The team of students from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology left Abu Dhabi to attend the two-week Practical Experience program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the US.

Led by Sara Al Muhairi, Director, Human Resources, Masdar Institute, the students will undergo the 11-day multidisciplinary, hands-on experience in scientific, technical, and societal themes in energy innovation. A collaborative program between Masdar Institute and MIT that runs for the second consecutive year, the Practical Experience program embraces intensive and challenging integrated energy systems and the students will focus on seven educational modules.

Organized from 18-28 June by the MIT Energy Initiative, MIT faculty members are offering the program that also includes campus tours, orientation, field trips and sightseeing around Boston and Cambridge. An ‘MIT energy research showcase’ and several networking dinners during the program are also scheduled for closer interaction among students from Masdar Institute with their peers at MIT. Course-related knowledge enhancement through visits to nearby industrial sites is another key component of the program.

The overall program is coordinated by Dr Vladimir Bulovic, Director of the Microsystems Technology Laboratory and the Organic and Nanostructured Electronics Laboratory, and Co-Director of the MIT-Eni Solar Frontiers Center. Dr Amy Glasmeier, Head of MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, will lead the energy infrastructures module as well as the team project.

Additional faculty include Dr. Marc Balso, Dr. Steve Leeb and Dr. James Kirtley, all of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. John Sterman of the Sloan School of Management; Dr. Jeffrey Grossman of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Leon Glicksman of the Departments of Architecture and Mechanical Engineering; and Dr. Robert Stoner, Associate Director of the MIT Energy Initiative

Established as an ongoing 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.

Biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil (WCO) will help establish world class waste management systems, providing a platform for sustainable resource consumption. More importantly, it can bring down the five-to-six million tons of waste oil produced annually in Abu Dhabi, according to Rasha Abd Rabu, a Masdar Institute graduate and member of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program.

Rasha Abd Rabu, Master’s graduate Mechanical Engineering and a Research Assistant at Waste to Energy Laboratory, Masdar Institute, showcased her project titled ‘Dual Chamber Tubular Reactor for Continuous Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil’ at the Rio+20 Summit organized by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The event being held from 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has gathered more than 50,000 participants from governments, companies and environmental and non-government groups to set new goals across seven core themes including food security, water and energy.

The YFEL member was one of the students in the delegation from Masdar Institute, participating in key events at the Summit in Brazil. Rasha Abd Rabu additionally participating in the Women Leaders’ Forum on ‘Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development’, while offering her support at the UAE Pavilion Theatre.

Providing details on her research, Rasha Abd Rabu said: “Environmental protection and conservation depend on reducing emissions and waste. Biodiesel, which has comparable physical and chemical properties to petroleum diesel, can reduce the presence of GHG and bring down harmful emissions. Through this process, I have discovered at the Masdar Institute laboratory that it is possible to minimize the negative impact on environment, while establishing world class waste management systems.”

Speaking at the Women Leaders’ Forum, Rasha Abd Rabu said: “Women should remember that it all starts with a few unusually brave and extraordinary women to take the lead and successfully make their way to become engineers and participate in efforts towards sustainable development and renewable energy. Emirati women should fully utilize the support the UAE leadership offers through institutions and organizations. Participating in furthering renewable energy, becoming members of programs such as YFEL, taking active part in conferences and forums that help engage women in discussions on sustainable development are some ways women can contribute to clean energy revolution.”

Winner of the best thesis award in the Mechanical Engineering program at Masdar Institute, Rasha Abd Rabu says the YFEL program has widened her horizons further in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.

She added: “One of the main goals of the program is engaging the students with the leaders of today through discussions about the future of energy and seek sustainable solutions to the challenges of climate change. I am sure my participation in Rio+20 Summit has brought me benefits. We are all ambassadors of the UAE in Rio+20 Summit, and I hope I can share my experience about the UAE’s sustainable development measures, especially about my home Masdar Institute, with others.”

Established as an ongoing 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.

Students Enthusiastically Participate in Quiz Games on Environment

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 4 June, 2012 – Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company, and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, demonstrated their support to students of Emirates National School (Boys Campus) by offering lessons in sustainability during the Science Fair.

The Science Fair for students at the Mohamed Bin Zayed campus was held on 22 May displaying innovative projects that focused on sustainability, energy and the environment.

As part of Masdar and Masdar Institute’s school outreach program, representatives from Masdar and Masdar Institute including Dr. Kenneth Volk, Outreach Manager, Masdar Institute and Zainab Al Ali, Senior Outreach Officer, organized a presentation, and quiz competition to encourage students to learn more about science and environment. The quiz challenged the students’ knowledge on renewable energy. Three students participated in the games during each session, with the floor occasionally thrown open to the audience to answer some of the more difficult questions.

The active participation by Masdar and Masdar Institute aimed to present the students with adequate information on renewable energy and the need to lead a sustainable lifestyle. The participation was also an opportunity for the students and teachers to gain further insight into the kind of Master’s programs offered at Masdar Institute and the eligibility requirements.

A large number of students enthusiastically participated in the quiz competition. Most of the questions were about the technology, key inventors, and/or dates of inventions and the prompt answers showed students’ extent of learning and awareness. Students additionally learnt about the concepts and terminology of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro. The Science Fair brought out the best in the students and proved to be one of the most enthusiastic interactive sessions.

Earlier this month, Masdar supported the Science Fair at the Emirates National School Girl’s campus of the Mohamed Bin Zayed campus. Masdar offered them materials on environment and sustainable living and organized similar activities as part of its continuous effort to promote outreach to youth across the UAE’s schools.

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.

 

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 collaborations, project initiatives and diverse research offerings in sustainable technologies at the Rio +20 Earth Summit 2012 in Brazil.

A delegation from Masdar Institute will drive this participation during the preparatory meetings prior to and during the Summit in Rio. More than 90 countries will be participating at the summit that is being organized from 20-22 June by the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).

The Summit aims to secure renewed political commitment to sustainable development; assess progress towards internationally agreed goals on sustainable development; and address new and emerging challenges. It will also focus on two themes – ‘a green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development’, and ‘an institutional framework for sustainable development’.

As an institution that remains committed to sustainability, Masdar Institute in collaboration with its partners, including the Abu Dhabi-headquartered International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), will display the Solar Atlas at the UAE pavilion that will also host Masdar and other Mubadala entities. Masdar Institute’s academic, research and outreach offerings, as well as its other collaboration initiatives will also be showcased during the event.

Top officials, faculty and students, who are part of the delegation, will engage clean energy industry professionals, corporate decision-makers and thought leaders to identify opportunities for Masdar Institute to play a wider role on the global sustainability stage.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: “The Rio+20 Summit will bring together heads of states, government leaders and civil society organizations to uphold the values of sustainability by providing the time and space and define a sustainable development pathway for a better future while preserving the natural resources. Such a forum is also ideal for Masdar Institute, which stands by the values of sustainability, to showcase its diverse academic and research offerings including our students’ research work. We thank the country’s wise leadership for guiding and supporting our participation in such global events that help maintain our profile among the industry and government leaders.”

Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “As part of its endeavor to developing critical thinkers and leaders of the future, Masdar Institute’s eight post-graduate programs cover diverse areas in advanced energy and sustainable technologies. With 240 students, representing nearly 40 countries, and an Emirati ratio of 40%, the research-driven institution contributes directly to developing the knowledge capital of the UAE and the region. Our participation in the Rio+20 Earth Summit reflects our status as one of the leading institutions that not only propagates the concept of sustainability but prepares the future leaders in practical solutions.”

Officials and faculty from Masdar Institute include Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz and Dr Steven Griffiths, Executive Director of Institute Initiatives, will lead the participation at the Summit. In addition, Dr. Hosni Ghedira, Director, and Dr. Taha Ouarda, Deputy Director, of the UAE Research Centre for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment, will lead the official launch of the Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy at the event.

Moreover, Dr Griffiths will lead and Dr. Ghedira will participate in a panel discussion titled ‘Masdar Institute’s Role in Shaping the Future Energy Landscape’. The two will highlight Masdar Institute’s successful global and local partnerships as well as underline the strategy adopted by the country’s leadership in R&D towards building a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. Darrin Morgan, Director of Biofuel Strategy at Boeing,and senior representatives from other Masdar Institute collaborators will provide an overview of their partnerships with Masdar Institute during the panel discussions.

Two students – Rasha Abd Rabu and Maitha Al Kaabi – will showcase their research work as members of the outreach program Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL). Abd Rabu will additionally engage women leaders at the forum titled ‘Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for Sustainable Development’. The pavilion and the Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy display will be managed by Ibrahim Alsharif, Research Assistant, with the support of Khaula Al Nuaimi and Shaikha Al Khayyal, Event Officers.

With community involvement one of the key principles that drive sustainability, Masdar Institute’s outreach initiative Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program will also be showcased at the event.

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.

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced it will offer two projects related to solar cell applications as part of the six-week summer internship program.

The projects titled ‘Design of Filters for Applications in Solar Cells Under Light Concentration’ and ‘Solar Cell Technologies and Applications: Investigation of Luminescent Solar Concentrators for UAE Conditions’ are being offered to students majoring in Science and/or Engineering with adequate self-motivation and hard work.

The former project will focus on the design of specific optical filters for applications of concentrated PV, while the latter will assess whether Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) would be suitable for use in the UAE, given the unique atmospheric conditions. The LSC is an emerging technology in solar cell devices that offers great promise but is not explored in the UAE.

Solar cell technologies differ from one another based on the material used to make the solar cell and on the processing technology used to fabricate the solar cells. The solar cells (or photovoltaic devices) directly convert light into electricity, and generally use similar physics and technology as that used by the microelectronics industry to make computer chips. According to the 2012 Photovoltaics International journal, PV-generated electricity can now compete with diesel generation in most countries around the globe. In all locations with high solar irradiance and relatively high electricity costs, PV has reached grid-parity with ease.

A report from global market intelligence firm IMS Research, which tracks installations of solar PV in more than 60 countries, predicts global installations of PV could grow from 26.9GW in 2011 to between 27.8GW and 32.6GW in 2012, with Europe’s share falling from 69% last year to 50% this year. Despite many governments slashing financial incentives for the technology, installations of solar PV will grow by at least 3.5% in 2012, the report forecasts.

Dr. Mahieddine Emziane, Associate Professor – Solar Energy Materials & Devices Laboratory, Masdar Institute, will be in charge of these two summer internship projects that he proposed and he will be assisted by some of his students. A Chartered Scientist (CSci), Dr Emziane has spent 17 years working in the area of semiconductor materials and devices with an emphasis on thin-film PV, TPV, CPV and tandem solar cells. Prior to joining Masdar Institute as a founding faculty, he had appointments at the Universities of Oxford, Durham, Liverpool and Sheffield in the UK.

Dr. Mahieddine Emziane, Associate Professor – Solar Energy Materials & Devices Laboratory Masdar Institute, said: “Though there are many solar cell technologies and applications available or in use at present, not all of them are relevant to our part of the world. This is the focus of my group’s research and we are seeking to identify ways that can make our work relevant to this country and the region.

“We are confident that more students in the UAE will find this an interesting subject and join our group to work on solar cell technology. We thank the country’s wise leadership for their support that has enabled us to offer the interns diverse project options.”

An intern is expected to design, prepare modeling simulations, conduct assessment and feasibility study under the two programs that are part of the more than 15 project options offered by Masdar Institute for summer internship that is scheduled to begin on 1 July. The deadline for submission of applications ended on 3 May.

Dr. Emziane is the co-owner of three pending IP rights, one of which has been licensed to industry. First author of over 60 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports out of nearly 100, he has delivered more than 60 conference contributions, invited talks and seminars.

Established as an ongoing 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.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Confers ‘Fellow’ Status to Dr. Marwan Khraisheh for Research, Education and Academic Leadership

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 6 June, 2012 – Affiliations to international professional organizations have significant positive impact in helping the faculty in academic institutions to advance professionally and raise performance benchmarks. More specifically, they bring honor to the country they represent, according to Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, Dean of Engineering at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

Dr. Khraisheh, who has been officially declared a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), has become one of only 3,250 Fellows out of more than 100,000 members worldwide. The Fellow grade, considered to be a true distinction among ASME members, was conferred on him for his achievements in research, education and academic leadership.

The ASME has five grades of membership to cater to engineers of diverse professional stages. The Fellow grade of membership is conferred only on worthy candidates in recognition of their outstanding engineering achievements. In addition to the nominator’s letter, three sponsors’ letters are required to complete the nomination and a Fellow Review Committee will vet the candidates for final selection.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “Faculty that continuously seek excellence in academic and research fields reflects Masdar Institute’s profile as an institution of high-caliber professionals. Such faculty members also get rewarded by international professional organizations for their outstanding contributions and we congratulate Dr. Marwan Khraisheh for being awarded the Fellow status by ASME.

“For Masdar Institute, such recognitions also demonstrate the extent of quality learning offered to students by these acclaimed faculty members. We thank the country’s wise leadership for their support in developing an institution that has numerous internationally-recognized professionals.”

The most important aspect of Dr. Khraisheh’s membership is his affiliation with the UAE, which makes him an enabling agent for sponsoring and mentoring young professionals and faculty from this country and the GCC region.

Dr. Marwan Khraisheh said: “To be elevated to the status of a Fellow at ASME is an honor. This status empowers me to sponsor other faculty members especially from Mechanical Engineering program to become Fellows of ASME. But more importantly, the status firmly places the UAE in the global engineering map as a hub for academic, research and professional aspects of all kinds of engineering. Affiliations come with the power to accomplish significant feats for the country and I am privileged to contribute to the UAE through my new status at ASME.”

As a Fellow of ASME, Dr. Khraisheh can nominate other eligible professionals from the UAE to this prestigious international organization. ASME is a not-for-profit membership organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, career enrichment, and skills development across all engineering disciplines.

Earlier this year, Dr. Khraisheh became the first-ever member to represent the region on the prestigious International Academy for Production Engineering, known by its French acronym CIRP. The elite and highly selective CIRP admits only international R&D experts of many years standing. Though Dr. Khraisheh became a CIRP Member in 2007 while he was in the US, he requested to transfer his membership to Abu Dhabi to add the UAE as a member country.

The Founding Dean of Engineering at Masdar Institute, Dr. Khraisheh received his BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Jordan, and MS and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. His areas of specialization include Advanced Materials Processing and Sustainable Manufacturing.

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.
 

Two-Week Intensive and Challenging Program on Integrated Energy Systems Comprises Six Modules

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 5 June, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced the two-week Practical Experience at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) program will begin from 18 June.

This is the second consecutive year the program is organized for the benefit of the students. The collaborative program between Masdar Institute and MIT will be held from 18 -28 June in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US. Organized by the MIT Energy Initiative, the 11-day program is a multidisciplinary, hands-on experience in scientific, technical, and societal themes in energy innovation.

Led by MIT faculty members, the program embraces intensive and challenging integrated energy systems and the students will focus on seven educational modules. The topics include ‘Energy conversion’, ‘Energy infrastructure: Technology, planning and geography, ‘Energy efficiency and buildings’, ‘Renewable energy: Emerging technologies and applications’, ‘Energy innovation and entrepreneurship’, ‘Energy in developing countries’, and ‘International climate negotiation’.

Campus tour, orientation, field trips and sightseeing around Boston and Cambridge will be part of the program schedule. MIT students will join Masdar Institute students in several networking dinners during the program.  Towards the close of the program, teams of Masdar Institute students will present results of energy systems analysis completed during the program, and an ‘MIT energy research showcase’ will give participants an opportunity to interact with additional MIT faculty and students.

Visits to industrial sites are also scheduled for extra course-related knowledge enhancement.

A group of outstanding professors will share their knowledge and expertise with the students through the modules. The overall program is coordinated by Dr Vladimir Bulovic, Director of the Microsystems Technology Laboratory and the Organic and Nanostructured Electronics Laboratory, and Co-Director of the MIT-Eni Solar Frontiers Center. Dr Amy Glasmeier, Head of MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, will lead the energy infrastructures module as well as the team project.  Additional faculty include Dr. Marc Balso, Dr. Steve Leeb and Dr. James Kirtley, all of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. John Sterman of the Sloan School of Management; Dr. Jeffrey Grossman of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Leon Glicksman of the Departments of Architecture and Mechanical Engineering; and Dr. Robert Stoner, Associate Director of the MIT Energy Initiative.

Dr Amy Wohlert, Executive Director of General Education and Student Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “Students gain significant value through the Masdar Institute Practical Experience Program at MIT because of its cross-disciplinary nature. The MIT Energy Initiative actively involves more than 200 faculty members and hundreds of students in energy studies, and the MIT faculty members involved with the Practical Experience are outstanding researchers and educators. The modules are carefully structured to offer the students in-depth insight into various aspects of energy management. This expertise will help the participants apply their knowledge while conducting research later at Masdar Institute, further enriching them academically.”

Sara Al Muhairi, Human Resources Director, Masdar Institute, said: “We congratulate the students selected for this opportunity to experience the learning environment at MIT. The program challenges the participants to develop an integrative understanding of complex energy systems through classes, research, and hands-on experience. We thank the UAE’s wise leadership for providing various channels to students for acquiring and enhancing knowledge in the clean energy sector.”

Established as an ongoing 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.

 

WAM Abu Dhabi, May 30th, 2012 (WAM)

H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister has said that Masdar strives to inculcate the culture of scientific research, development and capacity building to help the UAE takes a centre-stage in the areas of knowledge generation and technology.

He added that the UAE’s participation in the efforts to address the climate change phenomenon “stems from our understanding of how dangerous to remain idle. Our sense of responsibility toward the international community, and our commitment to fulfill our obligations under the joint international action, trigger the UAE’s participation in the collective efforts”.

Sheikh Abdullah was addressing today the graduation ceremony of the second batch of Masdar Institute at Emirates Palace, held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute.

He thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose support made Masdar Institute a pioneer reputable institution. He also thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his sponsorship of the event. “We are celebrating today the graduation of the second batch of Masdar. We are proud of the achievements scored by Masdar in short record time. I would like to stress on the behalf of the Board of Trustees of Masdar, keenness of the Masdar Institute to continue development to become the major institution in the region”, he said.

Sheikh Abdullah pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established in March 2010 the Department of Energy and Climate Change to coordinate with “Irena” and represent the UAE in international negotiations related to supporting the establishment of a national strategy to address the energy challenges and the repercussions of climate change.

He congratulated the graduates and urged them to shoulder the responsibility. “You are our ambassadors worldwide in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development”, Sheikh Abdullah said. He also commended the Institute’s efforts and care about the students.

Present were Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Humaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, State Minister, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Board Chairman of Masdar, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, senior officials and guardians of students.

The number of graduates of the second batch was 55, who obtained MSc in Computing and Information Sciences, MSc Engineering Systems and Management, MSc Electrical Power Engineering, MSc in Materials Science and Engineering, MSc in Water and Environmental Engineering and MSc Microsystems Engineering.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute for Sciences and Technology said, “Masdar graduation of year 2012 made us proud in the light of contributions, which have so far boosted the reputation of Masdar”, citing the publications and dissertations of students on the issues of environment, renewable energy, water and semi conductors.

To ensure the success, he continued, the UAE has realised the significance of developing and training the human capital alongside comprehensive research and development infrastructure.

Flanked by Sheikh Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah at the conclusion of the ceremony presented the certificates to the graduates, wishing them success in their practical life.

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is the world’s first graduate-level university dedicated to providing real-world solutions to issues of sustainability. The Institute’s goal is to become a world-class research-driven graduate-level university, focusing on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

The Institute, which was created in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

Masdar Institute Student Defends Thesis on ‘UAE Aircrafts Manufacturing Sector’s Potential and Challenges’

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 29 May, 2012 – Systemically stronger education and research institutions, more highly qualified Emiratis, and a larger number of finance-related institutions may pave way for the success of the UAE aircrafts manufacturing sector, according to the thesis submitted by Yousif Al Abd, Graduate Student and Research Assistant at the Engineering Systems and Management at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

Al Abd belongs to the second batch of Masdar Institute Master’s students who will receive their degrees from the research-driven university by the end of this month. His thesis work in such a highly focused area reflects the profound nature of the students’ research that generally characterizes the advanced work undertaken at Masdar Institute.

Al Abd said: “The UAE aircraft manufacturing sector has a number of competitive advantages. That is because the country’s leadership has successfully minimized investor skepticism with substantial initial investments. However, the industry is still in its infancy in the UAE, lacking a number of main elements that are seen as crucial for innovation existence, keeping in mind that incremental innovations are important catalysts in sustaining such a sector.”

Emphasizing the crucial importance of triple-helix link (Government-Science-Industry), Al Abd argues that by enhancing the science-industry links, the country will strengthen its capabilities to overcome the current drawbacks. With that, better alignment between human capital and market needs will be stimulated. In addition, the industry will have a cheaper R&D access which is performed under universities, as the case in the US.

Dr Toufic Mezher, Professor – Engineering Systems and Management, was Al Abd’s guide, while the research committee members include Dr Inas Khayal, Assistant Professor, and Dr Yasser Al-Saleh, Research Fellow at the INSEAD Innovation and Policy Initiative. Al Abd defended his thesis with arguments backed by the interviews that he conducted with the different stakeholders in the UAE aircraft sector.

Reiterating that the UAE is a unique case unlike any other country, given the strategy that Abu Dhabi is pursuing through Mubadala Development Company, Dr Mezher pointed out that the full support of the country’s leadership is a positive factor for the UAE aircraft industry even though additional efforts may still be required to make the industry globally competitive.

Dr Mezher said: “The UAE needs to have an efficient and effective infrastructure, institutions, and human capital.  The critical mass in all three can only be achieved through the cooperation and collaboration among all critical elements of the ‘Technology Triangle’ – government institutions and agencies, academic Institutions, and the private sector. To be effective, the technology triangle should be based on the mutual interests of all three elements.”

A keen aircraft designer, Yousif Al Abd wants to build an UAV-related company within the next five years and contribute to the Abu Dhabi leadership’s vision for the country as well as Al Ain aerospace cluster.

His advice to those looking at Masdar Institute for pursuing their Master’s studies in sustainability is to find the topic they are passionate about and to pursue it, because “Masdar Institute gives students the chance to go after their dreams”, he adds.

The thesis by Yousif Al Abd gains significance following the recent 10-year direct contract between Boeing and Mubadala Aerospace for Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aero structures facility in Al Ain that will produce commercial composite aero structures for the 777 and 787 Dreamliner.

The growing aviation industry contributed 6.3% (or AED61.3 billion) to the UAE’s gross economic product in 2011, His Highness Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy, told delegates at the Global Aerospace Summit recently.

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.

 

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 28 May, 2012 – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Masdar Institute Board of Trustees, Masdar Institute Science and Technology will organize the commencement and convocation ceremony for its second batch of students.

The ceremony will be held on 30 May at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi when students will receive their Master’s degrees.

The commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of the students, while placing Masdar Institute firmly among top global centers for the development of human capital in renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

The event represents a new milestone for Masdar Institute that has registered consistent success in research and innovation of new technologies. The second batch of graduating students also reflects the cross-section of emerging talent in clean energy and sustainability. They are expected resemble their predecessors in professional growth, further establishing the status of Masdar Institute as a frontrunner in advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

The students enrolled at Masdar Institute in September 2010 represent 24 countries and were selected from an elite pool of over 1,900 applicants from across the world. The selection was based on the criteria set by Masdar Institute’s founding partner the 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.

 

Opportunity for UAE National Graduates to Gain Work Experience in Japan’s Renewable Energy, Smart Community and Sustainability Sectors

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 27 May, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced four leading Japanese corporations are offering summer internship opportunities for UAE national students in Japan.

Five UAE national graduates from the Foundation program and First year M.Sc. have been selected to participate in this program that runs from 27 May – 9 August. The internship experience is being coordinated by Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by the Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Technology and Industry (METI).

UAE national student Sultan Al Kaabi will do his internship with Chiyoda Corporation on electrical engineering for renewable energy facilities and industrial plants, while Abdulla Al Shamsi will work with JGC Corporation (Nikki) on energy management systems for development and promotion of business and technology in the fields of CO2 capture, renewable energy and smart communities.  Mohamed Al Hadhrami’s internship at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will address the simulation of the electrification of transportation in Abu Dhabi, while Reem Al Junaibi will be trained to work on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ clean mobility simulator. Mozah Al Zeyoudi, on the other hand, will work with Toray Industries on water treatment techniques.

The five Masdar Institute students were invited by His Excellency Tatsuo Watanabe, Japanese Ambassador to the UAE, and his wife for a dinner reception recently. Dr. Amy Wohlert, Executive Director of General Education and Student Affairs, Masdar Institute, was also present on the occasion.

The students have begun their internship with the Japanese International Cooperation Centre.

Each company that has offered to host the student from Masdar Institute is an established leader in its area of operations. JGC is a leading builder of gas processing and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants worldwide, while Chiyoda is engaged in the integrated engineering business. Toray Industries is a global leader in the production of carbon fiber. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is an international leader in the design and supply of energy, aerospace, machinery, transportation, as well as environmental systems and equipment.

As part of this special program, the five students will not only have the opportunity to gain practical work experience in renewable energy, smart community, and sustainable technologies, but will also be able to learn from cross-cultural experiences such as local site visits, and introductory language courses.

Dr Amy Wohlert, Executive Director of General Education and Student Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: “The internship program in Japan provides the students with an opportunity to gain access to some of the global leaders in technology, especially in the environment and engineering sectors. Such programs equip the students with special expertise and help them to become full-fledged professionals.

“We acknowledge the proactive measures initiated by JICE to establish this internship program and we thank the UAE’s wise leadership for guiding us in providing diverse learning opportunities for developing Emirati talent.”

JCG and Chiyoda will accept interns in their facilities at Yokohama, while Mitsubishi Heavy will accept the intern at Kobe. The Shiga prefecture facility will be the place for the UAE national graduate intern who will be working with Toray Industries. JICE will be organizing a foundation program in Tokyo for all participants, prior to the internship.

Summer work and cultural experience generally open up exciting career and business opportunities, so the internship experience could serve as a valuable addition to the students’ academic and research plans.

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.
 

Big Increase in Number of Applications for Six-Week Program that Offers Research in Over 15 Clean and Advanced Technology Projects

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 May, 2012 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced a total of 13 UAE national applicants have been selected for the six-week summer internship program.

University seniors and/or those graduating this year with science, engineering or computer science as major subjects were eligible to apply for the summer internship program. Scheduled to begin from 1 July, the internship program runs for six weeks.

The selected undergraduate students represent a cross-section of all the universities in the UAE and have registered excellent academic performance in science, engineering and computer science. They were meticulously chosen based on their high academic qualification requirements as well as evaluation by Masdar Institute faculty members. During the tenure of the program, students will be expected to act as full-time assistants and will be given responsibilities accordingly.

In addition to the academic records and a strong penchant for renewable energy and sustainable technology subjects, applicants must have a GPA not less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). A letter of recommendation was mandatory.

Over 40 undergraduate students submitted applications online for the summer research opportunities. From these applicants, 13 were chosen based on their academic and individual competency.

Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director, Masdar Institute, said: “The volume of applications reflect the enthusiasm shown by UAE national graduates to take up internship options in areas that cover research in advanced energy and sustainable technologies. The new generation of students see potential opportunities in this new and fast-growing renewable energy industry for which Abu Dhabi has emerged as a hub. With the guidance and support of the country’s leadership, we will continue to offer engaging academic enhancement opportunities and an array of internship program offerings that are designed to further develop the capabilities of the students.”

Among the wide range of internship projects, the MATLAB Simulation Development for Power Grid Systems Development project led by Professor Amro Farid attracted the largest number of student participants. The Detection and Quantification of Emerging Contaminants in Abu Dhabi Recycled Water Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) project led by Professor Farrukh Ahmad attracted the next biggest number of students while the rest of the projects attracted a near-equal number of interested UAE national graduates and seniors.

The Masdar Institute summer internship program will conclude with an award ceremony that will honor the most outstanding performers across these programs. Results obtained from the research will also be displayed for the specially invited guests and families of students during the ceremony.

Part of Masdar Institute’s outreach initiative, the summer internship program helps Emirati university students develop a keen sense of awareness and appreciation of environmental, energy and sustainability issues that impact their everyday lives, in addition to focusing on critical research areas of relevance.  Undergraduate students, however, need to possess the right academic skills, talents and dispositions necessary to obtain graduate education and eventual employment in these challenging areas.

Established as an ongoing 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.