The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) announced it will be hosting its 2024 Solicitation Update Workshop this week in preparation of its 6th Cycle, which will open for submission to researchers worldwide at the beginning of next year.
Hailing from world-class entities such as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Munich University, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), many of the participants will join these pivotal discussions for the first time as UAEREP’s network of experts continues to expand.
The workshop will ultimately culminate with finalising the 6th Cycle solicitation document.
Each cycle, UAEREP requests innovative research and technology proposals that advance the field of rain enhancement. This year, workshop will focus on five key thrust areas, which include optimised seeding materials, rain enhancement systems, autonomous technology, and advanced models, software and data.
Commenting on the workshop, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the WMO, highlighted the workshop as a testament to the commitment to international cooperation in cloud seeding research. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with prominent scientists and experts to define research priorities and develop sustainable solutions for water scarcity and security, both for the UAE and globally.
Alya Al Mazroui, UAEREP Director, expressed pride in the programme's decade-long support of 14 projects and emphasised the importance of the workshop in preparing for the 6th grant cycle. The event aims to expand UAEREP's impact in rain enhancement research, engage in productive discussions, and address critical global water issues.
Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud, Founding Director of the Climate and Water Programme at the Middle East Institute, and the Workshop’s Chair, stressed the significance of bringing together top scientific minds to shape UAEREP's future. He underscored that the insights and collaborations fostered during the workshop would be vital in driving the programme's mission and achieving the goals of the upcoming 6th Cycle grant solicitation.
Through holding the upcoming workshop, the programme seeks to attract innovative research projects that will expand the global knowledge base in the field of rain enhancement research.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
