The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA) launched the ‘Research Challenge’ initiative today (February 6, 2020) as part of its activities for UAE Innovation Month, which this year bears the theme ‘The UAE Innovates in Preparation for the Next 50 Years’.

The Innovation Month initiative and the Research Challenge aim to incentivise scientific research, promote development and innovation, support the establishment of a knowledge-driven society, and achieve the objectives of the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 to build a knowledge economy rooted in innovation, research, and development.

Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Education, the Research Challenge targets students and post-graduates from all universities in the UAE, encouraging them to publish and document their scientific research and academic studies in accordance with international standards. The programme waives copyright and intellectual property registration fees for eligible research papers, and honours researchers whose studies stand out from an academic and knowledge standpoint.

His Excellency Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said: “We, at the Ministry of Economy, are delighted to be providing our students with the support and services they need to register intellectual property rights for their research studies. We look forward to seeing the challenge attract specialised research in economics, finance, and other subjects related to our work at the Ministry. We consider this to be a valuable addition to our efforts to strengthen the national economy and place it among the world’s most advanced economies.”

“We value our partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority,” H.E. Al Mansouri added. “We are confident this collaboration will lead to excellent results that will benefit the students, the wider community, and the UAE as a whole.”

For his part, H.E. Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, noted: “Innovation is a key element in the ambitious vision of the UAE’s wise leadership, and a critical component of the country’s strategy to embrace new and innovative ideas. With this in mind, we are happy to be cooperating with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and the Ministry of Economy to launch the Research Challenge, where we strive to enhance our knowledge capital and recognise local talents who have made outstanding efforts to enrich the UAE’s scientific landscape.”

“Science, knowledge, and innovation are the foundational cornerstones for shaping the future and accomplishing the UAE’s grand aspirations and objectives,” H.E. Al Falasi continued. “This cannot be done without involving the talented and innovative youth. To that end, we invite university students and graduates to submit their research and studies and to share their findings. This serves to create a ‘knowledge legacy’ for future generations, and further drive development and prosperity in the UAE, cementing the country’s position as a global hub for science and knowledge.”

Meanwhile, FCSA Director General H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah said: “Investing in human capital is one of the core tenets the UAE was founded on. It is a tactic set by the Founding Fathers as a means to build a nation that is competitive on every global index – an approach still followed by our current leadership to build a knowledge economy and ensure a better future for coming generations.”

“Today, we usher in a new phase, where for the next 50 years, we pledge to power forward with our quest for progress and prosperity, and live up to the aspirations of our wise leadership and of the Emirati people to rank first among all countries of the world and across all sectors,” H.E. Lootah explained. “This, in turn, compels us to embed creativity and innovation as a core value in day-to-day operations, and to promote scientific research to accomplish the objectives of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.”

“This project reflects our commitment to supporting national initiatives, and our dedication to encouraging innovation and motivating young people to channel their creative and intellectual energies towards driving progress across the community and the nation,” the FCSA Director General added. “We are proud of this partnership that brings us together with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economy. The Research Challenge is a notable addition to the national efforts to create a knowledge-driven society. We invite researchers to share their findings and accomplishments, strengthen the UAE’s performance on all global indexes and reports, and help shape a future that is driven by science, knowledge, and innovation.”

University students and recent graduates who are registered in one of the government or private universities in the UAE – be they Emirati nationals or expatriates residing in the country –  are eligible to take part in the Research Challenge. Applicants are required to submit their studies and research in both Arabic and English.

To learn more about the requirements for participating in the Challenge, please visit the official website on: https://fcsa.gov.ae/ar-ae/Pages/UAE-Innovates.aspx

© Press Release 2020

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