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A Forum to Raise Awareness on the Importance of Research and Innovation

University Leadership Council Aims to Facilitate the Creation of Next Generation of Innovators from Arab World

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 12 February, 2012 - In an increasingly multi-polar world that seeks the finest in products and services, 'change' remains the only constant factor. This is even more evident in technology where research drives innovation.But for research to play its instrumental role, a solid foundation through education is vital. It is in this context, the UAE's University Leadership Council, an organization led by five higher education institutions, is organizing a forum titled 'Innovation: bridging the knowledge-based economy'.

Organized under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, the forum will include a panel on government that will have several experts including Mughair Al Khaili, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Education Council.

According to a recent study on, 'Laying the foundations: A new era for R&D in the Middle East', conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and sponsored by the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) of Abu Dhabi, the Arab world with its sound policies and a long-term vision, has the potential to become a significant hub for global R&D over the next decade.

Though the EIU report highlights the region's significant progress in establishing educational centers that will provide a pipeline of R&D talent for the future, it also spells out what is imperative now. The report calls for even higher investment in education, particularly at the postgraduate level that will have to be adequately followed up by developing an innovation culture through the introduction of funding mechanisms and greater market competition.

Taking a cue from such studies, the University Leadership Council is organizing this forum to drive home the need to initiate proactive measures. The University Leadership Council's Executive Council members expect that the forum will help highlight the need for support from industrial, government, and private individuals for the academic and research activities that are relevant to the overall economic development of the country.

The Executive Council members of the University Leadership Council will be panelists on the academia panel. They include Dr. Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University, Dr. Larry Wilson, Provost of Zayed University (ZU), Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS), and Dr. Rory Hume, Provost of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) . Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, is also a panel member. Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, will moderate the session.

Three panels highlighting the roles of the government, academia and industry in driving R&I will discuss what could be done to further spread awareness on imbibing the culture of research among the students and the youth. High-profile speakers across the three key sectors will seek to share their expertise in addressing the challenges in meeting this objective.

The topics are suitably chosen to lead the experts into in-depth discussions at the forum. The Academic Panel is titled 'Development of a robust R&I and human capital development', while the Industry Panel will focus on 'Innovation as a means to enhance global competitiveness'. The Government Panel will reiterate the extent of the UAE's commitment to the development of a robust R&I infrastructure and the policies and regulatory systems that will have to be put in place to protect the IP rights and to facilitate transition of innovation from R&I institutions into the market place.

One of the key points for the industry panel will be to what extent industrial enterprises have to collaborate with academic and research institutions to develop appropriate technology in their field. Several higher education institutions are already conducting research in specialized areas in collaboration with leading global and regional corporations, emphasizing the fact that was highlighted in the EIU study.

The EIU study is based on a global survey of 214 companies, all of which had previously invested in the Middle East. Among the respondent companies, more than half those that have already invested in the region said they expected to increase their R&D investment over the next three years. At the same time, around 40% of the companies from outside the region also said they plan to increase their R&D investment over a similar timeframe.

One striking point that came out of the survey was that R&D centers in the region for the most part are relatively small, and generally focused on late-stage development rather than "blue skies" research. The term blue skies research implies a freedom to carry out flexible, curiosity-driven research that leads to outcomes not envisaged at the outset. This research often challenges accepted thinking and introduces new fields of study. It is this kind of research the University Leadership Forum seeks to raise awareness on among the youth in the UAE and the region.

In 2010, the UNESCO Science Report pointed out that the GCC states have no solid science and technology (S&T) base and their higher education systems perform poorly when it comes to generating knowledge. Though these countries have successfully developed their infrastructure, science and technology-based development "has taken a back seat" until recently, it added. While governments in the region have already initiated several measures in this area, additional targeted investments will help offset such a scenario and the decision by the UAE's higher education leadership to set up the University Leadership Council is one such step in this direction.

The UNESCO report also highlights that between 1998 and 2010, only five recipients of the annual L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science for Africa and the Arab States came from Arab countries. However, one of the recipients was Dr. Lihadh Al-Gazali from the UAE, who won the prize in 2008 for her work on genetic disorders. Dr. Al-Gazali is currently Professor of Clinical Genetics and Pediatrics at the UAE University .

As a platform for academic leaderships, the University Leadership Council aims to share creative ideas, foster common interests and spearhead new initiatives for innovation and technology transfer in the region. Thus the forum 'Innovation: bridging the knowledge-based economy', which will gather thought leaders in the three areas, is envisaged to draw out key insights from the discussions and help the council fulfill one of its objectives - nurturing and facilitating the development of the next generation of innovators in the Arab world.

Acting as a link for faculty and students to interface with both the public and private sectors, the University Leadership Council aims to seek industrial, government, and private individual financial support for the academic and research activities of the universities. It is also mandated to advance the educational goals of the UAE-based universities and align their policies with the government with regard to meeting the requirements of the industry and the economy.

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About University Leadership Council
The University Leadership Council (ULC) has been established to serve as a platform for academic leaderships to share creative ideas, foster common interests and spearhead new initiatives for innovation and technology transfer in the region. The Council will work with industry and government to highlight the importance and contribution of higher education to the development of human capital and R&D capacity, and will seek industrial as well as government financial support for research which is relevant to and promotes the overall economic development of the country.

The ULC's objectives include:

• Address higher education issues and needs;
  
  
• Foster synergy through cooperative research and academic activities;
  
  
• Act as a link for faculty and students to interface with both the public and private sectors;
  
  
• Seek industrial, government, and private financial support for the academic and research activities of the universities;
  
  
• Raise awareness of the importance of R&D and the need to promote science and technology in the UAE through local meetings, forums and seminars;
  
  
• Encourage and support university, government and industry partnerships in order to advance research and innovation and fulfill the country's vision;
  
  

About the UAE University
Basis of Authority
The United Arab Emirates University was established by the Founding Father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace), by virtue of Federal Law 4 of the year 1976.UAEU is a research?based institution providing research solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world.

UAE University Council
The UAE University Council is the governing body responsible for the management of the academic and administrative affairs of the University.

Faculties and Departments
UAEU has nine faculties through which academic staff conduct their teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels while pursuing research and scholarly investigations. The University General Requirements Unit (UGRU) offers a preparation program to ensure that students are adequately prepared for university study.

UAEU Faculties provide comprehensive opportunities for study and careers to more than 12,300 students offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University offers 71 Bachelor's degrees, 23 Master's degrees in 9 Faculties, and the UAE's first national university PhD program offering 3 Doctorate degrees with 70 students in six Faculties.

University Management
The Vice?Chancellor is responsible for the management of the university as well as the overall direction of institutional planning, budget and financial activities, and external relations. The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer and Chief Operating Officer responsible for undergraduate education, research and graduate studies, and services that support the academic mission of UAEU.

The Secretary General is responsible for services that support the academic mission and includes finance, budget, facilities management, human resouces, auxiliary services, and safety. The Deans are the heads of Faculties, which are groupings of academic disciplines, through which the academic staff conduct teaching at undergraduate and post graduate levels, and pursue research and scholarly investigations.

Research Emphasis
Research is the engine that drives advancement in technology, agriculture, medicine, law, the economy and science; the development of research drives policy and underpins growth. UAEU, the research engine for the nation, continues to develop this strong research mission.

Student Life
Students from all seven Emirates plus more than 20 countries enrich and enliven the campus and the classrooms. The 7,200 students who live on campus enjoy a full range of organized campus activities and events that add a unique educational value and vibrant dimension to each student's academic program. Classrooms and labs feature state?of?the art equipment and instructional technology to enhance student learning and contribute to academic success.

Graduates
The more than 51,000 UAEU graduates provide leadership throughout the UAE, the Gulf region and increasingly the global community. UAEU is committed to the human development goals and cultural values expressed by Sheikh Zayed in establishing UAEU as the national university in 1976.

Staff
Thirty?two faculty members were promoted this year and 94 faculty were recruited during the year under review. Thirteen nationals were appointed through the National Teaching Assistants (TA) Program, all of whom have been sent abroad to pursue their graduate studies, while three TAs obtained their PhDs and were appointed as Assistant Professors.

The UAEU prides itself by employing 192 Emirati National faculty, which is over 26% of all faculty, confirming that the university is truly a National university.

Wide Range of Strong Bachelor's Degree Programs
UAEU recognizes its special responsibility to the community by making knowledge and resources readily accessible. More than 730 faculty members add unique quality to every undergraduate degree and unparalleled academic opportunities for students.

In 2010?2011 UAEU: distributed enhanced recruitment materials to more than 26,000 prospective students and secondary school personnel; processed applications and admission for 5,100 new undergraduate and graduate students; scheduled 9,300 courses and final examinations; conducted online registrations for 40,500 students; processed and recorded 99,600 final grades; verified degree completion and prepared and distributed diplomas for 2,850 graduates; issued 14,350 official transcripts and attestations; and billed graduate students and sponsors for tuition and fees in excess of AED 11.5 million.

Transformation of the UAEU
Significant progress has been made this year towards the transformation of UAEU. The strategy is outlined in six core goals, which form the basis of this Annual Report.

About Zayed University
Zayed University is an educational centre of excellence in an emerging and evolving nation, the UAE. Proudly bearing the name of the founder of the nation- the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - it stands for innovation, inspiration, and education. The University was founded to prepare male and female leaders who will provide the knowledge and abilities this nation will need to enjoy a future of security and progress. It offers an academic program that prepares talented, ambitious and enthusiastic students for success in government, the arts, business, media and IT and to meet the challenges of a dynamic twenty-first century world.The University was founded for UAE National women in 1998, with campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Today, the University is educating more than 7,000 female and male students from more than 19 countries to compete and thrive in a global environment.

The university is considered the first university in the Middle East to be accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University's programs are recognized internationally as coming from a quality assured university. This is considered an accomplishment as this accreditation has not been given to any other university outside the United States.

Since its inception, the University has set ambitious development targets and is adamant that these will be accomplished without losing sight of UAE national culture, heritage and identity. As a national educational leader of the UAE, Zayed University celebrates past, present and future by combining Emirati traditions with progressive and innovative pedagogical practices.

About Khalifa University
Khalifa University was established in February 2007 by a decree issued by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to complement Abu Dhabi's 2030 vision, which aims at building a knowledge-based economy that effectively contributes to the development of the UAE.

Khalifa University's main campus is located in Abu Dhabi, while it operates with another campus in Sharjah, and presently offers bachelor degrees in Computer, Communication, Electronic, Software, Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, Master's and Doctorate degree programs in Computer, Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering, in addition to Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Information Security and International and Civil Security.

In the future, Khalifa University will also offer degrees in other disciplines of Engineering, Logistics and Management and Life Sciences which include bachelor degrees in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Moreover, Khalifa University will include research centres in disciplines such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Energy, Nanotechnology, Aerospace and Health Sciences.

Khalifa University is open to men and women from all nationalities with particular emphasis being placed on educating young UAE nationals. For more information, please visit www.kustar.ac.ae

About Masdar Institute
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.

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

For more information please visit our website http://www.masdar.ac.ae/.

About The American University Of Sharjah
Founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has come a long way since its inception. Today, a complex of stunning buildings on a beautiful campus plays host to over 5,500 students from 82 different nations, and a highly qualified and experienced full-time faculty of more than 350 dedicated individuals.The vision and support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the commitment of its faculty and staff, the adherence to standards of academic excellence, all have contributed immensely to the enviable reputation that AUS has come to enjoy throughout the Gulf in such a short span of time. With a rich multinational campus environment, AUS has since the beginning aimed at fostering and encouraging cross-cultural contacts.

Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, coeducational institution of higher education formed on the American model. However, it is thoroughly grounded in Arab culture.

AUS offers 25 majors and 52 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Architecture, Art and Design, and School of Business and Management.American University of Sharjah is licensed in the United States by the Department of Education of the State of Delaware. It is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215 662 5606). AUS is also licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education, and all undergraduate and graduate programs are recognized by the ministry and have been awarded either accreditation or accreditation-eligible status. All six of the bachelor's degree programs in the AUS College of Engineering are accredited by ABET, Inc. of the United States. The Bachelor of Architecture program of the College of Architecture, Art and Design is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the United States. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) as well as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degrees offered by the School of Business and Management are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Typical of the American system of higher education, AUS also places great stress on the development of the non-academic aspect of a student's university life. Students are encouraged to participate in all manner of extra-curricular activities, form clubs and societies, stage events, work for the university student newspaper and literary magazine, and join the various sports and athletic teams on campus.

The AUS library is one of the most impressive buildings on campus. With an area of over 10,000 square meters, the beautifully-designed, state-of-the-art, three-story library is the first of its kind in the region. Since the inception, the AUS library was envisaged as a leading center for research and knowledge, further strengthening the university's role as a premier institution of higher learning in the Middle East.

With the vast array of on-campus facilities on offer, the cumulative teaching expertise of a highly qualified and dedicated faculty, and the strict adherence to standards of academic excellence, it is no wonder that AUS has earned such acclaim throughout the region in such a short span of time since it first opened its doors in 1997.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Momen Khaiti, Specialist/PR & Media at Khalifa University
Tel: +9712 4018066
Mobile: +971 559568864
momen.khaiti@kustar.ac.ae

For more information contact:
Name: Bader Al Zarei
Communications Manager
Public Affairs Department
Email: balzarei@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 8109372 © Press Release 2012