The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), a program of the Masdar Institute, committed to raising awareness and engaging students and young professionals in the renewable energy and sustainability fields, announces its program and sponsors for 2011.

Growing support from the private sector, including local companies such as Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Dolphin Energy as well as individual supporters like Mohamed Bin Kardous Al Ameri has allowed Masdar Institute to expand its YFEL program at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). This year approximately 150 participants, representing students from UAE universities, and international universities, as well as young professionals from local companies will be attending specialized forums, seminars, debates and panels at WFES.

YFEL is a key element of the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES), taking place on January 17-20, 2011, held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC. YFEL’s program will commence during the Summit, with keynote speakers already confirmed, including HE Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General, United Nations, HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Princess of Sweden and Christina Figueres, Executive Secretary, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), United Nations, Dr. Susan Hockfield, President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Mohamed Bin Kardous Al Ameri, an Emirati philanthropist and a YFEL supporter.

During WFES, Masdar Institute will also be hosting a range of events at the YFEL stand, including: on Monday January 17th – Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General, United Nations Address to YFEL (13.30-13.45); HRH Crown Princess Victoria, Princess of Sweden, visit to YFEL stand (15.45 -16.00); Tuesday January 18th – Dr Susan Hockfield, MIT President, visits YFEL (10.45-11.00); YFEL Debate: Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale (13.30-14.30); Wednesday January 19th – Industry Update: International Wind Association and London Array Project Presentation and Case Study (09.00-10.30); YFEL Debate: The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint (10.30-11.00), Thursday January 20th – YFEL Debate: Policy Update (11.00-12.30).

President of Masdar Institute, Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, said: “YFEL is a unique outreach program of the Masdar Institute that offers the brightest young minds the opportunity to interact with government representatives, and business leaders involved in finding clean energy and sustainable technology solutions for the mitigation of climate change issues.”

Masdar Institute Executive Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, added, “The high calibre of participants this year reflects the success of last year’s Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program. As a result, we will continue to build upon and enhance the YFEL program. Moreover, support from the Government of Abu Dhabi highlights its commitment to Masdar Institute and its outreach programs which will continue to play an integral role in building human capital to drive the Emirate’s knowledge-based economy.”

Dr Yet-Ming Chiang says “low cost energy storage will be a technology linchpin” during lecture sponsored by Masdar Institute

Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang, Kyocera Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) gave a lecture today on Electrical Energy Storage to Enable Clean Transportation, as part of the Masdar Institute – MIT Energy Initiative, Distinguished Lecture Series, in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Island Rotana Hotel, Ballroom, Yas Marina.

During the lecture Dr Chiang said that: “Clean energy has become a global imperative, and efficient, low cost energy storage will be a technology linchpin as we increasingly rely on renewable sources including wind and solar. The past decade has seen advances in battery technology foment a revolution in electric transportation – and the coming decade will see similar growth in renewable energy and electric grid efficiency enabled by large scale energy storage.”

Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang is a leading scientist, educator, and entrepreneur in the field of electrical energy storage for the purpose of clean transportation. During his lecture Dr. Chiang discussed this issue in the context of global energy security and climate change concerns, which have accelerated the electrification of vehicles, aided by advances in battery technology. The ability to store electrical energy efficiently, cheaply and at large scale is a critical unmet need in the drive towards a low carbon economy. As Abu Dhabi looks towards a more sustainable future, as set out in its 2030 Economic Vision, the issue is of significant local importance.

About Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang
Dr Chiang is the Kyocera Professor in the Department of Materials and Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced inorganic materials and related devices. Dr. Chiang’s honours include election to the US Academy of Engineering. He has published about 200 scholarly articles and holds about 20 issued patents and 30 pending patent applications.

About Masdar Institute
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to serve as a “knowledge-hub” in the region to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.
 
With the assistance of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges. An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective.  This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.
 
Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

 
• MSc Engineering Systems and Management
• MSc Computing and Information Science
• MSc Materials Science and Engineering
• MSc Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Water and Environmental Engineering
• MSc Microsystems Engineering
• MSc Electrical Power Engineering
• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree PhD program

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology – the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and environmental technologies – celebrated the UAE’s National Day early with an afternoon of festivities on Tuesday November 30th.

The celebrations were held on the Institute’s campus surrounding the wind tower – a six-storey structure in the central courtyard specifically designed to bring cool air down to ground level. Students and faculty as well as a number of staff and senior administration officials took part in the celebrations.

Starting off at 1:00pm with the UAE’s national anthem, visitors were able to enjoy numerous activities and attractions throughout the afternoon.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, stressed the importance of celebrating National Day earlier in order for everyone who worked there to be able to celebrate together. He stressed the importance of the institute’s mission to educate students to be future leaders and innovators with the breadth and depth necessary to meet future global challenges, thereby contributing to the overall development and general welfare of all the people not only in the United Arab Emirates, but also in the Middle East and the rest of the world.

“Masdar Institute is one of the great success stories of Abu Dhabi – and of the UAE as a whole – and it therefore seemed appropriate for everyone to be able to come together and have a good time, whilst at the same time allowing our international Faculty members and students to learn something about Emirati customs and the traditional way of life here,” he said.

There was a display of Yolla dancing – the traditional Emirati national dance that gets performed at weddings and special occasions, in which men form 2 rows, alternating their forward and backward steps to symbolize victory and defeat in a mock battle scenario.

Also laid on was a display of falcons, camel rides, henna painting and the chance for international visitors to get their picture taken in traditional Emirati costume.  Throughout the day, traditional food from the region was served, together with “ghahwa” – Arabic coffee. Emirati students from the Institute also hosted a number of traditional games.

Youssef Al Abd, Chair of the Student Association, said he had greatly enjoyed the celebrations. “It is sometimes all too easy being in such an international environment to forget that you are living in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. The day was well organized and it was clear from the look on everyone’s faces that a good time was had by all,” she concluded.
 

The Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology held its second annual meeting today to review the achievements of the last year, and to consider the Institute’s strategic and academic plan for 2010.

General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute. The patron of Masdar Institute is HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. The Board of Trustees includes HH Sheikh Diab Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority; HH Sheikh Abdallah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; HE Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, Secretary General, Abu Dhabi Executive Council; HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Executive Affairs Authority and CEO, Mubadala Development Company; HE Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman, Masdar; HE Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, Deputy CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company; HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar; HE Dr. Adnan Badran, President, Petra University; Dr Rafael Reif, Provost, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, Director of the Technology Development Program, MIT.

Masdar Institute was established with the cooperation of (MIT), and is the world’s first graduate-level university with a focus on alternative energy and sustainable technologies.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustee of Masdar Institute, said:

“Masdar Institute has made encouraging progress towards Abu Dhabi’s goals of cultivating the necessary human capital required to build a knowledge-led and technology exporting economy. The Institute will ensure that Abu Dhabi retains its global leadership position in the energy sector by diversifying into alternative energy and sustainable technologies. It will also contribute to global policy-making via a collaborative platform with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), whose headquarters will be located at Masdar City.”

Dr John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute, reported to the Board of Trustees that the milestones achieved since the first board meeting a year ago included recruiting an outstanding first intake of students and an excellent team of faculty members, and commencing with the inaugural academic year on 6 September 2009.

Some of the world’s most active academics in alternative energy and sustainable technologies have joined Masdar Institute, after spending up to one year at MIT working with its professors on collaborative research and developing course work for Masdar Institute.

The 22 faculty from ten countries have initiated groundbreaking research into many alternative energy and sustainability-related projects, some of which are being tested with Abu Dhabi Government organizations and at Masdar City – the world’s first sustainable city and technology cluster that will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

Joining faculty are 99 highly qualified graduate students and Masdar Institute Fellows from 22 countries around the world. In total, the 22 UAE students and Fellows comprise the single largest national group.

The academic programs at Masdar Institute are based on the US graduate education model, and integrated with multidisciplinary research in three strategic areas; technology, policy and systems. This approach allows the Institute to address renewable energy and sustainability in a comprehensive manner. In addition, the academic programs provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in core disciplines that will equip them to take advantage of the many employment opportunities expected to be created by the Government of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.

Current students are enrolled in five Master of Science programs. They include:

• MSc in Engineering and Systems Management
• MSc in Information Technology
• MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
• MSc in Mechanical Engineering
• MSc in Water and Environmental Engineering

In 2010, Masdar Institute will offer two additional MSc programs in Electrical Power and in Microsystems. The Institute is planning to start a PhD program in 2010.

In an effort to accelerate the development of Emirati faculty and researchers at Masdar Institute and Masdar, a number of competitive fellowships have been awarded to qualified UAE students to pursue their PhD studies at top universities in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan. The Fellows, who are mentored by Masdar Institute faculty, represent some of the UAE’s future leaders in science and engineering disciplines related to alternative energy and sustainability.

Elements of Masdar Institute’s strategic and academic plan include collaborative research projects, partnerships with other academic organizations, linkages with industry and Government agencies, and a strategic contribution to IRENA’s global policy development.

Dr Perkins said the achievements of the past year were an encouraging sign for a university that has set itself ambitious targets:

“Masdar Institute is fulfilling its important mandate by focusing on attracting the highest caliber faculty and students that will drive the future of alternative energy and sustainable technologies in the region and beyond.”

The Board reviewed and approved the strategic and academic plan for 2010. 
 
 

Over one hundred and twenty member states of the agency, represented by over 500 delegates accompanied by Masdar Institute students and faculty attended the special reception hosted by President of Masdar Institute, Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh.

The special guests comprised of Ministers, Heads of Directorates and departments in ministries, policy experts and technical experts on renewable energy, gained a unique insight into the new campus facility, sharing in the experiences of the city’s first residents, the students of Masdar Institute.

The incoming Interim Director General of IRENA Mr. Adnan Amine welcomed the indispensable contribution that the Masdar Institute could play in supporting the mission of IRENA and stressed the need to develop knowledge and technical capability on renewable energy technology for capacity building; particularly in developing countries.

He said: “The innovative thinking that lies at the heart of the Masdar Initiative attests to the increased relevance that renewable energy, in the context of climate change and current development, needs and it will serve as a model for others.”

Speaking on the significance of the event Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh said “The UAE, through the foresight and commitment of its visionary leadership, has quickly become the destination and platform to discuss and debate the challenges and opportunities of clean energy and climate change. Welcoming representatives of IRENA to the new campus of Masdar Institute within Masdar city marks a defining and proud occasion for the UAE”.

Masdar Institute is currently in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agency which will award twenty scholarships to qualified students nominated by IRENA from around the world.  IRENA will also benefit from the total human capacity of the Institute and have access to Masdar Institute research facilities.

“The research facility is a remarkable feat of engineering that truly pushes the boundaries of sustainable living. Yet it is more than a building. The campus is a physical demonstration of what can be achieved, symbolizing the progress and continued commitment of the UAE in response to the world’s energy challenges”, commented Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh.

Welcoming the attendees, Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh emphasized the importance of the Institute in developing human capacity and ensuring future energy sustainability saying “The Masdar Institute campus provides a world-class research and education environment but it’s most impressive feature is undoubtedly the quality of people studying and living within it. In a short space of time a living, vibrant and creative research community has been created in Abu Dhabi.

“Both organizations recognize that challenges of climate change and energy security require a dedicated response from the brightest and best minds, working in collaboration. With this shared vision, I am confident that the world-class faculty and students of Masdar Institute will make a significant contribution to IRENA, through research expertise and fostering talented individuals to support its mandate.”       

The reception comes at an exciting time for Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and environmental technologies, developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In recent weeks students have moved into the ‘living lab’ environment of the new campus facility and an expanded academic program including an enriching Foundation Program, seven Master’s of Science programs and an interdisciplinary PhD program has commenced.

The increased academic program has also seen a further 20 new faculty appointments with PhDs from internationally renowned universities such as MIT, Stanford, University of California – Berkeley, University of Michigan, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and University of Waterloo. This brings the total number of faculty teaching and conducting cutting-edge research at Masdar Institute to over 40 from 20 different countries. The total student population is close to 170, 40 percent female from 32 countries.

With a unique focus on the integration of technology, policy and systems, the faculty, students and researchers of Masdar Institute are involved in over 30 research projects tackling important subjects including solar energy, energy efficiency, carbon sequestration, smart grids, waste to energy and water.
 

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Zayed University today announced the establishment of a partnership to advance education and research on the social, behavioural and economic issues surrounding renewable and sustainable energy.

The strategic alliance also provides a framework for two of Abu Dhabi’s leading institutions to advance the Emirate’s development as a knowledge-based economy using educational programs to enhance the activities of the participating organizations.

Dr. John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute, said:

“Zayed University is a leading university in Abu Dhabi. This partnership will allow us to work closely together to understand better the full scope of the Masdar initiative by employing research that examines advanced energy technology, and its policy and socio-economic implications.”

The agreement makes provisions for joint research programs that will examine the scientific and socio-economic implications of Masdar City, designed to be the world’s first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city completely powered by renewable energy.

In addition, the agreement outlines arrangements for Zayed University to support the Masdar Institute’s “pre-Master’s” program by offering preparatory coursework to help students meet the Institute’s rigorous graduate admissions requirements. The program intends to develop participating students in areas such as critical thinking, research, and communication as well as prepare them in the fundamentals of their chosen majors.

“We are excited to be working with Zayed University to encourage the most promising students to consider graduate studies in alternative energy and sustainability. This fast-growing field of study is increasingly relevant in the UAE and internationally,” added Dr. Perkins.
On behalf of Zayed University, Dr. Dan Johnson, Provost, said:

“The partnership between Masdar Institute and Zayed University will produce valuable outcomes that neither institution alone can produce. We are looking forward to a highly productive, long-term relationship.”

Beyond acting as a ‘portal’ for researchers, the mutually beneficial relationship will see Zayed University seek guidance from Masdar Institute on managing natural resources and energy across its own campuses. Further collaboration will include the joint development of teaching materials for the Ministry of Education to promote the wider goals and mission of Masdar.

The implementation of this agreement was initiated with the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee that took place on 7th September 2009. The five-member Joint Steering Committee includes: Drs. Marwan Khraisheh, Dean of Engineering; Lamya Fawwaz, Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs (representing Masdar Institute of Science and Technology); Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Director of Sustainability from the Property Development Unit of Masdar; Dr Rex Taylor, Associate Provost for Program Development, Zayed University and Dr. Chet Jablonski, Dean of Graduate Studies, Zayed University.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs, Masdar Institute, said:

“In addition to supporting product development and services that arise from the research at Masdar and Zayed University, the steering committee will play a vital role in bringing to life the partnership so that students are inspired to broaden their knowledge of environmental and energy-related issues. Specific projects, competitions, research, internships and service learning are amongst the activities to be introduced by a number of working groups.”
Other joint initiatives include honorary professorships for Masdar executives to lecture students at Zayed University, and entrepreneurial and incubator support for research and projects that emanate from joint Zayed University/Masdar Institute programs.  
 
 

The call comes on October 19, the first day of the NAJAH Education Training and Careers Exhibition, as Masdar Institute prepares to open its rolling admission process for the third academic year commencing in the fall 2011.  Students interested in leading the response and providing solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, climate change and energy security, are encouraged to visit the Masdar Institute stand at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to learn more.    
It has been an exciting time for Masdar Institute, with the recent opening of its new world-class campus facility within the ‘living lab’ research environment of Masdar City and the launch of its expanded academic programs including an enriching Foundation Program, seven Master’s of Science programs and an interdisciplinary PhD program.

Speaking on the first day of the Exhibition Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology said:

“As part of the inspired vision of Abu Dhabi’s leadership for a sustainable knowledge-based economy, Masdar Institute has the necessary resources to help find solutions to the world’s energy challenges. Overcoming climate change and energy security as well as maintaining the emirates’ position as a global energy leader requires a constant source of committed and passionate students, those willing and able to become leaders within an emerging hub of global importance for renewable energy.”  

Masdar Institute’s latest intake of students saw 25 nations represented from an elite pool of over 1,900 applicants from around the world, with the UAE continuing to represent the highest proportion by nationality, contributing to nearly 42% of the total new student population.

“The NAJAH Exhibition is just one of a number of outreach activities currently underway that lets us engage directly with potential candidates and allows us to share the unique opportunities that exist at Masdar Institute. Being part of the Institute allows UAE nationals the opportunity to not only fulfill their academic potential, but to also make an invaluable contribution to future generations of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the world as a whole,” added Dr. Moavenzadeh.

Regarded as Abu Dhabi’s leading annual exhibition focused upon education, training and careers, NAJAH brings together top local and international universities and training institutions, another reason for Masdar Institute’s strong presence.

“As a young university we are actively developing mutually beneficial relationships with local universities and are looking to collaborate with them to identify the brightest of national students who we believe will thrive in Masdar Institute’s innovation-led environment,” continued Dr. Moavenzadeh.

In parallel with NAJAH, Masdar Institute will also showcase its sustainability focus and goals to an international audience at the European Future Energy Forum, (EFEF) at the ExCel Centre in London, England, from October 19-21. Masdar Institute faculty including: Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, Masdar Institute Dean of Engineering, Dr. Scott Kennedy, Associate Dean for Research, Assistant Professor Dr. Matteo Chiesa and Mohamed Hariri Nokob, Research Assistant, will be there presenting the findings of their latest research.

Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs, Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, who will present on the opportunities of Masdar Institute during the forum, explained the significance of the event:

“Since its inception, Masdar Institute has pursued the highest quality of faculty and students, gathering some of the brightest minds in the UAE and the world. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. By participating in events like EFEF, Masdar Institute and Abu Dhabi are taking an active part in promoting the development of clean and sustainable energy technology, which is at the heart of the climate change challenge.”

EFEF is an initiative developed with Masdar and is a part of the Future Energy series of events that includes the World Future Energy Summit held annually in Abu Dhabi.
 
 

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and sustainable technologies today congratulated the European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) which met from 19th – 21st October in London on another exceptionally successful event.

 Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs, Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, who presented on the opportunities at Masdar Institute during the forum, explained the significance of the EFEF:

“Since its inception, Masdar Institute has pursued the highest quality of faculty and students, gathering some of the brightest minds in the UAE and the world.  Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. By participating in events like EFEF, Masdar Institute and Abu Dhabi are taking an active part in promoting the development of clean and sustainable energy technology, which is at the heart of the climate change challenge.”

“EFEF gave us the opportunity to share information about our programs and research with global leaders and the European market place.”

The EFEF is an initiative developed with Masdar and is a part of the Future Energy series of events that includes the World Future Energy Summit held annually in Abu Dhabi.
 

ABU DHABI – (October 6, 2010): Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and environmental technologies, developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has commenced classes within its new campus, the centrepiece of Masdar City.
 
Masdar Institute students are now studying within the ‘living lab’ research environment of Masdar City and living in one of the world’s most advanced building facilities comprising of world-class laboratories, student residences, classrooms and faculty offices that truly push the boundaries of sustainable living.
 
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar and chairman of the executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute, said: “This marks a vital step towards realizing the vision and strategy of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in positioning the emirate as a knowledge hub built on its vast energy expertise.  In taking up its rightful home at the heart of Masdar City, Masdar Institute is poised to make invaluable contributions to future generations of Abu Dhabi, UAE and the world as a whole.
 
“The new campus building perfectly symbolizes the steady progress that has been achieved by Masdar in providing a model for sustainable living. Firm foundations have been laid and we now have a fitting world-class facility in which a living, vibrant and creative research community can flourish and excel in tackling our greatest challenges, climate change and energy security.”
 
Nearly 100 new graduate students, representing 25 nations, have been enrolled from an elite pool of over 1,900 applicants from around the world. The new students come from as far and wide as Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, with students from the UAE continuing to represent the highest proportion by nationality, contributing to nearly 42% of the total new student population, with females representing more than 46% of all new students.
   
Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said:  “From an inspired vision four years ago by the leadership of Abu Dhabi to the reality of today’s campus we have a facility that truly reflects the quality and standards of our faculty and students. In a short period of time Masdar Institute has taken great strides towards our aim of providing a world-class research and education environment that attracts and nurtures future leaders and critical thinkers in science and technology.
 
“Undoubtedly the campus is a remarkable feat of engineering, but it is much more than a building. It is physical example of exactly what Masdar stands for, demonstrating the commitment of Abu Dhabi and proving what can be achieved in response to the world’s energy challenges. The sophistication of the technology to conserve energy and contribute positively to the environment while offering a pleasant and rewarding experience is matched only by the comprehensive system of education being delivered and the quality of people involved.”
 
Building upon the five original Masters of Science (MSc) programs offered in the inaugural year, the second year provides an extended academic curriculum with the introduction of two new MSc degrees — Microsystems Engineering and Electrical Power Engineering, and an Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree (PhD) Program.
 
The new Masdar Institute campus, designed by Foster & Partners, provides a new benchmark as a model of sustainable living and working. Covering 43,000 sq m of purpose built research facilities and 11,000 sq m of laboratory space, the campus will leverage the fullest use of innovation in energy-efficiency, sustainable practices, resource recycling, biodiversity, transportation and green building standards.
 
The Masdar Institute campus has been built to consume 55 percent less in cooling demand compared to the UAE baseline, 54 percent less potable water, 51 percent less in electrical demand and has a 75 percent waste-heat recovery
 
Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, Dean of Engineering, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: “In this, our second year of classes, Masdar Institute is continuing to embark on an exciting yet vital journey for Abu Dhabi, the Middle East and the world as a whole. Our unique focus on the integration of technology, policy and systems, combined with the opportunity to test and deploy new technologies in Masdar City on a scale unrivaled elsewhere in the world, reinforces that there is no better place to study, research or develop a career in alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability.”
 

New students, representing 25 nations around the world, have joined fellow classmates from the UAE for a unique program of activities designed to familiarize students to their new surrounds as well as provide a cultural introduction to life in the UAE. The program included a cultural tour and presentation by UAE National students as well as a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Abu Dhabi Heritage Village amongst other landmark sites of interest.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said: “It is particularly pleasing to welcome such a diverse group of students from around the world to join some of the brightest minds in the UAE in response to the most significant challenges of our time. I am convinced this group of students will make an invaluable contribution to Abu Dhabi and the world as a whole.”

The orientation program led by faculty and representatives of Masdar City alongside students from the inaugural academic year, introduced the practice of sustainable living to those students due to make the forthcoming move into the new Masdar Institute campus in Masdar City. An interactive seminar discussed different life and technology choices that can contribute to energy efficiency, and waste and pollution reduction.

“Many of our students are experiencing the way of life in the Middle East and Abu Dhabi for the first time and orientation is an important time to adjust and settle into a new environment. For students of Masdar Institute respecting the local culture goes hand in hand with respecting the local environment and adhering to the principles of sustainable living. The seminar held this week will have provided an excellent introduction to help our student prepare to be the first residents of Masdar City”, added Dr. Moavenzadeh.

Masdar Institute was established as part of the Government of Abu Dhabi’s vision and commitment to a long-term, sustainable knowledge economy. The research-driven Institute has been developed in cooperation with one of the world’s most respected universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Masdar Institute, which will be the centerpiece of the multifaceted Masdar Initiative, launched by Mubadala Development Company, will feed Abu Dhabi and the region with highly talented individuals and research expertise, thereby enhancing economic development and diversification through human capital and technological innovation.

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the world’s first graduate academic institution dedicated to the research of alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability, has commenced with classes for the inaugural intake of graduate students.

Lectures began today for the 92 pioneering students who were selected from more than 1,200 applicants from 82 countries worldwide. The new students, who hail from as far afield as Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and the Middle East, representing 22 different nations, are part of Masdar Institute’s two-year Master’s program, which offers five multidisciplinary specialized areas geared towards the research and development of alternative energy and sustainability. The UAE has contributed the highest number of students, with 13% of the total, and almost 30% of the student body is women.

Masdar Institute was established as part of the Government of Abu Dhabi’s vision and commitment to a long-term, sustainable knowledge economy. The non-profit, private research-driven Institute has been developed in cooperation with one of the world’s most respected universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Masdar Institute, which will be the centerpiece of the multifaceted Masdar Initiative, launched by Mubadala Development Company, will feed Abu Dhabi and the region with highly talented individuals and research expertise, thereby enhancing economic development and diversification through human capital and technological innovation.

Dr. John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute, said:“Masdar Institute aims to become a world-class university and research institution that will create and shape a new generation of leaders and critical thinkers in science and technology. We are tasked with responding to one of the most important challenges facing our planet – the need to develop sustainable energy solutions that ensure economic growth and prosperity for all nations, without damaging the environment.”

Dr. Perkins added that today was a proud occasion, signifying an important milestone for Masdar Institute:“I am delighted with the quality and pedigree of the young minds gathered at Masdar Institute. Students and faculty alike are embarking on an exciting yet vital journey for Abu Dhabi, the Middle East and the entire world. By working together and employing collaborative research to progress technology, I am confident that seemingly insurmountable obstacles to tackling climate change while preserving economic growth can be overcome.”

UAE Nationals interested in studying at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy and environmental technologies.
 
The new program, which is starting in the fall of 2010, has been especially designed by Masdar Institute to give dedicated and ambitious UAE Nationals the opportunity to build on existing knowledge and fully prepare them to begin research studies in their chosen MSc Program.
Dr. Lamya N. Fawwaz, Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs, said: “It is important that as the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology continues to develop into a world-class academic institution, UAE National students are given the right preparation and skills to flourish into critical thinkers in science and technology. 

The Foundation Program has been designed to give selected students courses to refresh and extend their knowledge of the principles that underlie the academic field of their choosing. It also directly responds to Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to create a sustainable knowledge-based economy.”

Since inception Masdar Institute’s advanced academic programs have been attracting the interest of aspiring scientists around the world, and already the Foundation Program has received positive feedback from talented UAE Nationals who wish to join this unique course to fulfill their academic potential and contribute towards solving global challenges.

Admission standards for Masdar Institute have been set in accordance with leading international academic institutions. The Foundation Program prepares a selected number of UAE National students to enter those demanding programs. The four requirements for entry to the Foundation Program are; an undergraduate degree relevant to an existing Masdar Institute MSc program, a cumulative grade point average of no less than 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, three letters of recommendation and statement of objectives.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz added: “I am sure that the introduction of the new Foundation Program will be welcomed by many students looking to further their academic careers. For many students the step up to a Master’s degree can be a daunting prospect and we recognized the specific needs of our key demographic and have responded accordingly.

"The Foundation Program is essentially an extension of what we believe is a world-class syllabus taught by world-class faculty covering a highly specialized technical curriculum and we look forward to welcoming applicants.”

After successfully completing the Foundation Program courses and an optional summer practical experience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, students enrolled in the Foundation Program continue their studies in their chosen Master’s program. The Institute currently offers MSc programs in Engineering Systems and Management, Computing and Information Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, and Electrical Power Engineering.