the deployment of new energy technologies and investments could see the green job sector employ 20 million additional people by 2030.

According to findings of the World Future Energy Summit Insight Report 2013, “Realising the Promise of Solar Industry Development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)”, if the region is going to build a solid industrial base in renewables, it is going to have to nurture entrepreneurs that will innovate and create jobs for the growing population of young people.

Basim Saleh, Chief Commercial Officer for Eden Energy Group; J Vishwanathan, Director of Microsol; and Mr. Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO of Acwa Power – three entrepreneurs who have worked in Middle East North Africa – were asked how clean energy would help in creating new jobs and opportunities for fresh graduates.

“It is a proven fact that renewables, with particular reference to distributed generation, create the maximum local jobs per megawatt. This was proven even in high-cost countries such as Germany and Japan. The same is relevant to MENA,” said Vishwanathan.

In addition, a series of supporting and indirect jobs will be created as a result of localized technology in the region. For Padmanathan, “different technologies will create different types of jobs in different numbers, in manufacturing, construction, and operation and maintenance.”

Naji El Haddad, WFES Show Director, is positive the Green Career Fair will add great value to all those who attend the event and who are interested in providing new jobs and economic opportunities for youthful and fast-growing populations.

“The Green Career Fair will be filled with people who work directly or indirectly in renewable energy industries and who acknowledge the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy as central elements of any green economy strategy. This is the perfect setting for companies and candidates to come together and explore ways of working together.”

“The Green Career Fair is yet another initiative to support the UAE youth and community, by engaging students and young professionals in career advancement opportunities within emerging industries of advanced energy, water and sustainability sectors in the UAE and the region,” said El Haddad.

The seventh edition of the World Future Energy Summit will be co-located with the second edition of the International Water Summit and the inaugural EcoWASTE exhibition, also hosted by Masdar, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

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Masdar Institute to Showcase Main Research Thrust Areas at WFES 2014

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 15 January, 2014 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it will highlight  its main research thrust areas during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2014.

WFES, organized under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will be held from 20-22 January 2014 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. WFES is the world’s foremost event dedicated to renewable energies, energy efficiency and clean technologies. Hosted by Masdar, the event is co-located with the International Water Summit 2014 and EcoWaste Abu Dhabi 2014.

The Masdar Institute stand (5210) will include displays on various research projects, industry and government collaborations as well as academic offerings.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Our active participation in the World Future Energy Summit 2014 will offer an insight into the research we have been conducting over the years and the milestone success that will take us on a faster growth path. With the support of the country’s leadership, we have developed world class education, research and innovation capabilities in renewable energy and advanced sustainable technology. We hope WFES 2014 will strengthen our collaborations with stakeholders and launch us into finding solutions in more challenging research areas.”

Faculty members who will be participating in the panel discussions include Dr Sgouris Sgouridis, Associate Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, Dr Alejandro Rios Galvan, Director, Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) and Professor of Practice, Engineering Systems and Management, Dr. Taha Ouarda, Professor, Water & Environmental Engineering,, and Dr Prashanth R Marpu, Assistant Professor – Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department. In their discussions, they will speak about sustainable benefits, including the need for efficient transportation and advantages of biofuels.

Dr Matteo Chiesa, Associate Professor – Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science and Engineering, and Dr Marco Stefancich, Assistant Professor – Materials Science and Engineering, will be participating in a workshop hosted by Masdar Institute that discusses the issue of dust on solar collectors.

A workshop will offer emerging entrepreneurs an opportunity to test ideas on a new renewable energy startup or a project. Each aspirant will be given the chance to explain the idea within eight minutes to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and advisers for their comments and suggestions for implementation in the future. The initiative is led by Dr Bruce Fergusson, Director, Center for Innovation Systems and Entrepreneurship, and Professor of Practice, Engineering Systems and Management.

Dr Sgouris Sgouridis will discuss the systems, policies and local initiatives in place that are helping deliver a sustainable urban environment.

Dr Alejandro Rios Galvan will join the experts’ panel that will discuss substitutes to fossil fuels, the land-food-biofuel nexus and other related subjects.

Dr. Taha Ouarda and Dr Prashanth R Marpu will be participating in the round table talks as part of the International Water Summit (IWS). Part of WFES, the IWS is a unique global platform for promoting water sustainability in arid regions. It brings together world leaders, field experts, academia luminaries and business innovators to accelerate the development of new sustainable strategies and technologies.

Masdar Institute is partnering with Reed Expo to organize the Green Career Fair, offering a valuable opportunity for recruiters to highlight job opportunities at their companies and provide career guidance in the advanced energy and sustainability industry.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

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MIT Delegation in Abu Dhabi Visits Masdar Institute Campus

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 January, 2014 – A delegation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) headed by Chancellor Dr. William Eric Grimson is currently in the UAE, to participate in the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2014 that is being organized from 20-22 January in Abu Dhabi.

The MIT delegation was received by Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies. Masdar Institute was established with the assistance and guidance of MIT, and continues its close cooperation and collaboration with Masdar Institute through its joint research activities, educational programs, faculty and student exchanges, and outreach efforts.

The MIT delegation is participating in various sessions during WFES, whose mission and goals are relevant to MIT’s own mission in the energy field. The visit of the MIT delegation reflects Masdar Institute’s global collaboration with US government institutions and the industry on renewable energy and sustainability. The visit is expected to lead to greater knowledge sharing with MIT through faculty and student exchange, while helping Masdar Institute to remain in the lead in human capital development.

Masdar Institute and MIT jointly hosted the 2013 UAE Innovation Forum in Abu Dhabi which has led to the formation of the iInnovation Center at Masdar Institute and the development of an outreach program with MIT’s Desphande Center to highlight innovation ignition and research grants that lead to commercialization.

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Impending High-Level Visits from Ireland Aim to Strengthen Trade Ties with UAE, Says Envoy

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 06 March, 2014 – Recent and upcoming visits of high-level delegations between the UAE and Ireland strongly illustrate the historic links between the two countries, as well as the increasing volume of two-way trade and the willingness to strengthen relations further, according to His Excellency Patrick Hennessy, Irish Ambassador to the UAE.

Reflecting the continued interest in trade, Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, His Excellency Phil Hogan T.D., is also scheduled to visit the UAE in March, while the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be leading a delegation to Ireland later this year. These and other ongoing visits are expected to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries, the ambassador said.

His Excellency Patrick Hennessy was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Ireland and UAE: A Growing Partnership’ held at the Masdar Institute campus. The event, organized under the Masdar Institute Lecture Series program, was attended by Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, Dr Mohamed Sassi, Interim Dean, Masdar Institute and other officials, faculty members and students. After the seminar, a memento was presented to His Excellency Hennessy by Dr Moavenzadeh and Dr Sassi. The Irish Ambassador was also given a tour of Masdar City and Masdar Institute campus, where he was briefed about its various sustainable features.

Commending Masdar Institute, His Excellency Hennessy said: “The community you have created here at the Masdar Institute campus in Masdar City is a remarkable testament to the importance of the energy and sustainability agenda – and to the commitment of those who conceived the idea and who are now implementing it. You are not only distinguished in terms of academic excellence but in terms of the role you are playing here at Masdar Institute to place the UAE in the forefront of knowledge and science –  at both the national – and international level -.”

Illustrating his country’s role in attracting some of the best global brands, His Excellency Hennessy pointed out that eight of the top 10 global companies in the information and communications technology sector, nine of the top 10 companies in the pharmaceutical sector and 10 of the top online trading companies are based out of Ireland. These companies have chosen Ireland because of the country’s conducive business environment and the availability of skilled manpower.

Bilateral trade between Ireland and the UAE reached AED5 billion in 2012. Predicting that the trade volume will increase further, His Excellency Hennessy noted the similarities of the two countries in developing skills through education, attracting overseas investments and hosting global brands by creating the right enabling environment.

During a recent visit to the UAE by Irish Prime Minister His Excellency Enda Kenny, he announced plans for Ireland to establish a permanent business-promotion office in Abu Dhabi to further facilitate two-way trade. The Irish Prime Minister led a delegation of 87 Irish companies to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar that resulted in 21 business deals worth approximately AED325 million.

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Masdar Institute and MIT to Host Symposium on Sustainable Critical Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 March, 2014 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) today announced they are jointly hosting a symposium on sustainable critical infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.

Titled ‘Perspectives on Sustainable Critical Infrastructure’, the Masdar Institute-MIT 2014 Symposium will be held on 24 March at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. High-ranking officials and professionals from government, academia and industry will participate in the forum to highlight the challenges and opportunities in developing critical infrastructure sustainably.

The symposium will include three sessions with short presentations from academia, government and industry, which will be followed by moderated discussions on topics related to infrastructure development from a sustainability perspective. It will discuss how integration can provide tangible results in three critical infrastructure areas – transportation systems, supply chains and logistic systems and urban planning and operations. Participants and panelists will address energy and resource use, current local and global challenges in infrastructure development, best practices and innovation to meet these challenges. The event on 24 March will be followed by a tour at the campus.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Sustainable infrastructure remains critical to global development and the joint symposium aims to highlight this factor through discussions and presentations by experts. With the support of the UAE leadership, we collaborate with leading academic institutions as well as government and private sector organizations to drive home the need to adopt sustainable measures. We hope the speakers at the symposium will bring forth fresh concepts in transportation, supply chain and smarter cities for the benefit of the community.”

On 24 March, three faculty from MIT including Dr. Joseph M. Sussman, JR East Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Systems, Dr. Daniel Roos, Japan Steel Industry Professor of Engineering Systems and Civil and Environmental Engineering, Emeritus and Founding Director, MIT Engineering Systems Division, and Dr. Christoph Reinhart of the Sustainable Design Lab, will be representing academia in the discussions. They will be joined by Associate Professors Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis and Dr. Ali Diabat, along with Assistant Professor Dr. Abdulla Galadari – all from the Engineering Systems and Management program from Masdar Institute.

Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Director of Sustainability Masdar, Director of Zayed Future Energy Prize, Masdar, and Anthony Mallows, Director of Masdar City will also be addressing the symposium.

UAE government entities that will be represented by high-ranking officials at the symposium include Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), Strata, UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Urban Planning Council (UPC) of Abu Dhabi. The industry will be represented by officials from Aramex, GE Gulf, Booz & and Company Ltd. (UK).

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First Masdar Institute Fellowship Program Student Receives PhD from University of Central Florida

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 31 March, 2014 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced that Dr. Mohamed Yaseen Al Hosani has become the first graduate under the Masdar Institute Fellowship Program, receiving his PhD from the University of Central Florida, US, in December 2013.

The Masdar Institute Fellowship Program, originally announced in 2007 as the Masdar Research Network (MRN), sought the best young UAE National scholars for its International Fellowship Program. Scholars were placed at one of the MRN partner institutions including international universities to obtain Master’s and PhD degrees. They were given the chance to interact with top global academics, scientists and corporations through Masdar Institute’s extensive network of world class partners. Currently, a total of 11 fellows are pursuing higher learning at overseas institutions. Upon receiving the first PhD through the Masdar Institute Fellowship Program, Dr. Al Hosani has now joined Masdar Institute as a faculty member.

Dr. Al Hosani’s research during his PhD focused on ‘islanding’ detection and prevention. ‘Islanding’ occurs when distributed generators (DGs) or small-scale electric generators, continue to power a location even though electrical grid power from the utility is no longer present. This could prove fatal to utility workers during maintenance. Dr. Al Hosani has proposed new islanding detection methods (IDMs) to improve integrity and performance of DGs while maintaining multi-DG islanding detection capability.

Dr. Al Hosani said: “Now that I have become a Masdar Institute faculty, I will contribute to developing human capital in the UAE. In addition, I am planning to incorporate my theoretical background and work in collaborative projects with industrial sectors, providing solutions that ensure the reliability, safety and sustainability of power system networks.”

Dr. Al Hosani believes that his PhD research work is extremely important to ensure the reliability and safety of distributed generation and may contribute towards achieving Abu Dhabi’s goal of getting 7% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. He plans to develop innovative ideas in smart grid applications that can be applied to large-scale industrial use. He aims to achieve his target through persistent focus on R&D, collaborative work and government funding and support.