Agreement to Cover Exchange of Faculty Researchers, Students, Research Materials, Publications and Information

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 January, 2014 - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the University of Tokyo today jointly announced they have signed an agreement for academic and research collaboration, laying the foundation for many forms of partnerships.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Junichi Hamada, President, the University of Tokyo, and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute. The collaboration was announced during the seventh edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2014, organized in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. H.E. Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and His Excellency Yoshihiko Kamo, Ambassador of Japan in the UAE were present on the occasion.

Some areas that the agreement will lead include 'exchange of faculty research staff and graduate students', 'implementation of joint research and joint symposia', 'exchange of research materials, publications, and information', as well as 'lectures and courses by research and academic staff'.

His Excellency Yoshihiko Kamo, Ambassador of Japan in the UAE, said: "Japan remains keen to cooperate with the UAE in the academic arena, especially through research-oriented institutions such as Masdar Institute. We welcome the agreement between the University of Tokyo and Masdar Institute and believe such partnerships will lead to knowledge creation in emerging sectors."

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh said: "We consider the cooperation agreement with the University of Tokyo as an essential tool for building Masdar Institute's network of top international universities, especially those focused on research for knowledge sharing. The support of the UAE's leadership continues to guide us in establishing effective collaborations that are designed to bring productive outcomes. We hope the agreement will help us to further enhance our contribution to the region's human capital development."

Dr. Junichi Hamada, President, the University of Tokyo, said: "Being one of the top research universities in Asia, we are keen to engage other renowned institutions that are dedicated to research in sustainability areas. This agreement will further entrench each other's commitment to advanced research, especially in Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. We hope the agreement will pave way for increased knowledge exchange between the two institutions."

At present, Masdar Institute has three graduate students from the University of Tokyo. They are Atsuko Kamioka, Momoko Nakamura and Sonoko Ito.

The agreement with the University of Tokyo builds on a number of collaborations Masdar Institute has already established in Asia in general. Some of the significant partnerships include the deal on annual summer internship program with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and research collaborations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Several leading Japanese corporate entities are already partnering with Masdar Institute on the summer internship program.

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.

Established as an on-going collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 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.

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

PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

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

For more information contact:
Name: Bader Al Zarei
Director - Communications
Public Affairs Department
Email: balzarei@masdar.ac.ae
Phone: +971 02 8109372

© Press Release 2014