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Khalifa University and Lockheed Martin Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration on Aerospace and Defense Technologies

Agreement Covers Expansion of Lockheed Martin’s Center for Innovation and Security Solutions to Khalifa University Main Campus

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Lockheed Martin, a leader in global security and aerospace, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to broaden their collaboration in advancing aerospace and defense technologies and fostering human capital development in the UAE.

 

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President Khalifa University, and Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer, Lockheed Martin, in Abu Dhabi. Senior officials from both partners were present on the occasion. As a first step under the agreement, Lockheed Martin will expand its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) to Khalifa University’s Main Campus, creating a platform for long-term innovation, training, and technological leadership, thereby strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in aerospace and defense capabilities.

 

His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri said: “The agreement is part of Khalifa University’s continued commitment to developing national competencies and supporting innovation in aerospace and defense technologies. It also stands as a testament to the confidence that global industries have in the university’s capability to provide innovative solutions to their challenges. This agreement by Lockheed Martin, a global defense industry leader, is the result of a strategic cooperation with Khalifa University that began several years ago and culminates in the university’s selection as a partner to host the expanded research center.”

 

Frank St. John said: “This partnership with Khalifa University marks a significant step forward in advancing aerospace and defense technologies in the UAE. By collaborating closely, we are dedicated to empowering local talent and driving innovation that will strengthen our industry while contributing to the region’s broader goals of security and prosperity through economic growth.”

 

Founded in 2014 in Masdar City, the CISS will continue to focus on pioneering research, developing systems, and driving innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced simulation technologies, autonomous systems, and data analytics. It will serve as a hub for collaboration on real-world projects that accelerate talent development and critical technologies, supporting the UAE’s strategic goals in defense, aerospace, and security.

 

This strategic partnership with Khalifa University reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing national security and aligns with the UAE’s vision of strengthening human capital development through education, innovation, and technological excellence.

 

The partnership focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world industry applications, emphasizing innovative solutions that address current and future challenges. By working together on educational and research and development projects, Lockheed Martin and Khalifa University will enhance UAE skill sets and cutting-edge technologies with potential for commercialization, ensuring their joint contributions to the UAE’s defense and aerospace sectors.

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Khalifa University to Organize the 2nd Healthy Longevity Symposium in Abu Dhabi

World-Renowned Experts Gather in Abu Dhabi to Unlock Future of Healthy Aging and Personalized Wellness

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology will host the 2nd Healthy Longevity Symposium to drive discussions and provide insights on longevity by addressing the common root cause of chronic diseases – aging.

 

Supported by the Department of Community Development and the Department of Health, the Healthy Longevity symposium will be held from 21-22 November 2024. His Excellency, Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department Community Development, and Her Excellency, Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), will provide the opening remarks. The Institute for Healthier Living and PureHealth are platinum sponsors of the event.

 

Dr. Habiba Alsafar, Dean, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University is pleased to collaborate with partners to organize this symposium. Our goal is to introduce pioneering and innovative strategies that slow age-related diseases, enhance well-being, and promote longevity. By advancing personalized medicine and precision health, we aim to support breakthroughs in aging research, genomic medicine, advanced technologies, and health policy to improve health in Abu Dhabi and globally.”

 

The symposium will focus on four themes – Mechanism of Aging, Genomics Precision Medicine and Precision Prevention, Advanced Technologies for Healthy Aging and Social Health Policies. It will aim to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for advanced research in the fields of longevity and well-being, driving forward strategies to improve quality of life and promote healthier aging across communities globally. Over 250 delegates are expected, including national and international scientists, students, academic experts, policymakers, medical practitioners, hospital managers, industrial partners, consultants, and aged care specialists.

 

Bringing together over 25 leading experts from around the world, the Healthy Longevity Symposium will delve into aging as the root cause of chronic diseases, sharing the latest insights and breakthroughs. Sessions will cover topics such as the molecular and genetic basis of aging, precision prevention strategies, bioengineering and AI in healthcare, and innovative social policies that support healthy aging.

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Khalifa University Hosts VSS 2024 in UAE, as Experts Present New Control Methods in Modern Power Grids, Robotics and Aerospace

57 Regular Papers including Six from Khalifa University Faculty Presented at IEEE-Sponsored Conference Coming to Middle East for the First Time 

 

A total of 57 regular papers including six that were authored or co-authored by Khalifa University faculty were presented during the 17th International Workshop on Variable Structure Systems (VSS 2024), the premier conference coming to the UAE for the first time, facilitating exchange of ideas in variable structure systems and sliding-mode control, a significant field in control engineering. 

 

Organized by Khalifa University, and supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, VSS 2024 was also a major international IEEE co-sponsored conference. The event brought together around 60 researchers and experts in academia and industry from 17 countries across North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Asia. Featuring three plenary talks as well as regular sessions, the papers highlighted advanced control techniques crucial for stability in modern power networks, renewable sources, robotics and aerospace applications. 

 

Professor Igor Boiko, General Chair, VSS 2024, said: “The series of workshops focused on variable structure systems (VSS) and sliding mode control, providing a forward-looking perspective on how variable structure systems can meet the demands of evolving control applications. Researchers presented papers focused on applications of VSS in various lines of engineering, such as precise frequency tracking, and decentralized sliding mode control framework to tackle voltage regulations in DC microgrids, manned and unmanned aerial vehicle control, and robotics, among others. We thank all our sponsors and delegates who made this event a success.” 

 

Showcasing advancements in power management, integration of renewables, robotics and aerospace, experts at VSS 2024 emphasized the role of variable structure systems in enhancing system performance, resilience and operational reliability. They presented the latest in sliding mode and other discontinuous control algorithms, offering insights into both theoretical and practical applications across various engineering domains. VSS 2024 also highlighted integration of neural networks (NNs) with variable structure systems and how this can enhance adaptability, resilience, and performance across intelligent systems. 

 

The plenary talks were delivered by Prof. Chris Edwards, Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Variable Structure Systems, who focused his talk on ‘Sliding Modes for Fault Tolerance and Increased Autonomy’. Professor Igor Boiko’s talk was titled ‘Frequency-Domain Methods in Sliding Mode and Discontinuous Control’, and Professor Leonid M. Fridman, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), delivered his lecture titled ‘Modern Sliding Mode Control Approach to Lyapunov Redesign’. 

 

The conference covered various aspects of sliding mode control and observation and discontinuous control, including First order sliding mode, Higher order sliding mode, Chattering analysis, Discrete time sliding mode, Adaptive sliding mode, Sliding mode-based fault detection, Applications in Robotics, Aerospace, Automotive systems, Hydraulic/pneumatic systems, Electric drives and actuators, Power electronics, Multi-agent systems and Process industry. 

 

Clarence Michael

English Editor Specialist

06 November 2024 

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Understanding Atmospheric Rivers in a Warming Climate

Khalifa University research team says decoding the mechanics of atmospheric rivers will help mitigate their impacts in a warming world. 

 

In April 2023, flash flooding hit cities and villages in the Middle East, claiming lives, destroying homes and leaving hundreds displaced. A team of researchers from Khalifa University has investigated the cause of this sudden downpour and found an atmospheric river was to blame.  

 

The team published their research in Geophysical Research Letters.  

 

Atmospheric rivers are narrow bands of concentrated water vapor on a global scale, transporting vast quantities of moisture from the tropics to the poles. They bring life-sustaining rainfall to drier regions, but wield the destructive potential to trigger catastrophic floods in mid- and high-latitudes. As climate change accelerates, ARs are becoming not only more frequent but also more intense, raising profound concerns about their future impacts.  

 

Dr. Diana Francis, Dr. Ricardo Fonseca and Dr. Narendra Nelli from the Khalifa University Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Lab (ENGEOS) examined atmospheric river rapids and their role in the extreme rainfall event of April with Deniz Bozkurt, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile and Bin Guan, UCLA. This unprecedented event struck the Middle East, wreaking havoc and underscoring the capacity of ARs to inflict substantial damage in regions ill-prepared for such meteorological events.  

 

Dr. Diana Francis

“Our research into the devastating flooding in the Middle East in 2023 has uncovered fast-moving AR rapids within atmospheric rivers. As these systems grow more frequent with climate change, understanding them is crucial for future weather preparedness.”

— Dr. Diana Francis, Assistant Professor of Earth Science, KU

“ARs in the Middle East are more frequent and the strongest in March, when about 23 percent of all ARs take place, and least frequent and weakest in November,” Dr. Francis explained. “They tend to be less intense in the Middle East, due to the aridity of surrounding areas, but even though the precipitation can be beneficial in drier subtropical regions and during drought periods, ARs can deliver life-threatening amounts of rainfall.” 

More specifically, the research team found this event was caused by atmospheric river rapids, where the flow of water in the atmosphere was constricted by steep gradients of temperature or pressure, forcing more water vapor to pass through an area than normal. These rapids tend to be indistinguishable within much larger atmospheric rivers and forecasting models struggle to identify them.  

“Very few studies have delved into the finer structure of the water movement within an AR such as AR rapids,” Dr. Francis said. “Our findings pave the way for new research and investigation avenues. For example, are AR rapid-like structures present in all ARs or just in specific ones? Moving forward, research needs to delve deeper into the dynamics behind ARs and investigate their seasonality and variability.” 

The research team says these questions can be addressed by modeling a large number of individual events and that dedicated field observations will be crucial to develop a forecasting model and scale for AR rapids. They hope that this research will help deliver an operational model to mitigate their potential devastating impacts.  

“We expect that ARs will become more frequent and intense in a warming climate, including here in the Middle East, so understanding their dynamics in the present climate will help us better predict their changes in the future,” Dr. Francis said. 

 

Jade Sterling 

Science Writer

22 October 2024

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Khalifa University, DoH – Abu Dhabi and M42 highlight Emirate’s genomics and precision medicine advancements at American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting

Representatives from M42, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Khalifa University are showcasing Abu Dhabi’s advancements in genomics and precision medicine at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 Annual Meeting, underway until 9 November 2024, in Denver, Colorado, US.

 

ASHG is the world’s largest platform for advancing human genetics through research, education, and advocacy. M42 and DoH are showcasing six research initiatives, each contributing valuable insights into the transformative role of genomics and precision medicine.

 

DoH experts are showcasing updates on the Emirati Genome Program (EGP), one of the world’s largest genomic initiatives, and under the National Genome Strategy and overseen by the Emirates Genome Council, while highlighting its impact on disease prevention, early diagnosis, and personalised treatments tailored to local genetic profiles.

 

M42 are showcasing its commitment to bridging scientific discovery with clinical outcomes by highlighting their role in the EGP. M42 are also presenting six research initiatives, each contributing valuable insights into the transformative role of genomics and precision medicine. M42 are also presenting research on clinical applications enabled by the Emirati Genome Program, alongside a comparative analysis of emerging genomics technologies. Led by its Omics Centre of Excellence.

 

Dr Mohamed Al Ameri, Section Head of Studies and Special Projects at DoH, said: “We are excited to present the UAE’s journey in establishing one of the world’s most ambitious population genomics initiatives, the Emirati Genome Program, at ASHG. This significant national project maps the genetic landscape of UAE citizens to drive advanced, personalised, and preventive healthcare for current and future generations. Through EGP, we have launched transformative initiatives, including an oncology precision medicine programme, genetic testing for prenatal screenings, and pharmacogenomics, among others. Our goal is to set a global example, demonstrating how genomics can reshape healthcare – shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a precise, proactive, and personalized approach that improves patient outcomes and strengthens public health.”

 

Paul Jones, CEO of M42’s Omics Centre of Excellence, said: “With the establishment of one of the world’s largest genomics facilities, M42 is dedicated to advancing discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes by addressing critical research gaps and expanding access to precision medicine across diverse populations. Technology remains a cornerstone of initiatives like the Emirati Genome Program, ensuring data is effectively leveraged for population health management and healthcare innovation.”

 

Albarah Elkhani, Senior Vice President of Operations at M42, said: “The Abu Dhabi’s strong presence at ASHG 2024 underscores Abu Dhabi’s role in transforming personalized healthcare through genomics. The Emirati Genome Program, supported by DoH in collaboration with government, academia, and industry, reinforces the UAE’s leadership in genomics and precision medicine.”

 

Professor Habiba Al Safar, Dean of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, said: “We are excited to showcase the groundbreaking progress of the Emirati Reference Genome Project at ASHG. This platform allows us to share the UAE’s commitment to advancing precision medicine, driving scientific excellence and contributing valuable insights on population-specific genomics with the global scientific community. We look forward to highlighting how this project is setting new standards in healthcare for the Emirati population and beyond. ”

 

The Emirati Genome Program has sequenced over 600,000 genomes to date, with 100,000 of these genome sequences using advanced long-read sequencing combined with epigenetic data for deeper insights.

 

Sessions at ASHG 2024 will cover a wide range of genomics topics. Dr Tiago Magalhaes, Vice President of Bioinformatics at M42, and Dr Mohammed Al Ameri, Head of Studies and Special Projects at DoH, will join industry experts in a session titled, Uniting for Genomic Health – How Abu Dhabi Delivered one of the Largest Population Genomics Programs, spotlighting the strategic execution behind the EGP. The experts will also moderate The Evolution of Population Genomics: Advancing Collaboration Across Government, Industry, and Academia, focusing on the M42 partnerships.

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Sanad, Khalifa University and Lufthansa Technik Middle East demonstrate pioneering aviation robotic arm technology in Germany

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), Lufthansa Technik Middle East (LTME), the Dubai based subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, a global provider of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have successfully demonstrated their innovative robotic arm at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, marking a significant advancement in efficiency and innovation in the aviation sector.

 

The partnership between LTME, Sanad, and Khalifa University’s Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) marks a significant advancement in integrating artificial intelligence within the MRO industry. Together, they have developed an automated chord measurement system that combines an industrial robotic arm with a laser profiler, bringing cutting-edge technologies like AVIATAR to the forefront of aviation maintenance. The joint efforts have resulted in revolutionary technology that enhances the efficiency and accuracy of MRO processes, positioning the UAE as a hub for aviation innovation.

 

The automated chord measurement system, the first-of-its kind aerospace R&D initiative successfully tested in the UAE, was developed over 18 months. This process, from ideation to testing, was guided by the Sanad R&D team and the research team at Khalifa University’s ARIC, including 10 UAE National undergraduate students, a PhD researcher, three research engineers, and two faculty members. The technology underwent rigorous testing at the ARIC centre and Sanad, resulting in a perfected system that is now set to be operationalised in MRO processes at Sanad.

 

After successful testing in the UAE, the robotic arm underwent further analysis at Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg headquarters, for its potential in laser analysis within the MRO sector, showcasing the UAE’s role in pioneering aviation technology and driving industry advancements. This advancement is set to revolutionise aircraft maintenance, reducing repair turnaround time, improving efficiency, leading to significant cost savings and maximized aircraft availability.

 

Ziad Al-Hazmi, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Middle East, said: “Our collaboration with SANAD and Khalifa University is a testament to the expertise and capabilities of the teams involved. It not only positions the UAE as a leader in digital transformation in the MRO industry and signifies the government’s commitment to digital awareness, but also shows the impact of successful collaboration in the aviation sector.”

 

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, said: “This collaboration epitomises the pivotal role of academia-industry partnerships in driving Sanad’s innovations strategy, and we are confident about scaling up these collaborations. Our partnership with Khalifa University and Lufthansa Technik Middle East marks a significant stride towards setting new standards in aircraft maintenance. By harnessing the power of innovative technologies, we are driving efficiency and cost savings, ultimately benefiting the aviation sector globally.”

 

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted that the results of our groundbreaking collaboration with SANAD and Lufthansa Technik Middle East have spearheaded the development of a transformative automated chord measurement system to reduce errors due to human reliance, increase precision by a factor of ten, and overall efficiency in components repair turnaround time by 35 per cent. With the robotic arm now headed to Germany for further testing, this partnership demonstrates the immense potential for academic-industry breakthroughs to drive innovation and efficiency in the MRO sector. By involving and enabling our faculty and students to contribute to this cutting-edge technology, we are not only preparing local talent for successful careers, but further positioning the UAE as a global nexus for aviation excellence. This is also a testament that Khalifa University has the ability to translate its research and innovation to market and have a local and global impact.”

 

This collaboration showcases the UAE’s advancing research and development prowess, tackling global aviation challenges and opportunities. Its goal is to transform MRO processes, bolstering the UAE’s standing as a technological frontrunner in aviation. The successful development of this innovative technology underscores the UAE’s dedication to leading global aviation. The collaboration emphasises a commitment to education empowerment, providing student career growth opportunities at Lufthansa Technik and Sanad. These initiatives will enhance collaboration among MROs, universities, and governments, solidifying the UAE’s reputation as an innovation and technology hub.

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UAE Government Selects Khalifa University to Establish Polar Research Center

The UAE announced the launch of a polar research project as part of plans to boost the nation’s standing among leaders in polar research and presence, during a plenary session of the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings 2024.

 

Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Chair of the “UAE Polar Mission steering Committee”, outlined details of the project, developed over the past year through collaboration between the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the National Centre of Meteorology, and Khalifa University.

 

The project incorporates input from scientists, experts, and diplomats to define key research priorities encompassing scientific, technological, and commercial applications. Initial steps include establishing the “Polar Research Center” at Khalifa University, building strategic international partnerships, signing relevant treaties, and joining international polar missions.

 

Almheiri stated that these efforts underscore the UAE’s recognition of the strategic importance and global impact of polar science. Acknowledging the vast potential of the polar regions, despite the inherent challenges, she emphasized that the project aims to equip Emirati scientists for participation in international polar missions.

 

Almheiri announced: “Two Emiratis embark on their Antarctic mission tomorrow, November 7th,” she announced, “and another mission is scheduled for the Arctic in the summer of 2025, extending the UAE’s scientific presence to both poles.”

 

She explained the UAE’s motivation for joining the forefront of polar research, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to soft power, inspiring future generations in scientific pursuits, building national scientific capacity, and championing global climate action and key environmental causes.

 

Regarding international treaties, Her Excellency confirmed Cabinet approval for signing all the relevant treaties essential to polar research and presence. Almheiri announced that the UAE has been invited to participate in the Antarctica InSync program and the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition and outlined Khalifa University’s upcoming polar research projects.

 

Read more: (WAM)

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UAE Diabetes Surge Expected by 2031 

Mathematical Approach Developed to Help Address the Epidemic 

A team of Khalifa University researchers has developed a mathematical model to analyze the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the UAE which projects that by 2031, approximately 1.6 million residents could be living with the disease. 

 

The fractional-order mathematical model by Prof. Mokhtar Kirane and PhD student Sofwah Ahmed was published in Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences journal.

 

Key insights of the study highlighted how various factors—such as poor lifestyle choices, demographic shifts, and limited healthcare access—are driving this sharp increase in diabetes cases. 

 

“A mathematical approach is used to model the spread of diabetes, allowing for better predictions of future diabetes cases and complications, aiding policymakers in resource allocation and healthcare planning to manage the diabetes epidemic.”

— Prof. Mokhtar Kirane, Mathematics Department, Khalifa University KU

 

Prof. Kirane said: “The research employs a new mathematical approach known as fractional calculus to model the spread of diabetes. Unlike traditional models, which use integer-based differential equations, fractional calculus offers a more refined analysis, capturing the complex dynamics of disease progression. This advanced technique helps predict not only the number of future diabetes cases but also the associated complications.” 

 

He added: “The model is more adequate to represent real-world scenarios, providing more accurate predictions about future diabetes trends. Understanding the future healthcare demand is vital for policymakers. Our model can guide decisions on resource allocation and healthcare planning to better manage the epidemic.”

 

The study estimates that diabetes-related healthcare costs could reach US$3.4 billion (AED12.5 billion) by 2031 if the current trends continue. This projection takes account of both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases, with around 64% of UAE adults with diabetes unaware of their condition. As untreated diabetes often leads to severe health complications, the actual cost could be even higher.

 

Alisha Roy

Science Writer

6 November 2024

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Khalifa University Brings MENA Region’s First-Ever NANO 2024 – International Conference on Nanostructured Materials

Physics Nobel Prize Committee Member to Offer Keynote as Event Will Convene Leading International Researchers and Stakeholders from Academia, Industry and Government 

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it will be hosting NANO 2024 – the 17th International Conference on Nanostructured Materials for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, to highlight advancements in nanostructured materials and facilitate networking among leading global researchers.

 

Scheduled from 3-8 November 2024, NANO 2024 is a premier biennial international conference for leading researchers from academia, industry, and government to discuss and present cutting-edge developments in nanostructured materials, nanomechanics, AI in nanotechnology, as well as nanofluids. The NANO 2024 conference in Abu Dhabi will feature plenary talks from world renowned experts including a Nobel Physics committee member, keynote and invited speakers, as well as 16 technical themes.

 

More than 500 papers have been received by the selection committee with nearly 59% from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. These papers have over 1,200 authors, out of which 533 are from the UAE, 222 from India, 74 from Saudi Arabia, 59 from Italy, 39 from Qatar and 30 from Japan.

 

Dr. Daniel Choi, Local Chair, NANO 2024, said: “Khalifa University is delighted to partner with various stakeholders to bring the NANO 2024 conference to the UAE and the MENA region for the first time. The conference will serve as a perfect platform to build new connections and presents a valuable opportunity to learn about new trends in nanostructured materials and applications. With live demonstration and hands-on workshops led by world-class international researchers, NANO 2024 will cover a broad spectrum of topics and specialties.”

 

Some of the focus areas of the conference will include Additively Manufactured Nanomaterials, Nanocomposites and Nano-mechanics, Nanomaterials for Electronics, Sensors and Flexible Electronics, Nanomaterials for Water and Energy, Catalysis, and Environmental Applications, Nano-biomaterials and Nano-bionic & Biomedical Applications, Advanced Nano characterization, Magnetic Nanomaterials, Nanomaterials for Photonics and Optoelectronics, Carbon Nanomaterials, and 2D Materials.

 

Papers presented at the 17th ICNM-NANO2024 will be selected to be published by the Royal Society of Chemistry under the theme ‘NANO 2024 – Nanostructured Materials for Energy, Bio, Photonics, and Electronics Applications’, which will include those published on both nanoscale and nanoscale advances. 

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PhD Researcher Completes Internship on Sustainable Hydrogen Production at Chinese Academy of Sciences

 

Research Findings to Contribute towards Study and Design of Longer-Lasting Catalysts 

 

 

A Khalifa University PhD researcher has successfully completed an internship focusing on sustainable hydrogen production at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing.    

 

The Materials Science and Engineering program researcher, Sara Al Khoori conducted her research under the mentorship of Dr. Chao Wang at the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology (APM) at CAS. Additional mentorship and guidance were provided by Professor Jun XU, Head, Magnetic Resonance for Materials and Chemistry Division, CAS, and Prof. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Director, Center for Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS), Khalifa University.  

 

Al Khoori’s research focused on acetone steam reforming, a process that converts acetone, a component of bio-oil, into hydrogen. This work uncovered crucial details about the underlying chemical reactions, leading to significant improvements in catalyst design for this vital step in sustainable hydrogen production.  

 

Using advanced spectroscopic techniques including in-situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Al Khoori was able to watch hydrogen-producing reaction happen in real time. This helped her to analyze the chemical reactions and identify specific molecules, leading to more hydrogen production and less waste. 

 

Furthermore, her research identified why catalysts sometimes stop working, a problem called coking, contributing to the study and design of longer-lasting catalysts, making hydrogen production from bio-oil more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. 

 

Prof. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, said: “This internship at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the research work at Khalifa University, where Sara Al Khoori completed her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, exemplifies the power of international collaborations in addressing global energy challenges. Her success underscores the importance of providing opportunities for young researchers to contribute to critical global issues.”

 

At Khalifa University, Al Khoori will use the skills she gained during the internship to study and further analyze catalyst performance during reactions. 

 

Alisha Roy  

Science Writer

30 October 2024

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Faculty Elected Vice-Chair of IAF’s International Astrodynamics Committee

Khalifa University’s Dr. Elena Fantino Will Transition to Become Chair after her Current Three-Year Role as Vice-Chair

 

Khalifa University faculty Dr. Elena Fantino, Associate Professor Aerospace Engineering, was unanimously elected as Vice-Chair of the Astrodynamics Technical Committee of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).  

 

Effective from 19  October 2024, Dr. Fantino’s appointment for three years was announced during the recent International Astronautical Congress held recently in Milan, Italy. Following her term, she will transition to the role of Chair, taking on an even greater leadership responsibility for another three years. 

 

The Astrodynamics Technical Committee is comprised of 32 global experts and plays a crucial role in advancing research and innovation in astrodynamics, a field critical to the future of space exploration. Dr. Fantino will help guide the committee’s strategic direction.  

 

“It is a great honor for me,” Dr. Fantino said. “I am particularly proud that through this election, Khalifa University assumes a leading role in one of the most prestigious international institutions of my field.” 

 

Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is the world’s leading advocacy body with more than 500 members in 77 countries, including all leading space agencies, industries, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes and museums worldwide.  

 

The Astrodynamics Technical Committee has the mandate of promoting advances in orbital mechanics, attitude dynamics, guidance, navigation and control of single or multi-spacecraft systems as well as space robotics. 

 

Jade Sterling

Science Writer

25 October 2024

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Towards More Efficient EVs : KU Faculty develops a Novel Control Method for rare-earth magnet-less motor based EV power trains

In a significant step toward advancing electric vehicle technology, the research team led by Dr. Balanthi Abdul R Beig at Khalifa University have developed a new control method to improve the efficiency of electric powertrains with a magnet-less structure. This advancement addresses challenges in electric vehicle (EV) motors arising from the reliance on rare earth magnets.

 

Focusing on open-end winding induction motors—a magnet-less alternative crucial for EVs—the research team employed an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)- assisted control algorithm to enhance the motor performance. The ANN-based control method reduces torque and flux ripple, resulting in smoother and more efficient motor operation. This approach simplifies the computational requirements of motor drives and reduces dependency on motor-specific parameters.

 

Simulations and laboratory tests have demonstrated that this control method outperforms traditional techniques. Looking ahead, the team plans to integrate this technology into commercial electric vehicles. With this development, Khalifa University continues to make significant contributions to the field of electric mobility, offering solutions to some of the pressing challenges in the EV sector.