Masdar Institute and US National Academies of Sciences to Partner with Petroleum Institute, Khalifa University, and NYU Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 October, 2016 

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in partnership with Petroleum Institute, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, and New York University Abu Dhabi, today jointly announced they will host the Fourth Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium in Abu Dhabi.

The symposium, scheduled to be held from 5-7 November 2016, will discuss major scientific advances on a wide array of topics, and aims to contribute to building sustainable partnerships with high-level individuals and academic institutions in the Arab region. The symposium will bring together between 80 and 100 scientists, engineers, and medical professionals from the US and 21 countries of the Arab League.

The goal of these meetings is to enhance scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the US, including the Arab science diaspora, and facilitate research collaboration within and beyond the region.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “Our decision to join with our partners to host the Arab-American Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium signifies our belief in bringing together the best scientific minds in the region and the world to inspire innovation. The symposium will help us to further build on the impact of our academic and research achievements as well as our growing reputation as a research-oriented institution. We believe the knowledge exchange resulting from this prestigious conference will substantially raise awareness about the relevance of collaborative research among scientists and engineers from across the Arab and American communities.”

Dr. Dalal Najib, senior program officer at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and director of the Arab-American Frontiers program said:“The program provides a platform to engage, connect and empower brilliant young researchers and highlights that they can be at the forefront of scientific and technological development. The symposium is participant-driven and is therefore an excellent opportunity for both organizing committee members and general participants to strengthen their leadership, communication and organizational skills and expand their professional network. In addition, by convening a group of participants that is diverse not only in research fields, but also geographically, the Arab American Frontiers symposia is building bridges and fostering mutual understanding between countries.”

The conference will address topics including ‘Solar Energy and Water for Sustainable Living’, ‘Nanotechnology for Next Generation Electronics and Photonics’, ‘Exploring the Brain’, ‘Advances in Petroleum Geosciences, Oil and Gas Exploration’, and ‘New Spacecraft Technologies for Earth and Space Exploration’. The organizing committee, which includes specialists from U.S. and regional institutions, finalized the topics at a recent meeting at Masdar Institute. The co-chairs of the committee are Dr. Nader Behdad from the University of Wisconsin and Dr. TieJun Zhang, Masdar Institute.

The Arab-American Frontiers Program is based on the long-standing Frontiers of Science and Engineering Programs managed by the US National Academies over the past 20 years. The Arab-American Frontiers program is designed to enhance the scientific exchange and dialogue among young researchers in Arab countries and the US.

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About Masdar Institute
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.

An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar’s core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity’s toughest challenges such as climate change.

Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

●      MSc Engineering Systems and Management

●      MSc Computing and Information Science

●      MSc Materials Science and Engineering

●      MSc Mechanical Engineering

●      MSc Water and Environmental Engineering

●      MSc Microsystems Engineering

●      MSc Electrical Power Engineering

●      MSc Chemical Engineering

●      MSc Sustainable Critical Infrastructure

●      PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Please visit our website http://www.masdar.ac.ae

For more information contact:
Name: Shaima Al Jarman
Director – Marketing & Communications
Public Affairs Department
Email: saljarman@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 810 9365

© Press Release 2016