Partnership will allow for Professorship Chair of Semiconductor Research at UAEU
Abu Dhabi, 03 November 2010: Underscoring a long-term commitment to the development of a research and innovation environment in Abu Dhabi, the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) today formally announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will secure the establishment of a Professorship Chair for Semiconductor Research. Spanning both educational and research initiatives, the MoU will promote research excellence and the application of advanced technologies to support and encourage advanced technology innovation in the Emirate.
The professorship chair will build on the aim of aligning academia with the research needs of the advanced technology industry. It also falls in line with the Higher Education Strategy of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) which aims to strengthen the quality of local academic organizations through targeted and industrially-aligned research, in addition to providing new opportunities for students to benefit from an international-standard education here in the UAE.
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, Director General of ADEC, said: "Abu Dhabi's Higher Education Strategy underscores the importance of industrial partnerships with academia in providing world-class learning opportunities for students in Abu Dhabi. The Strategy is a key building block aimed at the creation of innovation-based economy in Abu Dhabi."
"It is through collaboration with academic partners and researchers that we can begin to establish Abu Dhabi as a research and development hub," said Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of ATIC. "Through our partnership with UAEU we are taking important steps toward establishing a culture of research that will contribute to bringing us fully in line with the economic development goals of Abu Dhabi," he added.
H.E. Dr Abdulla Al Khanbashi, Vice-Chancellor of UAEU, said: "We are delighted to begin our relationship with ATIC with the creation of the professorship chair. The partnership is yet another example of our commitment to providing research which is directly relevant to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. As part of this, our emphasis on research in the field of advanced technologies will ensure our students can access world-class research and learning opportunities within the UAE.
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About ATIC
The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) was created in 2008. A technology investment company wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, ATIC is focused on making significant investments in the advanced technology sector, both locally and internationally. Its mandate is to generate returns that deliver long-term benefits to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
ATIC seeks to leverage the unique advantages it enjoys as an investor from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to identify and realize long-term investment opportunities in the highly competitive and capital-intensive advanced technology sector. These advantages include significant and reliable capital, a patient investment philosophy, and a subsequently long-term investment horizon.
For more information about ATIC visit www.advancedtechnologyic.com
About UAEU
UAEU is a 21st Century research-based university, providing research solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world. The university was ranked 372 globally by The Times of London in 2010 for research. For more information about UAEU visit www.uaeu.ac.ae
Houssam Kablawi Edelman
Tel: +971 50 4415126
e-mail: houssam.kablawi@edelman.com
© Press Release 2010
