Partners advocating enhanced collaboration among students, professors, researchers & entrepreneurs
The Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and the renowned European technology institute Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have announced their collaboration for the creation of a university campus in Ras Al Khaimah, during a press conference held today (Thursday, May 14, 2009) at the Al Hamra Convention Centre in Ras Al Khaimah.
The mission of the new university campus is to develop leading-edge research programs, graduate and post-graduate educational programs (Master's, PhD, Continuing Education) and practical and innovative technology transfer interfaces with the industrial and economic base in the UAE. These activities will take place in state-of-the-art scientific and technological infrastructures. The project will give the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE, the high-level research and teaching resources necessary for taking on the daunting technological challenges that the Arabian Gulf states will be facing in domains such as energy, environment, construction, and information technology.
EPFL and RAKIA will promote closer cooperation between students, members of the academe, researchers and entrepreneurs. Attendees led by H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, listened to how RAKIA would support EPFL in locally applying its unique methods of transdisciplinary research and inter-organizational coordination.
"We are intensifying efforts to improve our infrastructure and utilities to maintain our status as one of the Middle East's most attractive business and investment destinations. A key factor that will determine our long-term success is our ability to expand our research and scientific capabilities to match the needs of local industries. Strategic ventures with prominent institutions such as EPFL are vital for us to attain our development goals," said H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi.
RAKIA will promote research and educational programs in the emirate, the acquisition of scientific and technical equipment, and infrastructure operations in coordination with EPFL. The project also involves collaboration with EPFL's more than 250 laboratories and research groups in its Lausanne, Switzerland Campus. In addition, both parties are preparing a joint- and equally-owned financial structure.
Pascal Couchepin, Minister of the Federal Department of Home Affairs - Social Affairs, Health and Education - Switzerland, said: "We fully support Ras Al Khaima's commitment to the advancement of education, science and research using our own successful experiences in these fields. The EPFL-RAKIA alliance reflects the importance of considering both the economic and social aspects of national growth."
"We will be closely working with RAKIA on the development of teaching and research programs and the necessary infrastructure over the next few months. Our local campus here will provide a targeted partnership which can effectively take advantage of Ras Al Khaimah's excellent business and community resources. We particularly look forward to our collaboration in environment and energy R&D," concluded Patrick Aebischer, President, EPFL Switzerland.
Several companies and major educational institutions are building sites and campuses in Ras Al Khaimah due to its rapid emergence as a major development hub. The emirate is renowned for its unique combination of streamlined administrative procedures and strategic location.
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© Press Release 2009
