The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Zayed University (ZU) have announced the winning proposals submitted under the first joint research programme between the two universities.
This came during a ceremony attended by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and President of ZU; and Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the UAEU; senior administration, and faculty and researchers from both universities.
The Chancellor explained the rationale for the joint research programme by saying,
"Our two institutions were created to foster the infrastructure of knowledge and capability that provides essential foundation for our nation's stability and progress. We are responsible for providing qualified and skilled individuals to form future generations of professionals, entrepreneurs, and creative innovators.
"We are entrusted with the resources that researchers and research institutes need to push forward the frontiers of what is known, provide solutions for current economic and social challenges, and advise us on future possibilities."
The UAEU-ZU joint research programme supports research and development projects in areas of national priority: health sciences, space science and astronomy, water, energy, food and environmental sciences, big data and artificial intelligence, and social and economic sciences.
The total budget for each winning research proposal is shared equally between UAEU and ZU, up to a total of AED400,000 for laboratory-based projects and AED250,000 for others.
Winners are identified after an external evaluation of each proposal submitted by respected peers in the relevant academic fields. The evaluation examines the quality of the proposal in terms of its academic significance, novelty, and alignment to institutional strategies. The programme will run every year, with the administration alternating between UAEU and ZU.
A total of 58 proposals were submitted under a competitive process of evaluation.
In conclusion, he said,
"I look forward to hearing about the progress and development of each project and wish you the very best of success. I have every confidence that the value of your joint outputs will be greater than our investments. Together UAEU and ZU serve the ten principles set by our nation for the coming fifty years."
Al Kaabi, in turn, assured that this cooperation will unite the efforts of two prestigious academic institutions to continue progress towards elevating the academic and research standard and efficiency that we offer to the young leaders of tomorrow and the whole world.
"We prioritise tasks of preparing more proficient and capable generations to participate in pushing the barriers of progress and development during the next phase. This is one of our most important national duties. We are overseeing a new era - represented by the Projects of the next 50 years - that aims to empower our youth for new changes and the challenges it may bring to further develop our nation."
News Source: Emirates News Agency
