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New Catalyst Mixtures Enhance CO2 Conversion to Methane

New approach turns a greenhouse gas problem into a sustainable energy solution

 

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, finding effective ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has become more urgent than ever. Traditional methods of CO2 capture, though effective, often face challenges in terms of scale, energy use and expense.

 

Researchers have now developed an innovative method that could provide a seamless process to capture CO2 and convert it into a useful product: methane. This study aspires to revolutionize studies relevant to Power-to-Methane application as well as deploy smart and affordable ways to tackle big issues through activation of small molecules: CO2.

 

Khalifa University’s Prof. Kyriaki Polychronopoulou, Director of the Center of Catalysis and Separations (CeCaS), and Dr. Aseel Hussein, postdoctoral fellow of CeCaS, collaborated with Anastasios Tsiotsias, Nikolaos Charisiou, and Maria Goula, University of Western Macedonia, Greece, and Victor Sebastian, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. In particular, Anastasios Tsiotsias, PhD student at the University of Western Macedonia, was visiting research scholar at Khalifa University in February 2023 working on the decarbonization flagship project under CeCaS. Their approach was to activate dual site catalysis concept where the CO2 is captured first by an adsorbent and then is converted by the bimetallic catalyst. In particular, the process involves a combination of sodium alumina (Na-Al2O3) adsorbents and specially formulated Ni-Ru bimetallic catalysts to turn carbon dioxide emissions into methane.

 

Their results were published in Chemical Engineering Journal, a top 1% journal.

 

The novelty is on the fact that capture and conversion of CO2 happens on different sites that are designed to be at close vicinity. The team’s method combines CO2 capture and methanation into a single, integrated process which operates at a relatively low temperature of 300C. Lower operational temperatures mean enhanced material stability and reduced energy costs. Plus, the method proves effective even in the presence of oxygen and water, common impurities in industrial CO2 streams, demonstrating robustness under real-world conditions.

 

The role of the bimetallic catalyst is crucial here: Ruthenium enhances the activity of the catalyst at low temperatures, mitigating the adverse effects of oxygen and water. This ensures that the catalyst maintains high activity and stability, essential for continuous industrial operations.

 

The potential applications are vast. Methane can be used as a synthetic natural gas in industry which can be used to reduce carbon footprint or as a valuable energy carrier. However, for this promising technology to transition from the lab to the industry, further research and optimization are required.  Scaling up the process, ensuring long-term stability, and assessing economic viability are the key next steps. Additionally, exploring the development of dual-function materials — those that can simultaneously capture and methanate CO2 — could further streamline the process, making it even more efficient and cost-effective.

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
12 Aug 2024

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Khalifa University Scientist Elected to International Academy of Astronautics

Aerospace Engineering Professor Dr. Elena Fantino’s Appointment Makes the UAE 91st Country on the International Organization

 

Khalifa University’s Dr. Elena Fantino, Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering has been elected as a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), marking the first time the UAE is represented in this international organization as well as an outstanding recognition for Khalifa University.

 

With a lengthy selection process lasting several months, Dr. Fantino’s appointment makes the UAE the 91st country to be represented in this organization, which includes 1,186 members across 90 countries. The IAA is an independent non-governmental organization recognized by the United Nations, bringing together leading experts in astronautics to recognize accomplishments and provide guidance on the peaceful uses of space and space exploration.

 

The election of Dr. Fantino as a Corresponding Member was formalized by IAA President John Schumacher and IAA Secretary-General Jean-Michel Contant, underscoring its significance.

 

Dr. Elena Fantino said: “I am deeply honored to have been elected as a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics. This recognition not only highlights the world-class aerospace research being conducted at Khalifa University, but it marks an important milestone for the UAE and the region’s growing presence in the global space sector. I look forward to contributing my expertise and collaborating with the renowned experts within the IAA to advance the field of astronautics.”

 

In addition to her role at Khalifa University where she has founded the Astrodynamics research group, Dr. Fantino serves on the Astrodynamics Technical Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. She is also a member of the Space Dynamics Group at the Technical University of Madrid and a reviewer for many leading international journals in her field.

Dr. Elena Fantino’s research at Khalifa University spans several areas in astrodynamics and spacecraft trajectory design with projects including collaborations with leading institutions in the US and Spain on designing efficient low-energy transfers to Near-Earth Objects, developing methodologies relevant to solar sails, and designing and studying satellites. Additionally, her work explores leveraging the dynamics of the restricted three-body problem for planetary moon exploration tours.

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
9 Aug 2024

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Breakthrough in Fingerprint Protection with FinTem

New approach enhances the security of fingerprint authentication systems, addressing key vulnerabilities of traditional systems

 

In a world of pervasive digitization, the need for robust and secure authentication methods continues to grow. Traditional systems relying on passwords, tokens, and verification cards are fraught with vulnerabilities, from being easily duplicated to getting lost or stolen. Biometric systems are a leading method for verifying identity — particularly fingerprint recognition — but these come with their own challenges, primarily concerning privacy and security.

 

Prof. Naoufel Werghi and Dr. Syed Sadaf Ali, with Amber Hayat and Ashok Kumar Bhateja from the Indian Institute of Technology, developed a groundbreaking technique designed to enhance the security of fingerprint templates. Named FinTem, their method represents a significant leap forward in fingerprint template security. Their results were published in Computers & Security, a top 1% journal.

 

Fingerprint authentication systems are used for their reliability and cost-effectiveness. The process is straightforward: A fingerprint is scanned, minute details that are unique markers within the fingerprint are identified, and this data is stored in a database for future comparisons. However, storing these minutiae points directly poses a significant risk. Should a database be compromised, malicious actors could potentially reconstruct the original fingerprint, leading to identity theft and fraud.

 

Unlike passwords, biometric data is immutable, making the security of stored biometric data paramount. Traditional methods fall short in this regard, necessitating a more secure approach to protect such sensitive information.

 

With the FinTem method, instead of storing minutiae points directly, the fingerprint data is transformed into a secure, non-invertible format that can be safely stored and used for authentication.

 

The process starts by dividing the fingerprint into triangles based on the minutiae points, from which various geometric properties are extracted and then mapped into a four-dimensional array. This array is converted into a binary sequence, forming a secure user template. The result is a robust, non-invertible fingerprint representation that can be securely stored in a database.

 

The approach was testing on nine different databases, significantly outperforming traditional methods in terms of security, revocability, and resilience against attacks. FinTem maintained high accuracy in fingerprint recognition, even in challenging situations, such as scenarios where an attacker had access to a compromised template. The FinTem approach ensured that newly generated templates using different keys were entirely dissimilar to the compromised ones, preventing any unauthorized access.

 

As digital security threats continue to evolve, innovative approaches like FinTem are essential for protecting sensitive biometric data and maintaining user privacy. This breakthrough paves the way for more secure and reliable biometric solutions in the future. 

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
8 Aug 2024

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Khalifa University’s RIC2D and LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Move to Next Phase of Partnership

Collaboration Agreement Facilitates Development of Graphene-Related Products for Precision Applications 

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s Research & Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D) through its commercial arm spinoff company INTRATOMICS™, and LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka-based LOLC Group, today announced their collaboration following an agreement on the development of graphene-related products for precision applications.

 

His Excellency Homaid Abdulla Al Shimmari, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa University, and Manju Gunawardana, CEO-Research and Innovation, LOLC Group, signed the agreement. His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University and Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, LOLC attended the ceremony. 

 

The joint production of graphene in commercial quantities and development of advanced materials manufacturing marks this phase of the partnership as INTRATOMICS™ and LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia consolidate their roles in this agreement following the earlier MoU signed in August 2023.

 

The partnership entails the launch of a state-of-the-art, smart, and cost-effective production facility in Abu Dhabi; the first of its kind in the Middle East. This facility is set to expand and meet regional and global demands for high quality graphene related materials. By producing and developing advanced materials and additives, including Graphene Oxide, Reduced Graphene Oxide, Graphene, and Graphite derivatives, for precision applications, this will contribute to the field of sustainable materials further enabling the diversification of the UAE’s economy.

 

His Excellency Al Shimmari said: “INTRATOMICS’s™ partnership with LOLC Advanced Technologies is a testament to Khalifa University’s consistent commitment to driving innovation and advancing the development of cutting-edge materials. By leveraging our combined expertise, this joint initiative will enable us to develop advanced materials using graphene and related products, ultimately supporting the UAE’s transition towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.”

 

Manju Gunawardana said: “Partnering with INTRATOMICS™ Abu Dhabi, is a catalyst in LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia’s journey towards bringing graphene and 2D nanomaterials to the commercial forefront. Most graphene-related research outcomes are concentrated towards academic results, and this partnership aims to bring such research towards commercial-scale industrial application development.”

 

By developing advanced materials, including Graphene Oxide, Reduced Graphene Oxide, Graphene, and Graphite, for precision applications, RIC2D and LOLC Advanced Technologies aim to contribute to the field of sustainable materials further enabling the diversification of the UAE’s economy.

 

LOLC Advanced Technologies is currently engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality Graphene products for precision application developments.

 

LOLC Group, the parent company of LOLC Advanced Technologies, has operations in 22 countries, and a few of its entities engaged in digital technology and innovation are also incorporated in the UAE. 

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
8 Aug 2024

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Zayed Military University, Khalifa University cooperate to enhance education and research

Zayed Military University (ZMU) and Khalifa University of Science and Technology are collaborating to expand Khalifa University’s educational offerings to a new setting within ZMU.

 

This is a significant step towards enhancing education and research in the UAE. The collaboration will begin with the offering of a ‘Bachelor of Computer Science’ programme starting in January 2025, following approval from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

 

The programme will be taught at the well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities of the ZMU campus, by Khalifa University’s world-class faculty. The programme will be available to qualifying UAE national applicants who are ready to commit to a military career.

 

The admission requirements for the Computer Science programme at ZMU are identical to those of Khalifa University. These include specific high school requirements and EmSAT scores in English, Math, and either Computer Science or Physics. Additionally, ZMU students will undergo a supplementary review process, which includes a physical health screening and a face-to-face interview.

 

The student-to-faculty ratio will be maintained at a low ratio, ensuring a minimal class size designed to promote a high-quality and personalised educational experience. The first group of students will comprise approximately 60 cadets, both male and female, who will commence their university studies in January 2025.

 

Upon successful completion, students will receive their degree from Khalifa University. Major General Mike Hindmarsh, Commandant, Zayed Military University stated: “This collaboration is a testament of our unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality education and training to our cadets. By integrating Khalifa University’s cutting-edge curriculum into our academic offerings, we are enhancing the educational experience for our cadets and preparing the future leaders of the UAE military to excel both academically and professionally.”

 

Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Zayed Military University on this significant milestone in our academic endeavours to expand access to high-quality education and research opportunities. By offering Khalifa University’s Bachelor of Computer Science programme at ZMU, we are equipping the next generation of Emirati leaders with knowledge and the necessary skills to address evolving challenges of the 21st century. The programme seamlessly integrates our faculty’s research and enterprise prowess and cutting-edge innovations, ensuring a robust and relevant educational experience. As we jointly contribute to building a knowledge-based economy, it also aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities of nurturing local tech talent and positioning the country as a hub of digital excellence on the global stage.”

 

This collaboration also involves other academic partners that will be announced in due course upon final agreements. ZMU plans to offer several bachelor’s degrees through its three academic partners, with the full programme roll-out expected by 2027. This strategic collaboration signifies a new era of academic excellence and is aimed at preparing a new generation of highly qualified leaders in various fields. All programmes will be delivered at ZMU campus.

 

Students at ZMU will receive numerous benefits, including a monthly stipend, accommodations and meals, transportation, textbooks, and a laptop. Students also benefit from access to comprehensive medical services, personalised advising and counseling, learning centres, and peer and faculty-led tutoring. These benefits provide a supportive learning environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals. Additionally, students can participate in a range of sports, competitions, and student club activities.

The collaboration will significantly further enhance the provision of high quality of education and research in the UAE, reinforcing the standing of ZMU and Khalifa University as leading educational institutions.

 

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Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi Investment Office to develop largest student accommodation project in GCC

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Khalifa University), has awarded KUnnected Living, a multinational consortium led by Plenary Group, BESIX Group and Mazrui International, a project to develop world-class student accommodation facilities in Abu Dhabi. The project has now successfully reached commercial close.

 

The development is the largest student accommodation project in the GCC be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and includes a 23-year concession to design, build, finance and maintain 3,260 student rooms and communal facilities located across Khalifa University’s Main Campus and its Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus.

 

A signing ceremony took place at Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to mark the commencement of the PPP concession period and the on-site construction activities.

 

The student accommodation project is being implemented through Abu Dhabi’s proven and successful Public Private Partnership Programme, which seeks to expand the role of the private sector in delivering major public sector infrastructure and services. ADIO is the central Abu Dhabi Government authority responsible for the facilitation, development and procurement of all infrastructure projects delivered through the PPP framework.

 

The project underpins Khalifa University’s commitment to provide world-class accommodation solutions that promote a vibrant on-campus student living experience, alongside a rich and inclusive social environment, for local and international students alike. Designed to meet international best practices, the new facilities will offer technology-enabled ensuite rooms for undergraduates and ensuite studios for post-graduate students, as well as expansive communal spaces that include support services, central study areas, fitness studios, a gym, and commercial and retail areas.

 

The new student accommodation facilities form a key part of Khalifa University’s 10-year strategic growth plan to enhance and modernise its teaching, research and living offerings. The research, enterprise and innovation-oriented university remains top ranked in the UAE and is placed 202nd worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

 

The PPP project is set to boost Abu Dhabi’s economy through the attraction of foreign direct investment, and will support of local suppliers and manufacturers by drawing local content and products from the national supply chain for the purposes of development and operation.

 

Plenary, one of the key partners in the KUnnected Living consortium, is an independent long-term investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure that specialises in PPPs and has recently been awarded a US$3.3 billion investment project for La Trobe University in Australia. BESIX Group is a major Belgian-French construction and property developer, with PPP concession experience in the education sector that has been operating in the region for 50 years. Mazrui International is a privately held diversified holding company that operates across numerous industries and asset classes.

 

Yaser Al Nuaimi, Acting Head – Infrastructure Partnerships at ADIO, said: “In Abu Dhabi, we are committed to ensuring that the private sector can play a significant role in strategic infrastructure projects that will create impact and value across the emirate. The Khalifa University accommodation project is a leading example of this: it demonstrates efficient PPP delivery through an effective commercial partnership that supports the development of premier facilities for students choosing to pursue their studies and research in our top-ranked educational facilities.”

 

Dr Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to award the student accommodation public-private partnership contract to the consortium comprising BESIX, Plenary Group, and Mazrui International. This initiative is part of our strategy to provide improved campus facilities and accommodation for an enhanced student living experience, and it seeks to enhance our reputation as one of the leading universities in the region with high-quality infrastructure megaprojects in the education sector.”

 

David Lamming, CEO at Plenary Group, said: “The KUnnected Living consortium is honoured to be selected to deliver the largest on-campus student accommodation developments in the GCC region. We commend the Abu Dhabi Government on its impressive, continued programme of infrastructure development and look forward to working in partnership with ADIO and Khalifa University of Science and Technology to deliver this world-class integrated precinct.”

 

All PPP tenders in Abu Dhabi follow a competitive, transparent and efficient evaluation process in accordance with Abu Dhabi’s PPP Law, and ADIO’s Partnership Projects Guidebook and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy.

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Dynamic Defense Enhances Vehicular Network Security

A new approach, enhanced by deep learning, represents a significant leap in securing vehicular networks

 

Vehicles today are evolving into more than just modes of transport: they are becoming integral components of a vast, dynamic network. As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, they communicate with each other through vehicular ad hoc networks, forming the backbone of the Internet of Vehicles. However, with this interconnectedness come significant security challenges.

 

A team of researchers from Khalifa University says traditional static security measures typically focus on creating robust static defense strategies aimed at providing heightened security against unauthorized access and malicious attacks. They believe these defense mechanisms could be complemented by a dynamic security approach known as Moving Target Defense (MTD), which can adapt to new and emerging cybersecurity threats.

 

Esraa Ghourab, Dr. Shimaa Naser, Prof. Sami Muhaidat, Prof. Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Prof. Ernesto Damiani and Dr. Paschalis Sofotasios proposed an adaptive defense strategy that leverages spatiotemporal diversification to enhance security in cooperative vehicular networks. This involves selecting relay nodes dynamically and adjusting the percentage of fake data injected over time, creating a constantly shifting target for potential attackers. They published their results in Vehicular Communications, a top 1% journal.

 

Vehicular networks are highly dynamic and delay-sensitive, making them particularly difficult to secure. Traditional static security solutions, which work well in more stable environments, struggle to keep up with the changing environments or emerging threats. As a result, attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities, compromising the security and reliability of vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

 

The MTD paradigm presents a promising complementary security solution for vehicular networks, which are increasingly vulnerable to new cyber-attacks due to their connectivity and critical nature. Unlike static defenses, MTD proactively changes the network configurations continuously, creating uncertainty and unpredictability for attackers. By altering system settings such as IP addresses and relay nodes and injecting fake data, MTD significantly complicates the execution of successful attacks.

 

Through extensive simulation experiments, the team demonstrated that their approach significantly enhances the system’s security, offering a robust solution for securing cooperative vehicular networks. By continuously adapting to changing network conditions, the proposed framework provides a higher level of defense against eavesdropping attacks without compromising data transmission efficiency.

 

The team’s findings lay the groundwork for new research and development in vehicular network security. Future work will address the challenges of high network mobility and explore more complex models in real-world scenarios. As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, ensuring their security will be crucial to the success and safety of intelligent transportation systems.

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
29 July 2024

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14-Member Khalifa University Team Wins Second Place Globally at RoboCup 2024 Challenge in Netherlands

Khalifa University Robotics Athletes ‘KURA’ Team Competes in RoboCup with 300 Teams from 45 Countries

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced a 14-member Khalifa University Robotics Athletes (KURA) team has won second place globally in the RoboCup Soccer category, Kid-Size Humanoid league, at the RoboCup 2024 challenge held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

 

With the KURA robot, the multidisciplinary team competed at RoboCup, which included 300 teams from 45 countries across 17 competitions in all five leagues. KURA’s 2nd place achievement came in Khalifa University’s first-ever participation at RoboCup, the premier championship for robotics, founded with the aim of sharing knowledge and accelerating developments in robotics, was organized by the Eindhoven University of Technology, in collaboration with the non-profit foundation Promotech2050, which aims to promote robotics to a wide audience.

 

Dr. Hamad Karki, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, and Principal Investigator of the KURA project, said: “Achieving second place in an international robotics competition in Europe is another strong demonstration of Khalifa University’s expertise in this advanced technology field.  This is especially relevant now as Khalifa University is preparing to host and organize the 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), in Abu Dhabi in October this year. Congratulations to the team that built the KURA Humanoid Robot with special capabilities to achieve excellent results. Their team spirit, technical preparation level, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to hands-on projects are all truly commendable.”

 

With faculty and students from Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, as well as Computer Engineering, the team was advised by Dr. Hamad Karki, Associate Professor, Dr. Giulia De Masi, Program Manager, Visiting Researchers and Dr. Azer Babaev, as Technical Advisor.

 

Khalifa University’s team participated at the RoboCup Kid Size League and demonstrated its skills with the KURA Robot, equipped with a camera to identify the ball, goal post, and other players. With 20 servo-motors and pressure sensors on the feet to regulate ball kicking, it also incorporated AI on the edge to make decisions for fine movements. A dedicated simulator helped in testing the control algorithms in advance before taking the robot to the pitch. The research focus of the KURA robot is mechatronics design, control and multi-agent cooperation at plan and perception levels.

 

In the RoboCup Kid Size League, teams of five fully autonomous robots play soccer with a FIFA size 1 soccer ball. This league showcased the most spectacular football, featuring teams of table-high football robots engaged in a five-on-five game, autonomously controlling the field without any human input. Teams designed their own hardware but all sensors had to be on-board and there is a limit on the size and weight of the robots.

 

Using the sensors, the robots played strategically and shared their position and other data with each other. The driving and shooting capabilities of the robots made the RoboCup competitions attractive to spectators from an entertainment and technology perspective. A human referee’s instructions were relayed to the players via WiFi.

 

The categories for RoboCup 2024 included autonomous soccer robots competing against each other, home robots assisting with daily tasks, rescue robots detecting victims in disaster situations, industrial robots, and junior competitions where approximately 1,000 young participants competed with their self-built and programmed robots.

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
25 July 2024

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His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri Appointed as President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced that the Abu Dhabi Executive Council has issued a resolution appointing His Excellency Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri as President of Khalifa University.

 

His Excellency Prof. Al Hajri brings over a decade of extensive experience in management, engineering, and higher education and his leadership has been pivotal in driving operational excellence, strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation at Khalifa University. His impressive track record includes transformative work at the Petroleum Institute and the Emirates College for Advanced Education, positioning him uniquely to lead the university into its next phase of growth and academic excellence.

 

His Excellency Prof. Al Hajri received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, US, and his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado University. He received his bachelor’s from University of Arizona.

 

His Excellency Prof. Al Hajri earned his professorship in Mechanical Engineering from Khalifa University following his academic achievements and his contributions locally and globally to scientific research in his field of specialization. Chair and member of various professional local and international technical committees including American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), His Excellency Prof. Al Hajri has also been serving as the chapter’s board of governors since 2010.

 

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Khalifa University Faculty Elevated as Senior Editor of IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery Journal

Dr. Mohamed Shawki El Moursi Receives Additional Recognition from IEEE 

 

Khalifa University’s Dr. Mohamed Shawki El Moursi, Director, Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) and Professor, Electrical Engineering, is appointed as Senior Editor of IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, which focuses on innovations in electric power transmission and distribution technology. It covers critical areas such as power system protection, instrumentation, communication, and grounding; as well as electromagnetic transients, power quality, and substation automation.  

 

Dr. El Moursi is an IEEE Fellow (Class of 2024) for his contributions to “Renewable Energy Integration and Hybrid Power Grids”, and a Distinguished Lecturer of IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES). He received several international and national prestigious awards such as his academic expertise and his research team’s development of the SAVE software, earned first place in the R&D Award category for Universities and Research Centers from the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) in 2023. His other recognitions include the Khalifa Award for Education ‘Distinguished University Professor’ in 2022; ‘Outstanding Associate Editor Award’ for the IEEE Transactions on Power Systems in 2021, the ‘Member for Mohamed Bin Rashid Scientists Council’, UAE in July 2021 and Mission Innovation Champion in 2019 at Fourth Mission Innovation Ministerial event in Vancouver, Canada in 2019. 

 

Dr. El Moursi has published 241 scientific articles in top-quality journals and conferences with a record of 130 IEEE Transactions and has several U.S. patents. He has also successfully secured research grants based on internally and externally funded projects from Europe, North America, GCC region, and South Korea. In addition, 10 PhD and 35 MSc students have graduated and achieved several awards under his guidance.  

 

He serves as Editor for IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions on Power System (2017-2023); Guest Editor-in-Chief for a special section of IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and Power Delivery (2019- 2021); Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics; Regional Editor of IET RPG and Associate Editor for IET Power Electronics. He was elected in 2018 to chair the IEEE PES chapter in UAE after serving more than two years as a Vice Chair (2015-2018). 

 

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Khalifa University Joins Hands with Belgium’s KU Leuven to Launch Dual PhD Program in the Field of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering

PhD Students to Spend Part of Their Studies at KU Leuven to Work on Collaborative Research Projects 

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced the launch of a dual PhD program in the field of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, in partnership with KU Leuven of Belgium, providing students from both institutions the opportunity to gain international research experience.  

 

According to an agreement signed by both institutions, Khalifa University students will spend at least one year of their PhD studies at KU Leuven. This time will be primarily dedicated to conducting research under the joint supervision of advisors from Khalifa University and KU Leuven. Similarly, KU Leuven students will have the opportunity to gain international research experience and a dual PhD degree by spending at least one year at Khalifa University.  

 

Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to launch this dual PhD program with KU Leuven to facilitate shared research excellence in the field of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. This will enable students to further expand their skills set, especially working in a laboratory, experiment planning, research and data interpretation. We believe this program will not only help strengthen human capital development and exchange of expertise in strategic areas for the UAE and the region but accelerate progress in scientific research and subsequent innovations, while enhancing opportunities for various international research programs.”  

 

Professor Luc Sels, Rector of KU Leuven, added: “KU Leuven is looking forward to collaborating with Khalifa University on this dual PhD program. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing research in biomedical sciences. Our joint efforts will provide students with a unique and enriching academic experience, promoting scientific breakthroughs that address global health challenges.” 

 

The final PhD thesis will be examined by a joint committee from the two institutions and an independent examiner from another institution. Successful students will receive a certificate from both Khalifa University as well as from KU Leuven.  

 

Earlier in 2022, the two institutions joined forces to initiate a Biomedical Science Discovery (BISDI) program supported initially for a two-year run-in period by an investment of €10 million for Khalifa University and VIB, KU Leuven. The objective of the program was to develop new treatments for diabetes by innovative intelligent systems-based target discovery and drug target validation tools.  

 

Khalifa University currently offers PhD programs in the broad fields of Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, and Public Health. 

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
24 July 2024

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How MXene Quantum Dots are Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

New study unveils the impact of MXene quantum dots on tumor and immune cells as nanoparticles offer new hope in the fight against cancer

 

In a significant leap forward for cancer nanomedicine, a groundbreaking study has revealed how MXene quantum dots (MQDs) interact with tumors and their surrounding environments to influence cancer treatment outcomes.

 

Khalifa University’s Dr. Lucia Gemma Delogu led an international group of scientists from Ankara University, Turkey; University of Manitoba, Canada; Drexel University, USA; Gazi University, Turkey; and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization. Their research was published in Nano Today, a top 1% journal. Their research highlights the potential of MQDs to enhance cancer therapy through their interactions with immune cells and tumor microenvironments (TMEs).

 

Nanoparticles have become a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy, known for their ability to overcome the limitations of traditional treatments. However, the complex and heterogeneous nature of tumors presents ongoing challenges. A TME is a dynamic ecosystem, comprising cancer cells and a diverse array of immune cells that can significantly affect the efficacy of treatments. Understanding how nanoparticles interact with these various cell types is crucial for developing more effective therapies.

 

The research team explored the use of a particular bidimensional material: MXene quantum dots. Their small size and fluorescent properties made them ideal for tracking and studying their distribution with tumors. The researchers used spatial transcriptomics, an advanced technique combining histology and sequencing, to map the gene expression and cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment. By injecting MQDs into breast cancer tumors in mice, they tracked how these nanoparticles distributed themselves within the tumor and influenced various cell population reactions.

 

In regions where MQDs accumulated in high concentrations, a notable tumor-suppressive effect was observed. These areas showed increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) and decreased proliferation of tumor cells. Gene expression analysis indicated significant downregulation of pathways involved in cell survival and a process often linked to cancer metastasis.

 

Conversely, in regions with low MQD accumulation, a more protumorigenic profile was seen, meaning that the cellular and molecular environment in these regions was conducive to tumor growth and survival, rather than suppression. This highlights the importance of ensuring adequate distribution of nanoparticles within the tumor to achieve the desired therapeutic effect of inhibiting tumor growth.

 

The researchers found that B cells and plasma cells were key players in high-MQD regions. These immune cells were activated in response to MQD accumulation, suggesting that MQDs can modulate the immune landscape within the tumor. This activation could potentially enhance the body’s natural immune response against cancer cells.

 

 Using spatial transcriptomic provided detailed insights into the molecular and cellular dynamics at play, paving the way for more targeted and effective nanomedicine strategies. Further research will need to explore various MXenes and cancer types to fully understand the complex interactions within the TME.

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
22 July 2024