Masdar Institute Students and YFEL Members Return from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

11-Day Practical Experience Program Empowers Students to Contribute to UAE's Energy Conservation Objectives

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 19 July, 2011 - Students from the Masdar Institute (MI) Foundation Program who have returned from an 11-day practical experience session at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said the learning experience gained in the US has empowered them to play productive roles in realizing the UAE's energy conservation mandate.

The Masdar Institute Practical Experience at MIT is a collaborative endeavor between the Masdar Institute and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Organized by MIT Energy Initiative, the intensive program on integrated energy systems and sustainability was conducted from June 20-29 and drew the participation of students from the MI Foundation Program and select members of the MI Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program.

Student participant Fatima Bedwawi said: "All the six modules that were offered at the MIT workshops were enriching and valuable. The sessions particularly provided insight into the possible challenges that a nation could face while embracing sustainable technology. I strongly believe that issues discussed at MIT should be tackled in the UAE. I look forward to applying the learning gained in practical scenarios."

The sessions at MIT opened on 19 June with the 'Orientation to Energy Systems and the Practical Experience Program' by Prof. Vladimir Bulović, Professor of Electrical Engineering. The seminar was followed by a welcome reception.

Professors Steven Leeb, Electrical Engineering, MIT, and James Kirtley, Computer Science, MIT, focused on 'Energy Conversion' during the first module that examined commercial machine examples, reviewed and analyzed electric motor/machine operation and performance. The session also engaged the students in designing, building and testing a motor.

The module on 'Energy Storage and Batteries' was conducted by Professors Daniel Nocera, Henry Dreyfus Professor of Energy, MIT, and Gerbrand Ceder, Richard P. Simmons Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

Professor Fiona Murray, Associate Professor of Management in the Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship Group at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Faculty Director of the MIT Entrepreneurship Center, led the session on 'Energy Innovation and Entrepreneurship'. This module included visits to local energy start-up companies.

The module titled 'Solar Energy: Emerging Technologies and Applications' was hosted by Professors Vladimir Bulovic, Professor of Electrical Engineering at MIT, and Marc Baldo, Associate Director of the Research Laboratory of Electronics, and the Director of the Center for Excitonics, a US Department of Energy-supported Energy Frontier Research Center.

Following a weekend break, Professors Leon Glicksman and David Perrault covered 'Buildings, Smart Grids, and Efficiency', while Professor John Sterman focused on 'International Climate Negotiation'. The module on 'Water, Energy and Environment' was led by Professor John Lienhard.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: "The collaboration with MIT has provided our students with access to a leading research institute and, through it, to cutting-edge technology in the field of renewable energy and sustainability. I am confident the students have made best use of the opportunity and will leverage their learning for the benefit of the UAE. We hope to offer many such exposures to our students in the future."

Professor Steven Griffiths, Director of Initiatives, Masdar Institute, said: "I am very pleased that the practical experience session has greatly stimulated our students. I can see that they are very enthusiastic about implementing what they learned in the UAE. Together with MIT we hope to lay the foundation for a sustainable future for the nation and the society at large."

Dr Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, added: "Green solutions are in the nascent stage in the UAE. This program has provided our students with access to renewable energy and sustainability solutions as well as MIT faculty that possess a vast international exposure and immense experience in the development of green technologies. We are sure that the cultural exchange has also been of much benefit to our students. Through such initiatives, we hope to empower our students to innovate and provide society with green ideas that can be implemented, maintained and integrated within one's lifestyle for a more comfortable and secure future."

Established in 2006, the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) has positioned MIT as a leader in a new era of highly focused energy-related activity. Situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, a vibrant hub of energy innovation, MIT's Energy Initiative represents an institutional commitment to multidisciplinary energy research and education.

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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: