The second annual European Future Energy Forum (EFEF) – organized in association with Masdar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company focused on advancing the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy and clean technology solutions – will take place from 19-21 October in London, UK.

Supported by the UK government’s international trade promotion arm, UK Trade and Investment, EFEF 2010 will bring together the renewable energy and clean technology industry to explore business opportunities, showcase the latest technological solutions and create an environment for discussion among business leaders, industry experts, academics and policy makers.

The event offers a platform to update the European clean technology sector on Masdar’s key projects and to seek opportunities for strengthening the business and economic ties with the UK and Europe.

Running alongside EFEF 2010 will be the third annual Abu Dhabi Investment Forum jointly organized by the Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development and the Institutional Investor. The investment forum – which also takes place at ExCel London during EFEF 2010 – will focus on the extensive trade and investment opportunities that Abu Dhabi is making available to the global investment community and showcasing, together with EFEF, the emirate’s economic competitiveness and increasing role as a clean technology hub.

Speakers at EFEF – which will be held at ExCel London, the UK capital’s largest exhibition centre and owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) – will include Chris Huhne, UK Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, MASDAR, Christine Lins, Secretary-General, EREC (European Renewable Energy Council), Kumi Naidoo, Executive Director, Greenpeace International, Philip Lowe, Director-General Energy, European Commission, Shai Weiss, Partner, Virgin Green Fund, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Herbert Girardet, Director of Programmes, World Future Council.

“Continuing in the successful footsteps of its parent event the World Future Energy Summit, held annually in Abu Dhabi, EFEF 2010 provides the perfect platform for the European renewable energy industry to share knowledge and technology, advance solutions, invite investors and explore new partnerships” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar.

“Holding this forum in London is a testament to the historically strong bilateral relations between United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, as well as our aligned strategy and ambitious targets towards combating climate change. As experience has proved, taking real action to create viable solutions to the world’s energy challenge is dependent upon dialogue and collaboration. It is through Abu Dhabi’s visionary leadership that Masdar is once again poised to play a critical role in bringing nations together to drive real advances in policy, investment and innovation.

“The fact that Masdar and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development are joining forces to create a platform, through EFEF and the investment forum, for dialogue and knowledge exchange with UK public and private entities demonstrate our interest in enhancing the long-standing relationship and exploring new areas of cooperation between the UAE and Europe and the UAE and UK in particular.”

H.E. Hamad Abdullah Al Mass, Executive Director of International Economic Relations at the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi stated: “The UK is a crucial partner for the UAE and Abu Dhabi. The MoU signed with UKTI, and successfully implemented since last year, is a further evidence of our mutual commitment to increase bilateral trade and investment.
 

The institute leadership, headed by Dr Fred. Moavenzadeh, praised the founding Provost for his focus and dedication in steering the institute through its first year of academic operation, saying: “His commitment was an essential component in our successful first year of operations. We are grateful to Dr Perkins for all he has done for us and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Dr. Moavenzadeh formalized his association with Masdar Institute this year after 39 years as director of technology and development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. The position of Provost will be appointed by the institute in due course.

“The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in London has witnessed growing success over the past years and we are confident that this third edition will be beneficial to all investors interested in Abu Dhabi’s fast-paced economic diversification, explained in the Vision 2030. 
“This year’s event, taking place concurrently with the European Future Energy Summit, is a unique opportunity to show in great depth how one specific aspect of Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision is being realized through the creation of a clean technology sector, and the establishment of the UAE capital as a global hub for renewable energy.”

EFEF forms part of the Future Energy series of events that includes World Future Energy Summit held annually in Abu Dhabi. Developed by Masdar to drive collaboration and dialogue in Europe around renewable energy policy, investment and innovation, EFEF was launched with great success in 2009 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain and saw 3,638 attendees from 43 countries attend.
 

Prof. Ernie Moniz, Director of the Energy Initiative, and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has praised Abu Dhabi’s unique vision for developing a knowledge based economy alongside it’s wealth of natural resources.

Speaking at a public lecture hosted by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology – entitled ‘Clean Energy Technology and Policy: A Post-Copenhagen View’, Prof. Moniz, an advisor to President Obama of the United States of America, advised the large gathering that innovative technology will drive the shift towards a low-carbon world, with research universities such as Masdar Institute holding the key.

 Addressing over two hundred scientists, academics, professors, industrial researchers, corporate leaders and government officials, Prof. Moniz explained that Abu Dhabi was focusing in on the exact priorities that would make a difference to mitigating climate change;

“As a result of COP15 the world is closer to mitigating climate. But we must accelerate the transformation of the energy marketplace significantly if we are to meet prudent climate change risk mitigation goals, energy demand and enhance energy security.”  

 “An accelerated response must be technology led. As in Abu Dhabi, governments need to invest in R&D that can lead to breakthroughs in cost reduction for low-carbon energy, as reducing costs and improving efficiency are two barriers which must be overcome as a priority. Research universities and institutions such as MIT and Masdar Institute are ecosystems of innovation, critical if we are to prevail over the world’s current energy challenges.”

 Citing Abu Dhabi and Masdar Institute, Prof. Moniz commended the visionary approach towards a strong knowledge and resourced based economy through a wide portfolio of energy pathways being researched and developed in the Emirate.

"The endorsing comments by Prof. Moniz, one of the world’s foremost energy experts,coincide

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has announced it will host a public lecture on 16th May in Abu Dhabi by renowned academic Prof. Ernie Moniz, Director of the Energy Initiative, and Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The public lecture – entitled ‘Clean Energy Technology and Policy: A Post-Copenhagen View’ offers an unrivalled opportunity to gain a direct insight from one of the foremost experts within the energy spectrum. With specific reference to Abu Dhabi and the region, Prof. Moniz, an advisor to President Obama of the United States of America, will discuss technology pathways to a low carbon future, with an emphasis on synergistic technology, business models, and policy innovations, as he addresses the enormous energy challenge the world faces.

 

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has formally launched its pre-Masters program as one of several initiatives to increase the number of UAE Nationals enrolling in the Institute’s Master’s of Science programs.

The 2010 pre-Masters program, which starts on 24 January 2010, was designed by Masdar Institute faculty including the Dean of Engineering, Dr Marwan Khraisheh and Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs, Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz. Zayed University assisted Masdar Institute in structuring the pre-Master’s program, and will deliver the individual courses at its north campus in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration on the pre-Masters program stems from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in late 2009 between the Institute and Zayed University.

The pre-Masters program will assist young UAE Nationals who wish to enter Masdar Institute’s Master’s of Science programs but lack the required GRE and/or TOEFL scores. The investment by Masdar Institute in this program is part of a strategy to develop Abu Dhabi’s human capital to ensure the Emirate achieves its goal of becoming a knowledge-led economy.

Dr John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute, said the Institute was committed to involving UAE Nationals in developing the science and technology solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges: the future of energy consumption and climate change.
“Masdar Institute will play an important role in ensuring that the vision of Abu Dhabi’s leadership of maintaining its leading role in the global energy industry is secured, and that the UAE is transformed into a knowledge economy. Initiatives such as the agreement between Masdar Institute and Zayed University will ensure we deliver on our mandate,” added Dr. Perkins.

Masdar Institute is the Middle East’s first graduate-level, research-driven institution that is focused on researching alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. The Institute was established with the support and cooperation of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Masdar Institute officially opened its doors to students in 2009, with the inaugural class of 88 highly qualified students from around the world starting classes in September.

The program will comprise courses to advance students’ skills in communications, critical thinking and research, as well as the fundamentals of their chosen majors. It will also provide assistance to students who need to take the GRE and/or TOEFL to meet admission requirements for Masdar Institute.

Dr Rex Taylor, Associate Provost for Program Development, Engagement and Operations, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Masdar Institute on this innovative program for building human capital in the energy sector. I see it as a prelude to more joint programs and activities between the two institutions which will become neighbors when our new campus opens. As neighbors, we will work together."

In 2010, the pre-Masters program will cater for approximately 20 UAE Nationals, and last for one academic year, or two semesters. There is also an option to complete the pre-Masters program in one semester, provided the required GRE and TOEFL scores are achieved by the student within that time frame. Masdar Institute and Zayed University are offering interested students the choice to study either full-time or part-time, with full-time students receiving the same benefits as fully fledged Master’s students at Masdar Institute. This includes a Masdar Institute scholarship covering tuition, housing, a laptop, accommodation, travel, health insurance, and a cost-of-living stipend. 
 
 

Over 150 leading women scientists, academics, industry researchers and government officials are taking part in a unique conference in Abu Dhabi in a direct attempt to build new partnerships and foster greater research collaboration amongst women in the fields of science and engineering across the U.S. and MENA region.

Co-hosted by the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and supported by the U.S. Department of State, National Science Foundation (NSF), Abu Dhabi Education Council and Dow Chemical, the interactive two-day workshop promises to be a practical step forward, supporting the research ambitions of women across the science and engineering spectrum.

Opened by an inspirational keynote address from Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al-Qubaisi, Member of the Federal National Council, the international gathering has drawn experts from as far afield as Iraq, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Palestine, including a significant number of women who have travelled to Abu Dhabi from leading U.S. and European institutions.

On behalf of co-host’s Masdar Institute, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustee of Masdar Institute said:

“The most significance challenges the world faces today require a dedicated response from the brightest and best minds working in collaboration to drive innovation through research. As leaders and critical thinkers, undoubtedly, women scientists and engineers across the MENA region therefore have a fundamental role to play.

“The importance of this conference and the wider principle of supporting women in pursuit of their career ambitions is reflected in Abu Dhabi’s visionary leadership and commitment to developing human capital and encouraging aspiring female academics as exemplified by Masdar Institute, where over 30% of students are women. I am delighted and proud that the first ‘Women in Science’ conference is taking place in Abu Dhabi, with the entire region set to benefit from the resulting outcomes.”

Amongst the foremost experts and leaders providing their support and speaking at the pioneering conference are prominent female figures; Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Ms. Jumana Judeh, Founder of the Arab American Women’s Business Council, Ms. Mary Oakes Smith, President of the Iraqi Women’s Fellowship Foundation, and Ms. Susan Finston, President of Finston Consulting and Founder of BayhDole25.

Created as a follow-up to the highly successful ‘Professional Mentoring of Women in Science and Engineering Program’, held at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in the spring 2009, the ‘Women in Science Conference’ has provided a fresh opportunity to a large number of women with common research interests, as Dr. Subrata Sengupta, Dean of University of Michigan-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science explained;

“By directly sharing information, experiences, best practice models and research opportunities around particular technical disciplines or pressing issues in the region, the ‘Women in Science Conference’ has huge potential to create further mutually beneficial relationships. It is a vital first step towards our ultimate goal of establishing long-term technical collaboration and joint research between U.S. researchers and women from the MENA region.” Dr. Amal Al Ghaferi, a participant in the original program at University of Michigan-Dearborn, and recently appointed first female UAE national member of faculty at Masdar Institute, stated;

“The response by all who took part in the initial program was so overwhelmingly positive with everyone immediately benefitting from the connections made, it became obvious that the opportunity had to be shared with others within their home countries to formally create associations and expand the network. This opportunity has only been possible through the support of all our partners, especially those based in the U.S.” “By design, the engaging panel sessions and working group sessions over the next two days will allow for open discussion on the structures and disciplines of resulting associations, joint research, university-industry collaboration and funding. As a result all conference attendees will be able to directly shape the future of women’s associations in science and engineering in the MENA region. ”

Conducted as an interactive two-day workshop entitled ‘Association Building and International Research Collaboration for MENA Women in Science and Engineering’, the conference includes a wealth of renowned keynote speakers and panelists drawn from industry, academia and consultancies to represent a full range of expertise. Amongst the speakers and panelists include; Dr Marwan Khraisheh, Dean, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Jamie Saville, Assistant Director, WISE, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ms. Jumana Judeh President, Arab American Women’s Business Council, and Dr. Omnia El-Hakim Program Director for Diversity and Outreach, NSF.
 
 

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability, and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), today announced an Abu Dhabi-based, world class, research-centric Masters in Microsystems degree program that will begin in the fall 2010 school year. Developed in collaboration with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the new program’s coursework and curriculum will also provide joint research opportunities for faculty. Through this partnership, ATIC will support the development of a semiconductor “clean room” and associated laboratories at Masdar Institute’s facility to be located in Masdar City, the world’s first sustainable city, fully powered by renewable energy.

“This program is an important milestone for both partners as it will contribute to building highly skilled human capital for Abu Dhabi which is making a significant investment in semiconductor manufacturing in an effort to create a knowledge-led economy, “ said Dr. John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute.

“The academic structure at Masdar Institute is dynamic in nature so that it can respond to Abu Dhabi’s need of transforming its economy from being a technology importer to a technology exporter. The world class infrastructure for research and teaching being established through this partnership at Masdar Institute will benefit Abu Dhabi and the renewable energy industry,” added Dr. Perkins.

“Energy is one of the most critical issues facing the world,” said Ibrahim Ajami, Chief Executive Officer of ATIC. “Semiconductors play a key role in all phases, from energy generation – especially renewable energy generation – to distribution and consumption. Advances in semiconductor research can significantly impact the globe’s energy footprint, an issue of critical importance that can help make Abu Dhabi a future hub of semiconductor innovation.”

The Microsystems MSc graduates of Masdar Institute will have globally-relevant skills. The coursework, developed in collaboration with MIT and with the support of ATIC, will include modules on nanoprocessing technology, digital systems laboratories, integrated microelectronic devices and the physics of micro-fabrication. As part of the program, the research being conducted in collaboration with the semiconductor industry will provide Masdar Institute faculty and students with the opportunity to develop, pilot and scale solutions applicable to solving the problems of energy supply, demand and climate change.

Set to commence in the 2010 academic year, the program in its first year will be open to 20 students, and will be taught by world class faculty covering a highly specialized technical curriculum. The infrastructure developed to deliver the curriculum is both international in both inspiration and application.

 

 

Global leaders in the aviation industry meet to discuss strategies for addressing Carbon Constraints in Commercial Aviation

Today the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology together with its partner MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) welcomed leading business figures, stakeholders and analysts from the regional and global aviation industry to discuss strategies aimed at addressing carbon constraints and promoting sustainable aviation.

The workshop focused on several key issues currently facing the aviation industry such as the current status of the industry’s emissions footprint, trends in emissions, climate change science, biofuels and industry consolidation. Participants also discussed potential regulatory actions to reduce emissions from aviation including potential CO² standards for commercial aircraft as well as emissions trading schemes.

According to Dr. John Perkins, Provost of the Masdar Institute, “The workshop is an excellent educational opportunity for airlines, transport authorities, manufacturers and researchers to learn from each other and to develop future strategies for a sustainable aviation industry. The Masdar Institute’s partnership with MIT supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategic vision to lead research in alternative energy with a strong focus on developing commercially-viable solutions for the aviation industry.”

Participants at the workshop were able to hear presentations from both the Masdar Institute and MIT about their latest research projects, which include work in the area of airline operational improvements, strategies for addressing carbon constraints and alternative fuel options in aviation. In the past week the Masdar Institute, Boeing [NYSE: BA], Etihad and Honeywell UOP launched a major research and demonstration project in Abu Dhabi dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation, and co-products.

Participants at the workshop included representatives from leading airlines and aviation industry stakeholders, such as Boeing, Fedex, Etihad, the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Qatar Airways as well as private consultants and analysts. 
 
 

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Amal Abdulla Al Ghaferi, the first UAE national to join its group of 22 world-class faculty recruited from leading universities across the world.

She will take up the position of Assistant Professor at Masdar Institute and will teach in her field of Materials Science and Engineering with a research focus on nanotechnology and energy fields.

Masdar Institute is the Middle East’s first graduate-level, research driven institution focused on alternative energy and sustainable technologies. Established with the support and cooperation of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA, Masdar Institute welcomed its first cohort of 88 highly qualified students from around the world in September 2009.

Dr Al Ghaferi, an alumnus of UAE University, where she graduated in Physics with a GPA of 3.98, earned her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Dr Al Ghaferi has received a number of awards and fellowships. Among them are two Sheikh Rashid Scientific Distinction Awards – one for her PhD degree, and the other for her outstanding GPA for her undergraduate qualification. She received the 2009 Women in Science and Technology Fellowship from the US Department of State at University of Michigan, as well as funding in 2009 from the UK Prime Minister’s Initiative to conduct a study on organic memory devices using carbon nanotubes as charge storage elements.

“I believe that my position at Masdar Institute will open doors to pursuing my research in nanotechnology and energy fields. I am looking forward to this challenging mission and hope to become a role model to all UAE Nationals” Dr Al Ghaferi said.

Dr John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute, said. “I am delighted to welcome Dr Al Ghaferi to the Masdar Institute. Dr Al Ghaferi will make a very significant constituent to the Institute’s research and teaching. She is also an excellent role model to young people interested in pursuing a career in science and technology.” 
 
 

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has initiated a special program, Young Future Energy Leaders, to offer tomorrow’s energy leaders specialized workshops, seminars, and unrivalled networking opportunities at this first event, to be held during the 3rd annual World Future Energy Summit – part of Future Energy Week in Abu Dhabi in January 2010.

The Young Future Energy Leaders program will be hosted by the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the Middle East’s first graduate institution dedicated to research into the development of alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. The four-day invitation-only program will run in parallel to the World Future Energy Summit from 18 – 21 January. The Young Future Energy Leaders program will provide 150 participants with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in discussions with the world’s foremost experts in energy, climate change, policy, and sustainability. They will also have a chance to network with government representatives, businesses leaders and other organizations active in the area of alternative energy and sustainability.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said:

“Initiatives like Young Future Energy Leaders – inspired by the vision of Abu Dhabi’s leadership to involve the younger generation in finding solutions to future energy challenges – provide an excellent platform for UAE youth to become more involved in alternative energy and sustainability. Exposure to the quality of experts taking part in World Future Energy Summit will help our young people develop an international perspective that will be essential to developing a global solution to energy challenges.” 

The event will profile the efforts and activities of Masdar Institute, which launched its inaugural academic year in September 2009, with 88 highly qualified students from 22 countries enrolling in five Master’s programs.

Dr John Perkins, Provost of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said:

“Young Future Energy Leaders will expose participants to the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and opportunities for further study, while also showcasing the new technologies researched by Masdar Institute’s world-class international faculty in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).”

Masdar Institute invited the private sector and academia to nominate their most promising and talented young people to participate in the Young Future Energy Leaders program. Participants will come from a broad spectrum of universities, businesses, and government organizations.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Assistant Provost for Regional Affairs at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, said:

“We are particularly pleased that we have received significant interest from young Emiratis in attending the Young Future Energy Leaders program, which will increase their awareness of and participation in the fields of alternative energy and sustainability. This is just one of a number of outreach activities planned by Masdar Institute to develop Nationals into leaders in these fields, as part of the overall vision for Abu Dhabi.”

The program – which is now closed to applications – was open to young UAE students and professionals who are studying towards or already have engineering or material science degree from a recognized university, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0. The 150 places available were allocated to those students with the best credentials. In the future, Masdar Institute will expand the Young Future Energy Leaders program, as well as increase the number of students and professionals participating.

 
 

Masdar signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council to advance sustainability and renewable energy science study in schools across the country.

"Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Masdar CEO, signs a MoU with His excellency Humaid Mohamed Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education and Director General Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili , Abu Dhabi Education Council , which will provide a framework to advance sustainability and renewable energy science study in schools across the country."

Masdar – Abu Dhabi’s multi faceted renewable energy initiative, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), – joined with the UAE Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Education Council in a MoU to develop programs targeting the study of sustainability, renewable energy sciences, and environmental awareness in UAE schools.

The partnership provides a framework that leverages Masdar’s expertise to develop educational programs that will excite students about the study of sustainability and renewable energies. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI), developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is Abu Dhabi’s post-graduate university dedicated to the study of advanced energy. It will play a critical role in providing the educational expertise to advance this joint initiative.

“This partnership with Masdar will bring the study of sustainability and renewable energy to the classroom. This is an excellent example of how companies and educators can work together to strengthen and advance the knowledge base of our country,” said His Excellency Humaid Mohamed Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education.

The agreement outlines several areas of collaboration, including curriculum development and support, training and educator development, and student engagement. Masdar will provide technical expertise, as well as access to faculty and researchers from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology for mentorship programs and a guest lecture series. “The path to a sustainable future needs to begin with educating our younger generation about climate change, energy security, sustainability, the environment and clean energy. To meet this objective we are working toward developing UAE as a renewable energy and sustainable technology hub” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Masdar CEO. “This is the vision of our leadership and we all have a stake in carrying this vision forward.”

The MoU is the most recent component of an ongoing effort by the UAE to position itself as a global leader in the area of renewable energy technologies that began with the establishment of the Masdar Initiative in 2006. Earlier this year, the leadership of Abu Dhabi committed itself to a 7% renewable energy target by the year 2020 and officially submitted a bid to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City.

IRENA seeks to help all countries gain access to information, best practices, effective financial mechanisms and expertise around renewable energy technologies and aims to develop solutions, such as fostering all types of renewable energy and developing effective renewable energy policies on the local, regional, and international level.

“Renewable energy is a growing and important sector in the UAE, and thanks to the efforts our leadership, we are transforming ourselves into an exporter of knowledge and expertise in the area of renewable energy technology. So, it is vital that we develop capacity now to ensure we have a highly skilled workforce in the future that can see this transformation to its fruition,” said Al Jaber.

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) will support the implementation of these programs as part of its ongoing effort to raise the standard of education in the emirate. As part of the MoU, ADEC will support Masdar in activating schools, educators and students to take advantage of the sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental awareness programs.

"I believe today’s students are much more environmentally aware than in the past. They understand their responsibilities as global citizens to protect our planet. They are interested in real life issues not just facts in a textbook. The Abu Dhabi Education Council is excited to work closely with Masdar to improve science education in our schools. We want to inspire our students and give them every opportunity to achieve the highest academic standards in science and at the same time to contribute to the world in which they live," said ADEC Director General Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili.
 
 

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Provost, Professor John Perkins.

Professor Perkins joined the Masdar Institute in June 2009 to lead the curricular, institutional and research affairs of the world’s first graduate institution dedicated to the study of advanced energy.

Prior to joining the Masdar Institute, Professor Perkins was Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences at The University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom, as well as Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute.

He brings to the Masdar Institute years of experience as an accomplished academic and adminstrator in some of the world’s most prominent institutions. His academic career spans periods at Cambridge University, the University of Sydney, Imperial College as well as Manchester. His research interests cover a number of facets of process systems, including process design, process control and process modeling and dynamic simulation.

Professor Perkins is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, where he also serves as Vice-President, the Royal Society of Arts, the City and Guilds of London Institute, the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Chartered Mathematician and a Chartered Scientist.

The Masdar Institute is proud to introduce Provost John Perkins and looks forward to successful years ahead.