Advanced Power and Energy Center Team Explores Joint Laboratory Setup, Industrial R&D Projects, and Talent Development Pathways��

A delegation from Khalifa University’s Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) visited the production and R&D facilities of Guangzhou Baiyun Electric Equipment (BYE Group) in China to advance academic and industrial collaboration and align on the strategic direction and operational framework of the BYE–APEC Joint Innovation Laboratory.

The visit focused on initiating joint research projects aligned with the UAE’s energy transition priorities and addressing cooperation with local enterprises across the Arab region. The engagement also covered academic exchange at BYE’s R&D Center through faculty visits, as well as internship and joint training programs at BYE’s operational bases.��

BYE President and Co-Founder Mingcong Hu and Hu Dezhao, Chairman, met with Khalifa University faculty including Prof. Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost for Research; Prof. Mohamed El Moursi, Director, APEC; and Prof. Khalifa Al Hosani, APEC’s Theme Lead for Industry Engagement, Commercialization, and Professional Development.

The delegation toured BYE’s advanced manufacturing facilities and R&D center, gaining insights into the company’s capabilities in power systems equipment and electrification technologies. Discussions centered on defining the structure and resource allocation for the joint laboratory, including its location, equipment configuration, and funding framework.

Talks also focused on priority research areas for collaboration such as renewable energy integration technologies, energy storage systems, advanced power electronics and solid-state transformer applications, hybrid AC/DC transmission networks, transportation electrification, and green hydrogen applications.��

Other areas discussed included seamless data center integration, AI-driven power systems, and smart home and smart building technologies, with development and testing based on Khalifa University’s smart home platform.��

The joint laboratory aims to integrate research and industrial deployment, with APEC serving as a potential technology R&D hub for BYE, providing access to its specialized laboratories, while BYE will engage researchers to develop joint industrial-academic projects aligned with regional grid modernization requirements. Khalifa University researchers will also gain access to BYE’s facilities to accelerate prototype validation and industrial testing.

Prof. Mohamed El Moursi said: “Our visit to BYE Group marks an important step in demonstrating Khalifa University’s broader role in bridging research excellence with industrial application, particularly in power systems, electrification, and sustainable energy technologies critical to the UAE and the region’s economic and infrastructure development. This visit has strengthened our commitment to developing technologies and talent that support the UAE’s evolving power and energy landscape. The time spent with all of the BYE team helped us gain a deeper understanding of BYE’s impressive companies, vision, and the remarkable capabilities at their production factories.”

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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Researchers Explore Perception, Cognition, Intelligence, and Emerging Brain Technologies

More than 200 distinguished scholars and outstanding students in neuroscience gathered at the Khalifa University Main Campus for the NeuroFrontiers: Perception, Cognition and Intelligence Symposium, a high-level international forum jointly organized by Khalifa University’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), and the IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University.

Researchers from institutions across China, US, and Middle East examined how advances in neuroscience are reshaping understanding of perception, cognition, intelligence, and brain disorders, while opening new pathways through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, brain–computer interfaces (BCI), neuromodulation, and computational modeling.

Across the scientific program, 22 speakers presented cutting-edge research spanning five thematic areas, covering brain and cognition, intelligence, brain development and disorders, and new technologies and applications. Interdisciplinary dialogue was further deepened through three panel discussions focused on the integration of psychology and neuroscience in understanding human behavior, the convergence of biological intelligence and artificial intelligence, and advances in brain modulation and BCI technologies.

A total of 78 posters were presented, generating sustained discussion and cross-disciplinary exchange, and reinforcing the symposium’s role as a catalyst for future international collaboration.

Engagement from Khalifa University included Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, with panel contributions from Dr. Yahya Zweiri, Senior Director, and , and Professor Merouane Debbah, Director, 6G Research Center; as well as Dr. Hongwei Wang, Vice-President, Tsinghua University; and Dr. Bin Yang, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University. Dr. Lore McGovern, Co-founder, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and Dr. Hugo Shong, Founding Chairman, IDG Capital, highlighted the importance of sustained investment and international cooperation in advancing brain science.

Three speakers from CMHS included Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology Department Acting Chair Professor Mohammed Segheir, Dr. Sung Mun Lee, Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, and Professor Andreas Bender, Medical Sciences. Distinguished academic leaders from leading global institutions contributed to the symposium, including Dr. Robert Desimone, Director, McGovern Institute, MIT; Dr. Fang Fang, IDG/McGovern Institute, Peking University; Dr. Xiaoqun Wang, Director, IDG/McGovern Institute, Beijing Normal University; and Dr. Song-Hai Shi, Director, IDG/McGovern Institute, Tsinghua University.

The symposium also emphasized early-career research through five themed poster exhibition areas, covering memory and learning, neural circuits and behavior, cellular and molecular neuroscience, disease and clinical research, and computational methods.

Professor Song-Hai Shi, Director, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, said: “This is a high-level international symposium on perception, cognition and intelligence, bringing together outstanding professors, postdocs, and students from five world-class universities to share their latest research progresses, discuss new frontiers and directions, and establish exciting collaborations. It is a wonderful experience to co-organize the symposium together with College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University.”����

Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “Discussions at the NeuroFrontiers: Perception, Cognition and Intelligence Symposium examined how insights from the brain can inform the next generation of intelligent systems and therapeutic interventions. Khalifa University is delighted to bring together senior leaders, established researchers, and emerging scholars in partnership with Tsinghua University and the IDG Capital. The Symposium not only highlighted Khalifa University’s growing role in advancing collaborative, internationally connected brain research, but positioned Abu Dhabi as a convening hub for global neuroscience dialogue.”

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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The Khalifa University Department of Management Science and Engineering, in partnership with University College London’s Global Business School for Health (UCL GBSH), highlighted the transformative opportunities associated with AI adoption, with a particular focus on responsible, ethical, and sustainable implementation practices in the UK and the UAE at a high-level academic seminar.

Titled��‘AI in Health Systems, Business and Society’ the seminar was held��at the Khalifa University Main Campus. It brought together faculty members, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students from Khalifa University and UCL for a multidisciplinary exploration of the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence across healthcare, education, business, and society.��

Professor Nora Colton, Director of the Global Business School for Health at University College London,��Dr. Omar Najim, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Khalifa University, and��Dr. Siddiq Anwar, Consultant Physician, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Khalifa University, offered presentations. Professor Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Associate Provost for Academic Operations, offered an overview of Khalifa University’s academic programs, collaboration and innovation priorities, and recent institutional achievements, in his welcome note.

A panel discussion moderated by��Dr. Mecit Can Emre Simsekler, Acting Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Management Science and Engineering, Khalifa University, emphasized the importance of cross-sector and international collaboration in shaping AI-enabled future that can enhance healthcare delivery, organizational effectiveness, and broader societal outcomes.

Professor Nora Colton said: “We were delighted to participate in the event at Khalifa University with our MBA Health students and to engage in such a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion on healthcare and artificial intelligence. The panel offered valuable insights into how advanced research, policy, and leadership are coming together to shape the future of health systems. We greatly value the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Khalifa University.”

Dr. Mecit Can Emre Simsekler said: “It was an insightful event that highlighted how AI is reshaping health systems, business practices, and society at large. Bringing together perspectives from engineering, healthcare, and management allowed us to critically examine both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with AI, and to prepare our students and researchers to contribute meaningfully to this rapidly evolving field. We look forward to furthering our collaboration and engagement with UCL and other local partners to help make AI safe and inclusive for all.”

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Partnership in Line with Objectives of UAE Food Security Strategy 2051

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Maple Gulf AgriTech Poultry today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for cooperation to develop, and advance applied research opportunities in food production, circular resource utilization, and advanced agricultural technologies in line with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051.

The MoU was signed by Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, and Ala Jaff, CEO and Founder, Maple Gulf AgriTech Poultry. The MoU establishes a research-driven alliance to accelerate innovations in advanced agritech, resource-efficient poultry production, and local food manufacturing models.

Professor Bayan Sharif said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Maple Gulf as part of our commitment to driving impactful scientific research that supports national strategic priorities. This partnership strengthens our ability to advance innovative AgriTech solutions tailored for arid environments and helps reinforce the UAE’s leadership in food security. By combining our academic expertise with Maple Gulf’s industry driven agricultural technologies, we will accelerate the development of sustainable, data driven production models that contribute to a resilient food ecosystem.”

Ala Jaff, said: “This partnership with Khalifa University marks a foundational step in building a scalable AgriTech platform aligned with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051. Our objective is not only to produce poultry locally, but to develop resilient, resource-efficient food production systems that can be validated and scaled over the long term through��Industry 4.0–enabled automation, robotics, and data-driven operational technologies.”

By combining Khalifa University’s scientific leadership with Maple Gulf’s commercial operating environment, this collaboration enables applied research that strengthens productivity, circular resource utilization, and technology-enabled smart agricultural systems under real operating conditions. This work supports the development of food production models that reinforce national resilience, encourage local manufacturing, and respond to growing demand for consistently high-quality, locally produced fresh poultry.”

Professor Fawzi Banat, Director, Food Security and Technology Center, and Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, will coordinate the project from Khalifa University, while Mr. Jaff will represent Maple Gulf.

The two partners will collaborate on a broad spectrum of research and development initiatives, including applied research and technical studies that strengthen food security systems in arid environments, alongside advancing non‑conventional water use, improved water efficiency, and circular water management models.

They will also focus on enhancing productivity through improved feed quality and feed conversion ratio (FCR) optimization, while developing biosecurity‑aware circular production frameworks that enable effective organic by‑product utilization. In addition, the partnership will explore Industry 4.0–enabled agritech systems incorporating advanced data analytics, automation, and continuous environmental monitoring, coupled with shaping farm‑to‑fork local manufacturing models aimed at reinforcing national supply chains.

The collaboration will further extend to academic engagement through student research opportunities, joint academic projects, and potential co‑authored publications that support knowledge generation and capacity building across the sector.

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist��

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Findings Highlight Untapped Potential of UAE’s Mangrove Ecosystems as Reservoirs of Biotechnologically Valuable Microbes

A team of researchers from the Center for Biotechnology and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) has discovered a novel bacterial strain ‘����-������001’ from the mangroves of Abu Dhabi that degrade a range of emerging pollutants. This microbe shows strong suitability for integration into wastewater treatment systems, particularly in arid and coastal regions.

The study was in the leading scientific journal Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and includes Professor Syed Salman Ashraf, Chair, Biological Sciences, Professor Habiba Alsafar, Dean, CMHS, as well as Postdoctoral Fellow Khadije Ahmad Amin, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, Dr. Gihan Daw Elbait, Senior Lecturer, and Dr. Ahmed Yousef, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences.

Whole-genome sequencing revealed KU-BSD001 is a novel species from the Lysinibacillus genus, with demonstrated ability to break down a wide range of pollutants including pharmaceuticals like venlafaxine and paracetamol, as well as industrial dyes.

Professor Habiba Alsafar said: “This discovery of novel bacterial strain KU-BSD001 from the mangroves of Abu Dhabi is a strong example of how local biodiversity can offer global solutions and remains a significant step forward for bioremediation in arid regions. By leveraging native microbial biodiversity to address pollution, our research aligns with priorities for environmental protection, sustainable industry, and ecosystem resilience. We are also proud to see such impact of collaborative research at Khalifa University, with this discovery reflecting our shared commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through science.”��

As global concern over emerging pollutants grows, naturally occurring strains like the KU-BSD001 could support the development of low-energy, biologically based solutions for environmental remediation. Moreover, the significance of this discovery lies in its potential for practical, scalable application as the KU-BSD001 strain was able to degrade pollutants even under saline and high-temperature conditions, which typically limit the effectiveness of conventional treatment methods.

The research directly supports several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), as well as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 objectives.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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Membership Offers Access to Exclusive Resources and Collaborative Opportunities with Leading Global Institutions and Specialists

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced its membership in the Digital Education Council (DEC), a global community of institutions dedicated to driving sustainable innovation and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education and workforce development.

As a member of DEC, Khalifa University will gain access to exclusive resources and collaborative opportunities, enabling it to engage with leading global institutions and specialists in digital education. Initiated by Super Charger Ventures, the world’s largest EdTech accelerator, the Digital Education Council brings together progressive institutions, industry leaders, and experts to expand access to cutting-edge resources, promote knowledge sharing, and foster innovation across the education sector.

Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “Joining the Digital Education Council reflects Khalifa University’s continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Technologies such as artificial intelligence underpin Khalifa University’s contribution to the UAE’s AI and innovation agenda, spanning advanced engineering, research commercialization, and graduate education. Membership in DEC supports Khalifa University’s strategic priorities in educational excellence, innovation, and global engagement. It provides access to international research, benchmarking initiatives, and collaborative working groups that strengthen institutional capacity in digital education, quality assurance, and faculty development.”

The agreement reinforces Khalifa University’s commitment to advancing responsible, future-focused education and preparing graduates for an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven world.

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Award-Winning Research Identifies New Approaches to Slowing Ovarian Ageing, Improving Fertility-Related Cell Health

A Khalifa University Biomedical Sciences PhD student, Yassine El Mahi has won first place in a competitive international research presentation at the FertiClinic International Conference, held as part of the second International FertiClinic Fertility and IVF Conference (2nd IFFIC) in Abu Dhabi.

El Mahi received the top award in the conference’s scientific research competition focused on impregnation and fertility technologies. The winning research stood out for identifying a new approach to slowing ovarian ageing and improving fertility-related cell health. The study, titled Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Extracellular Vesicles Attenuate Oxidative Stress in an In Vitro Ovarian Aging Model, focuses on addressing natural ovarian aging, a degenerative process marked by a gradual decline in ovarian function that can lead to infertility, broader health complications, and psychological burdens.

The two-day conference brought together global experts, healthcare leaders, and decision-makers for scientific dialogue, panel discussions, and hands-on educational sessions. The competition drew strong participation from physicians and university students across the UAE, including Khalifa University.

With rising life expectancy and social and economic shifts, ovarian ageing has become an increasingly significant challenge in fertility care. While hormone replacement therapy is commonly used to manage menopausal symptoms, it does not restore ovarian function and is associated with limitations and side effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches.

As part of his PhD research, El Mahi developed an in vitro ovarian aging model using human granulosa cells that mimics physiological aging. His early findings showed that treatment methods with biological factors derived from human umbilical cord ‘mesenchymal’ stem cells helped restore cell viability, reduce oxidative stress, and suppress cellular ageing and apoptosis, a natural, regulated process of cell death. These results point to the potential of stem cell free regenerative therapies as a minimally invasive strategy to support ovarian function and fertility.

The research is supervised by Khalifa University researchers and faculty from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences including Dr. Farzana Liakath Ali, Research Scientist, Medical Sciences, Dr. Mira Mousa, Assistant Professor, Public Health and Epidemiology, and Professor Ayman Al Hendy, Acting Chair and Professor of Medical Sciences, who also introduced the regenerative therapy approach, applied in this work, to Khalifa University’s research team.

Professor Ayman Al Hendy said: “This award-winning research led by Yassine El Mahi, contributes valuable evidence to the growing body of work on ovarian ageing and regenerative strategies. The research was conducted as part of Khalifa University’s Biomedical Sciences PhD program, reflecting the University’s ongoing focus on advancing evidence-based medical research. Its strength lies in combining biological insight with a cautious, non-invasive research approach. Advanced molecular and multi-omics analyses are being explored to further understand the biological mechanisms as the research progresses.”

Yassine El Mahi said: “This recognition is deeply meaningful to me as an early-career researcher. My work focuses on women’s health in the UAE, particularly on finding safer and more effective ways to address ovarian ageing. The work explores regenerative, stem-cell-free approaches that may offer new options for improving ovarian function. Presenting these findings in an international scientific forum remains an important step in refining the research and its future applications. The mentorship and research environment at Khalifa University, especially the guidance of my supervisors, continues to be essential in shaping this research and its future direction.”

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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Extensive Doctoral and Dual Master’s Programs Advance World-Class Research, Innovation, and Talent Development Across National Sectors

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced its extensive portfolio of STEM-based Doctorate and Master’s programs, among the largest in the UAE, are the key components in building scientific skills and human capital, while developing world-class researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders to drive the UAE’s knowledge-economy.

With 20 PhD programs spanning engineering, science, computing, and healthcare, and the highest number of PhD students in STEM subjects, as well as dual PhD and Master’s programs in collaboration with some of the leading global universities, Khalifa University provides access to world-class facilities, empowering researchers to pursue breakthroughs. Currently Khalifa University has collaborations for PhD studies with KU Leuven, Skoltech, Western University, and Tsinghua University. Discussions are also ongoing with other leading global universities. In addition, initiatives such as the prestigious EnterpriseTECH program at the University of Cambridge and partnership programs with Arizona State University (ASU), and others inspire students to translate their research into real-world ventures and technology startups.

The BSc-to-PhD pathway at Khalifa University continues to attract a strong number of applicants since its approval in Fall 2023. Approximately 30% of PhD students admitted enter through this pathway, underscoring its significance within the overall doctoral admissions process. Admission through this route is highly competitive, reflecting the rigorous academic standards and selective evaluation criteria applied to applicants. Applications under this category are accepted exclusively for the fall semester, aligning with the University’s structured admissions timeline and cohort-based program design.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “Our PhD programs along with the dual PhD and Master’s programs with global institutions exemplify Khalifa University’s commitment to empowering students through advanced research opportunities. By equipping talented researchers with world‑class training, global exposure, and cutting‑edge resources, we are investing directly in the UAE’s future, building the human capital that will drive scientific discovery, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth for decades to come.”

Khalifa University’s PhD programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers offering cutting-edge research training, global exposure and entrepreneurial development, and multidisciplinary skill-building. Students gain hands-on experience through world-class laboratory facilities and interdisciplinary research centers, working closely with leading faculty across 20 specialized PhD programs. These programs span key STEM disciplines, including physical sciences, engineering, computing, mathematics, technology, biomedical sciences, and health, equipping students with the advanced expertise and research capabilities needed to address complex, real-world challenges.

Select PhD students benefit from the prestigious 10-week EnterpriseTECH Program at the University of Cambridge – Judge Business School. This initiative blends expert-led learning, startup immersion, and international networking, enabling students to transform research ideas into real-world innovations.

Khalifa University is also strengthening the UAE’s human capital and knowledge economy through developing talent for strategic national sectors, supporting innovation and R&D capacity, preparing a highly skilled workforce for industry and academia, and enhancing national competitiveness in science and technology.

The programs align with the UAE’s long-term strategies, including the National Innovation Strategy, the UAE Energy Strategy, and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent ready to address emerging global and regional challenges.

As the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, Khalifa University continues to set benchmarks in graduate education and human capital development. Its doctoral programs are designed not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to empower students to become drivers of innovation across academia, government, and industry.

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Quality-Focused Publishing Places Majority of Outputs in World’s Most Influential Journals

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced 86% of its research publications in 2025 were published in top-quartile (Q1) journals, with a three-fold rise in scientific publications in the world’s most influential journals, including the top 1%, 5%, and 10% by CiteScore, a widely used global journal impact indicator, underscoring a strong institutional focus on quality-driven research.

Between 2021 and 2025, the share of total publications appearing in top 1% journals rose from 4.3% to 8%, signaling a structural shift toward higher-impact research.

This trajectory accelerated between 2023 and 2025, when publications in top 1% journals grew by 156%, indicating sustained momentum in high-quality research output rather than a one-time increase.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri said: “The consistent rise in high-impact publications shows our work is not only increasing in volume, but in depth, relevance, and global engagement. This is research designed to strengthen national capability, generate knowledge that drives global impact, foster technological advancement and contribute to economic, and societal contexts. More researchers around the world are building on Khalifa University’s work each year, reflecting our growing research influence. Shaped by 14 specialized research centers and five research institutions that focus on areas critical to the UAE and the region, we aim to continue bringing together faculty, students, industry, and international partners around long-term research agendas that respond to national priorities.”

Across broader journal tiers, publications in the top 5% of journals increased 2.5 times between 2021 and 2025, with their share of total output rising from 21.1% to 32%. By 2025, more than half (57.5%) of Khalifa University’s research outputs were published in the top 10% journals ranked by CiteScore, reflecting consistent progress toward higher-impact publishing across disciplines.

Khalifa University’s expanding global research influence is also reflected in citation performance. Citations per faculty increased at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 17% over the past five years, with over 25% rise between the 2025 and 2026 QS ranking cycles, indicating growing international uptake of research originating in the UAE.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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Focus on Role of Global Alliance of Universities on Climate as Valuable Platform for Coordinating University-Led Research of Polar Regions��

Advanced research projects initiated by the Polar Research Center, established under the UAE’s Emirates Polar Program at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, were highlighted at World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

On the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, at a high-level annual meeting of leaders of higher education organized by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), Professor Samuel Mao, member of Polar Research Centre’s management team, Director, ASPIRE Research Institute for Sustainability, and Professor of Practice, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, introduced Polar Research Center and its activities.��

Participants of the high-level meeting included presidents of the University of Cambridge, which hosts Scott Polar Research Institute – the world’s oldest academic center for polar research, the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Paris Po), which launched the Paris Climate School in July, 2025, and Tsinghua University, which deployed the world’s first large-scale clean energy system in Antarctica in March, 2025.

Professor Samuel Mao highlighted the role of global academic alliances such as the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate as valuable platforms for coordinating university-led research of climate change affecting polar regions. He said: “A united front of international collaboration to address issues such as rising sea levels and melting ice caps will be necessary. Although the impacts of climate change in polar regions have been recognized, there has only been fragmented research so far, which continues to hinder a comprehensive and complete understanding of the climate change impact. Additional challenges stem from the operational realities of polar research, including limited seasonal access, demanding field conditions, and the need for coordinated, long-term international research efforts.

“As the cryosphere, which includes glaciers, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost, is melting and thinning at accelerating rates, water from melted ice sheets and glaciers drives global sea level rise, while declining sea ice reduces the planet’s reflectivity, further amplifying warming. These interconnected changes disrupt ecosystems, threaten coastal communities, and destabilize climate patterns worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation.”��

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, said that fostering shared responsibility through collaboration holds greater potential to address global issues of the polar regions more effectively. Professor Evelyn Wang, MIT Vice-President for Energy and Climate, suggested a Grand Challenge Polar Initiative, a large-scale, international collaboration program targeting unique and complex challenges of climate change in the polar regions, could be considered.

The Polar Research Center at Khalifa University was also highlighted at COP30, in a workshop on ‘Oceans and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’, chaired by Samuel Mao with panelists Dr. Aisha Al Suwaidi, an advisory committee member of the Emirates Polar Program and Associate Professor of Department of Earth Science, Khalifa University, and graduate student Mohammad Al Hamadi, the first Emirati to complete a polar ocean expedition last year. Dr. Aisha Al-Suwaidi discussed catastrophic climatic change events in the Earth’s history, and the long time-scales it takes the Earth to recover from these events. She also introduced what lessons can be taken from this type of scientific research that can contribute to present day adaptation and mitigation strategies. Khalifa University’s graduate student panelist Mohammad Al Hamadi offered his view of the importance of researching ocean and cryosphere connected to climate change, particularly the adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Glaciologist and climate scientist, Dr. Miriam Jackson, Eurasia and Nordic Director of International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, and a research scientist of the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, provided an authoritative overview of the latest status of rapid transformation of the cryosphere and resulting sea level rise under climate change. Silvie Alexander, a graduate student panelist from Middlebury Institute of International Studies with a specialty in ocean and coastal resource management, discussed her work on marine carbon dioxide removal by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist��

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Launch of FALCON-II Prototype and MANTA-ANN Prototype to Transform Energy Management in Aerospace Technology

Khalifa University’s FALCON Program showcased two groundbreaking innovations during UMEX 2026, the world’s largest event for unmanned and autonomous systems, including the FALCON-II prototype at Khalifa University’s main display in ADNEC Centre, and the MANTA-ANN prototype at the Sweihan airfield in Abu Dhabi.��

The FALCON-II hybrid-electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) prototype is an intelligent power and propulsion management system, specifically designed to maximize the performance and efficiency of drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles.��

By seamlessly integrating sustainable energy sources, including cutting-edge batteries, solar cells, clean hydrogen fuel cells, and conventional power systems, the FALCON-II system optimizes energy consumption in real time to adapt to diverse mission requirements.��

Enhancing the operational range and performance of aerial systems, this state-of-the-art energy management system minimizes environmental impact, reducing emissions and contributing to environmentally responsible aviation operations.��

The MANTA-ANN aircraft prototype integrates the latest advancements in avionics and Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems, developed by the FALCON Program in collaboration with MANTA International. Its capabilities include sense-and-avoid technologies and next-generation human-machine interaction systems that help in addressing challenges such as operational safety and reliability. The MANTA-ANN meets the complex demands of highly automated and autonomous air transportation, from navigating low-altitude airspace to ensuring passenger and urban safety.��

Led by Aerospace Engineering Professor Roberto Sabatini, the FALCON Program stands out for its explicit emphasis on Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E). For hybrid-electric and highly automated aerial systems, early decisions around energy management, autonomy boundaries, and human-machine interaction have far-reaching implications. By addressing certification challenges early in the development phase, the FALCON Program ensures scalability and compliance with international aviation standards, enabling its prototypes to transition seamlessly from research labs to real-world applications.

Professor Roberto Sabatini said: “The FALCON Program is a cornerstone of Khalifa University’s mission to foster the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. The FALCON-II and the MANTA-ANN prototypes mark the Program’s commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in addressing the challenges of global decarbonization in aerospace. By involving students, researchers, and faculty members in real-world projects, the program equips them with the expertise and skills needed to lead innovative endeavors, enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness in global aerospace markets. Khalifa University’s emphasis on practical and forward-looking innovation ensures that these initiatives not only deliver solutions for sustainability and autonomy but also align strongly with the UAE’s long-term vision for a knowledge-driven, technology-powered economy.”��

Alisha Roy
Science Writer��

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Research Mission under Emirates Polar Program Explores Ancient Arctic Climate Records Dating Back more than 230 million Years

Khalifa University’s research team from the UAE’s Polar Research Center at Khalifa University conducted a scientific expedition to Svalbard, the world’s northernmost inhabited region, under the (EPP) in collaboration with the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS). The research marks the UAE’s first on-site Arctic geological research, aimed at studying ancient climate records dating back more than 230 million years.

The study supports the ‘SvalClime Project,’ an international research��initiative which conducts scientific drilling in Svalbard to understand ancient Arctic climate and inform modern climate models. The Khalifa University research team was led by Dr Aisha Al Suwaidi, Associate Professor, and Dr Frantz Ossa Ossa, Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences, and included PhD students Marwa Shahid and Sarah Salem. The Polar Research Center, established at Khalifa University to advance the UAE’s capacity in polar and environmental sciences, focuses on understanding how changes in the Earth’s most extreme regions affect global climate systems.

In Svalbard, the researchers studied rock cores from Longyearbyen – the world’s northernmost town – that preserve evidence of dramatic climatic shifts during the Late Triassic period, when Earth’s environment transitioned from hot and arid to much wetter conditions. This critical period in Earth’s history paved the way for the rise of dinosaurs and, more critically, the development of our modern climate and ecosystems.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “This international expedition is part of UAE’s broader effort to promote climate resilience, sustainability, and scientific diplomacy through international partnerships and field-based exploration across the Arctic and Antarctic. It reflects Khalifa University’s growing role in advancing global climate science helping expand the UAE’s scientific contribution from the Arabian deserts to the polar frontiers. Through the Emirates Polar Program and the Polar Research Center, we are proud to see Khalifa University scientists and researchers contributing to the world’s understanding of how Earth’s most extreme environments shape our collective future.”

By analyzing geological samples, the team aims to reconstruct how ancient high-latitude environments responded to extreme climate events in the past. This data can help us to improve models that can predict the impact of modern human-driven climate trends by providing insights into environmental responses to major climate disturbances.

While in Svalbard (77°N), the Khalifa University team also joined a marine cruise through the Arctic fjords and participated in academic exchanges at UNIS, sharing insights into Khalifa University lead research on climate archives, sedimentology, and polar geology.

PhD student Marwa Shahid’s fieldwork in Svalbard focused on collecting samples that record the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a key climatic event that laid the foundation for modern ecosystem, whereas PhD researcher Sarah Salem examined the environmental consequences of the Late Triassic Manicouagan meteorite impact event. Their research aims to understand how polar regions responded to past climate shifts, in order to interpret future environmental changes. Svalbard’s sedimentary archives, which preserve evidence of ancient disruptions in Earth’s climate system, offer vital clues to these investigations.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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