Dr. Dinesh Shetty Holds Six Patents and 74 Peer-Reviewed Publications 

 

Khalifa University faculty Dr. Dinesh Shetty, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Theme Leader, Center for Catalysis and Separations (CeCaS), has been inducted into the editorial board of the Chemical Engineering Journal, a Scopus top 1% premiere journal. 

 

With six patents to his name, Dr. Shetty is the author of 74 peer-reviewed journal papers and more than 45 conference papers. His group research is focused on developing multifunctional porous polymers/frameworks and hybrid materials for various applications, including water purification, desalination, resource recovery, renewable energy, and catalysis.  

 

Dr. Shetty is a trained chemist, experienced in multidisciplinary research areas, including materials science, porous materials, supramolecular chemistry, water purification, catalysis, and membrane science. His diverse expertise enables him to contribute significantly to advancements in these fields. 

 

He has received the Young Investigator Award from both the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine and the Korean Cancer Research Foundation. In the year 2023, he was inducted as an invited member of the Royal Society of Chemistry under the Future Leaders in the Field category. He was also awarded bronze medal by Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha (CRS), an organization in India that aims to promote research and development in all branches of science. His research innovation was selected to feature as an innovator at Land of Dreamers Who Do at the UAE Pavilion of Expo-2020. Currently, he is also serving as an inaugural advisory board member of the journal RSC Applied Polymers.   

 

Dr. Shetty said: “I am honored to join the editorial board of the Chemical Engineering Journal as this role not only reflects my commitment to advancing research but also provides a platform to collaborate with fellow scientists in tackling critical global challenges. This opportunity allows me to contribute to and highlight the innovative research coming out of Khalifa University, particularly in the field of material science.” 

 

Alisha Roy 

Science Writer

The Abu Dhabi Cycling Club and Khalifa University of Science and Technology are organising the 4th edition of the Khalifa University Century Challenge, set to take place on 1st February 2025, with twin starting points – Abu Dhabi (190km) and Dubai (175km) – leading to the top of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, for the second consecutive year.

 

Khalifa University Main Campus will be the starting point for Abu Dhabi participants, while the Dubai leg will set off from the Al Qudra Cycling Track to converge on the Jebel Hafeet summit in Al Ain, with the participation of over 1,000 cyclists.

 

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said, “The 4th edition of the Khalifa University Century Challenge, organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, builds on the success of the previous years in inspiring the community to take up sporting activities. The challenge reiterates our commitment to promoting health and wellness as well as outdoor engagement to move away from a sedentary lifestyle.”

 

Al Nakhira Al Khaili, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, stated, “As we approach the launching of the 4th edition of the Khalifa University Century Challenge, the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club remains steadfast in our mission to inspire university students to embrace cycling. We aim to educate them about the significant benefits of this sport and promote it as a practical and sustainable means of transportation.”

More than 57% of Research Publications Featured in Top 10% of International Scientific Journals According to SciVal Analytics Data

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced that it has ranked among globally top 10 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranked universities in delivering impactful research, especially in the quality of output with publications in the top 10% journals, with the highest citations, and citation impact, according to SciVal analytics data.

 

Over 57% of Khalifa University publications are featured in the top 10% of international scientific journals and have received higher citations per paper ratio in 2024 when benchmarked against the top 10 QS-ranked universities.

 

Khalifa University publications totaled 7,018 from the 2022 – 2024 period and received a remarkable Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 2.21, demonstrating that, on average, its publications receive more than double the citations compared to the global average for similar research worldwide. FWCI is a valuable metric in SciVal analytics that assesses the impact of research by comparing the number of citations a paper receives to what is expected for similar publications.

 

Such strong performance reflects Khalifa University’s commitment to producing high-quality research that significantly contributes to various STEM disciplines. Khalifa University continues to enhance its research footprint on the global stage with more than 76% of all collaborations and research partnerships being international. 

 

His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to share the remarkable progress Khalifa University continues to make in its research outcomes, following the implementation of a series of strategic initiatives. This progress is truly a testament to the University’s efforts in developing human capital, represented by students and faculty. It’s also a testament to the caliber of our researchers, the enabling environment and the suitable infrastructure that Khalifa University provides, leading in top impact research findings and the creation of intellectual property database that addresses the UAE’s strategic objectives for the knowledge economy.”

 

Reflecting these aspects are the numbers in the most recent faculty rankings with 15 faculty in the Highly Ranked Scholars in the ‘Top 0.05% Worldwide’, and 29 in the Top 0.5% Scholars worldwide, in the prestigious ScholarGPS listing.

 

Additionally, 112 Khalifa University faculty are included in the Stanford University-Elsevier Top 2% Worldwide Scientists list for 2024, making it the second time Khalifa University tops the UAE as 45 faculty were earlier included in 2019 listing. 

 

With 300 issued patents and more than 700 pending applications so far, Khalifa University leads in the UAE with the highest number of patents, driven by 13 specialized research centers, seven core labs and four research groups, across five key research thematic areas. 

One of Spain’s Highest Honors Conferred on Professor Marcos for Distinguished Services to Science and Global Investment Industry

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced Professor Marcos López de Prado, Mathematics department, and ADIA Lab scientist and Advisory Board member, has received the Officer’s Cross and diploma of the Royal Order of Civil Merit, one of Spain’s highest honors, from His Majesty King Felipe VI and the Government of Spain.

 

The award was presented at the investiture ceremony held in Abu Dhabi on 21 November 2024 by H.E. Íñigo de Palacio España, Ambassador of Spain to the United Arab Emirates. The honor recognizes Professor López de Prado’s ‘distinguished services to science and the global investment industry.’

 

His Majesty the King of Spain is the Grand Master of the Order, and Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is its Grand Chancellor. Knights and Dames of the Order are appointed for their outstanding service to society and include heads of state, royalty, diplomats, scientists, artists, as well as government, business, political, religious and military leaders.

 

In his remarks at the investiture ceremony, Ambassador de Palacio highlighted Professor López de Prado’s extraordinary contributions, including his pivotal role in founding ADIA Lab and establishing its collaboration agreement with the Kingdom of Spain, which has fostered a robust scientific exchange between Spain and the UAE. The Ambassador also commended Professor López de Prado for elevating and enriching Spain’s image abroad.

 

Professor López de Prado has been a driving force in the modernization of finance over the past 25 years, pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that are now widely adopted at some of the world’s largest investment firms—an achievement recognized with multiple international awards. He is Global Head of Quantitative Research and Development at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Professor of Practice at Khalifa University’s Department of Mathematics, a Research Fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (U.S. Office of Science), and Professor of Practice at Cornell University’s School of Engineering, where he teaches machine learning.

 

Ambassador de Palacio said: “Ranked among the top 10 most-read authors in economics globally by the Social Science Research Network (SSRN), and having advised the U.S. Congress on AI policy, Marcos’ work spans science, industry and public service. The Royal Order of Civil Merit acknowledges not only his scientific and professional accomplishments, but also the lasting social impact of his work, which has strengthened international cooperation and deepened ties between nations.”

 

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: “Professor López de Prado, a globally acclaimed authority on the application of artificial intelligence in investment strategies, enriches our faculty with unmatched expertise and experience. His knighthood stands as a tribute to the transformative societal impact of his academic achievements. Khalifa University is privileged to have him among its esteemed scholars and looks forward to the pioneering contributions he will undoubtedly continue to make in the field.”

 

Professor López de Prado, said: “As both a professor and a fund manager, I have worked for the past 25 years to advance our field, developing AI algorithms that make investing more evidence-based, systematic, and reliable. I hope this accolade draws further attention to the financial applications of AI and supercomputing, which benefit society by enabling better decision-making and public policy design. I am grateful to ADIA for the opportunity to apply my scientific work towards achieving its long-term investment objectives.

 

“I would not have earned this highly coveted distinction without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and countless colleagues, many of whom are here with me today. This knighthood is also for them, and I will wear its insignia in their name with pride, and with profound gratitude towards His Majesty King Felipe VI.”

 

Among the attendees at the ceremony were several renowned scientists, including: Prof. Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate in Physics (1997) and former U.S. Secretary of Energy (2009-2013); Prof. Dan Shechtman, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2011); Prof. Shafi Goldwasser, recipient of the Turing Award (2012) and the Gödel Prize (1993, 2001); Prof. Guido Imbens, Nobel Laureate in Economics (2021); Prof. Jack Dongarra, Turing Award (2021); Prof. Miguel Hernán, Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics (2022); Prof. Horst Simon, Gordon Bell Prize (1998, 2009); Dr. Edward Jung, former Chief Architect of Microsoft Corp. Institutional representatives included: H.E. Carme Artigas, Co-Chair of the United Nations AI Advisory Body; H.E. Sultan Al Mansoori, former Minister of Economy of the UAE; H.E. Félix Barrio Juárez, Managing Director of Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute; H.E. Prof. Enrique Herrera Viedma, Vice-President for Research of the University of Granada; H.E. Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the UAE; H.E. Robert Lauer, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the UAE.

 

Dr. Marcos López de Prado has published approximately 100 scientific articles on AI and statistical inference in the leading academic journals, is a founding co-editor of The Journal of Financial Data Science, and the author of influential graduate textbooks used by universities worldwide. He holds 15 patents, several of which have been purchased and licensed by some of the largest institutional investors worldwide to manage multibillion-dollar funds.

 

In recognition of his work, Professor López de Prado has received various scientific and industry awards, including the National Award for Academic Excellence (1999) by the Kingdom of Spain, the Quant Researcher of the Year Award (2019) by Portfolio Management Research, the Buy-Side Quant of the Year Award (2021) by Risk.net, and the Bernstein Fabozzi / Jacobs Levy Award (2024) by The Journal of Portfolio Management.

 

For more information, visit https://QuantResearch.org/

Khalifa University faculty member Dr. Bashar El-Khasawneh, Associate Professor of Practice in Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). 

 

Dr. El-Khasawneh joins over 3,000 distinguished members who have attained the grade of Fellow of the ASME. He is also the Founding Chair of the ASME Professional UAE Section. In order to be recognized as an ASME Fellow, one must demonstrate significant engineering achievements and have over 10 years of active practice.

 

In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Dr. El-Khasawneh is the founder of Dexter Robotics, a startup company spun off from Khalifa University. His research interests include the development of parallel kinematic robotic systems for machining, service, or maintenance (dry or underwater), as well as additive manufacturing (3D printing of structures using cable-driven robots). He is also deeply interested in the regional drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. 

 

Dr. El-Khasawneh said: “I am deeply honored to be elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering support and collaborative spirit at Khalifa University, which has been pivotal in my journey across service, entrepreneurship, education, and research. Khalifa University stands as a cornerstone of the UAE’s thriving ecosystem, which actively nurtures research, development, and innovation, shaping the sought-after knowledge economy.” 

 

Alisha Roy

Science Writer

Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Centre for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology (CMAT) and Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance water treatment and resource management in the UAE.

 

The agreement outlines a framework for both partners to explore and evaluate advanced membrane technologies, improve water quality, and optimise desalination operations through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies.

 

The MoU formalises the intent to develop pilot projects for testing water desalination technologies and deploying AI-driven models to improve the efficiency and sustainability of desalination processes. The partnership will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise through educational modules, workshops, and competitions focused on advanced water technologies, including provisions for internships and research opportunities.

 

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, said, “This MoU perfectly aligns with our ambition to enhance operational efficiency and ensure water security in the UAE’s northern emirates. By combining Khalifa University’s research capabilities with EtihadWE’s practical experience, we will advance sustainable water management.”

 

The agreement will also support student engagement and create employment opportunities, offering internships, research projects, and jobs for graduates. Khalifa University will incorporate real-world case studies into its curriculum, enriching the academic experience.

 

Prof Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said, “We are delighted to further cement our partnership with this MoU and play a critical role in strengthening water treatment and resource management in the UAE. Our Center for Membranes & Advanced Water Technology has achieved pioneering innovations in desalination and sustainable water management. We believe this research collaboration will help not only in the exchange of knowledge and expertise in one of the UAE’s strategic sectors but also pave the way for new technological advancements.”

 

EtihadWE, a leader in desalination technology, contributes to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 through this collaboration and other efforts. The Naqa’a desalination plant, one of the world’s largest, utilises advanced Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology to produce water for around two million UAE residents annually.

 

The plant incorporates innovative technologies such as Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Pressure Exchanger (PX) systems, reducing electrical energy consumption by more than 60%.

 

In addition, EtihadWE is committed to minimising Non-Revenue Water (NRW) leaks, utilising advanced tools such as SmartBall, data loggers, and acoustic inspection technologies. The company has implemented District Metering to pinpoint and address leaks more effectively, contributing to better water security across its network.

 

Dr. Shadi W Hasan, Director of the Centre for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology at Khalifa University, said, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in applying cutting-edge research to solve real-world challenges in water management. By integrating advanced membrane technologies with AI-driven optimisation, we can unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability in desalination processes, ensuring a secure water future for the UAE.”

 

Through the MoU, Khalifa University’s research will be directly integrated into EtihadWE’s live projects, allowing for real-world testing and scaling of new solutions. This hands-on approach will help refine technologies and operational practices in desalination facilities and water infrastructure.

 

Khalifa University has solidified its position as a leader in water treatment and desalination innovation through CMAT’s groundbreaking projects. Led by Dr Hasan, CMAT is advancing cutting-edge solutions, including solar-powered desalination systems tailored to the UAE’s climate, electrified membranes using advanced nanomaterials like graphene for enhanced pollutant removal, and smart stimuli-responsive membranes for optimising water purification.

 

CMAT is also pushing the commercialisation of eco-friendly nanocomposite membranes and graphene-based biosensors for rapid virus detection. These innovations, alongside advanced technologies for heavy metal removal and oil/water separation, highlight Khalifa University’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance solutions that address global water challenges and industrial needs.

Faculty Leads Knowledge-Sharing Forums as Students Participate in UCN Youth Engagement Workshop 

  

Khalifa University, through the 35-member UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), actively engaged in knowledge-sharing forums to inspire decision-makers towards addressing climate change, sustainability, and technological innovation during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), from 11-22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

Khalifa University faculty led and participated in six key workshops and discussions at COP29 Baku. They included the UCN Youth Engagement Workshop: Understanding and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint, Higher Education Climate Network of Networks Roundtable, MBZ Water Initiative Workshop: Innovations in Water Management – From Lab to Field, UCN Water Security Workshop: Accelerating Innovations to Tackle Global Water Scarcity, UCN Urban Planning Workshop: UAE’s Path to Sustainable, Circular, and Cognitive Cities, and Launch of MENA Climate Solutions Research Network. 

Representing the university were faculty members including Dr. Samuel Mao, Professor, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, and Co-Chair of the UAE Universities Climate Network, who was a Chair and an invited panelist in multiple workshops. Dr. Khaled Alawadi, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, participated in discussions on sustainable urban development; and Dr. Shadi Hasan, Director, Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), contributed to dialogues on water security and technological innovations. 

Dr. Samuel Mao also highlighted the establishment of the UAE UCN and its engagement with the UAE and Azerbaijan COP presidencies for organizing events at COP28 and COP29. He introduced plans for a climate solutions conference to be held at Khalifa University in 2025. Additionally, Dr. Thalita Dalbeo from Unicamp of Brazil discussed the early planning for COP30. 

Dr. Shadi Hasan, invited panelist, discussed the role of technology innovations play in advancing water security, particularly in arid regions like the UAE. He also commented on the critical investment areas for water security, such as strengthening the nation’s water infrastructures. Dr. Khaled Alawadi, invited panelist, in the ’UCN Urban Planning Workshop: UAE’s Path to Sustainable, Circular, and Cognitive Cities’ emphasized the importance of creating inclusive, sustainable cities. 

A significant component of Khalifa University’s participation was the UCN Youth Engagement Workshop: Understanding and Reducing Your Carbon Footprint where undergraduate students Jassem Al Hamadi and Khalid Adam emphasized the importance of youth involvement in sustainability initiatives and introduced the UAE Green Campus Competition, announcing the 2024 winners and showcasing the impact of student-led efforts.  

Dr. Samuel Mao said: “Khalifa University has led the way among universities in the MENA region in its commitment to sustainability and climate change research. Our innovative initiatives position us favorably for upcoming research opportunities, such as the MBZ Water Initiative, allowing us to further advance our leadership in critical sustainability areas. Through the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN), we leverage the collective expertise of our institutions to drive impactful climate change research and initiatives.” 

Khalifa University also participated in the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks Roundtable, organized by the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions Team including Dr. Stephen Davison, Higher Education Lead of the Climate Champions Team. The Roundtable was attended by representatives from 26 global and regional climate networks and reviewed the core functions and impacts of the network over the past year.  

The ‘MBZ Water Initiative Workshop: Innovations in Water Management – From Lab to Field’ was chaired by Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Lead of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, where Dr. Samuel Mao addressed the urgent global issue of water scarcity and highlighted innovations taking place in the UAE.  

During the ‘UCN Water Security Workshop: Accelerating Innovations to Tackle Global Water Scarcity’, Dr. Samuel Mao, Chair of the Workshop, introduced the MBZ Water Initiative and ‘XPRIZE Water Scarcity’. He also presented groundbreaking technologies developed in the UAE, including an entirely off-grid, solar-powered water production system that was designed and constructed by Khalifa University’s research team, with Dr. Samuel Mao as the project lead. The ‘Launch of MENA Climate Solutions Research Network’ at the high-level workshop at the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) Pavilion, discussed the ‘2030 Climate Solutions Implementation Roadmap.’  

 

Alisha Roy

Science Writer

Arab Region’s First Innovative & Industrial 2D/Advanced Materials Summit & Expo Focuses on Current Innovation Trends and Applications

 

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) is proud to play a pivotal role in graphene and related materials’ research and innovation, contributing to the UAE’s status as a leader in fostering research and development in advanced materials, said His Excellency Homaid Abdulla Al Shimmari, Chairman of RIC2D’s Senior Management Board, at the Arab region’s first Innovative & Industrial 2D/Advanced Materials Summit & Expo (I2DM2024).

 

Organized by RIC2D and Phantoms Foundations, I2DM2024 has brought together some of the brightest minds from around the globe to the Arab region for the first time. The summit that runs until 28 November explored the insights and innovations in the industry, led by experts who offered plenary and keynote talks. . They included Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Andre Geim, University of Manchester, UK, and Professor Yury Gogotsi, Drexel University, US, Director, A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute.

 

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Bayan Sharif, Khalifa University’s Provost, said: “Khalifa University is privileged to welcome the large gathering of scientists and innovators to this important summit on graphene, 2D, and advanced materials. This summit is not only about sharing knowledge, but is about forging connections to drive future innovations, collaborations, and tangible outcomes. The roundtables on startups and commercialization, and the B2B meetings on direct engagement will immensely facilitate potential partnerships and further cement Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for innovation in 2D materials.”

 

The summit features oral and poster presentations, a series of parallel workshops focused on topics of interest for the Arab region, most recent advances in technology developments, business opportunities in Advanced Materials commercialization, and an exhibition featuring the latest innovations and offerings. The day also includes two round tables titled ‘From Lab to Business’ and ‘Promoting Start-ups in Advanced Materials.

 

The second day’s sessions included five workshops focusing on Advanced materials in desalination and water treatment; Advanced materials in biotechnology and healthcare; Smart and advanced nanocomposite materials; Materials for hydrogen production, transportation, and storage; and Advanced Materials Characterization.