Partnership to Leverage Each Other’s Outstanding Assets and Technical Skills ��

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and AIQ, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) artificial intelligence (AI) joint venture with Group 42 (G42), have signed a research and development framework agreement to leverage each other’s outstanding assets and technical skills to jointly develop digital innovations for the energy sector.

The agreement, which was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, and Omar Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, AIQ will see the two partners pursuing cutting-edge digital research that yields value generation for the energy sector. Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, will play a key role in the collaboration.��

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi said: “As a top-ranked research-oriented university, specializing in most of the advanced technology areas, Khalifa University is delighted to partner with AIQ and establish the right platform that will facilitate innovation in the energy sector. This collaboration will bring digital solutions, particularly applied artificial intelligence, to one of the UAE’s vital economic sectors.”

Omar Al Marzooqi said: “We are delighted to partner with Khalifa University, a world-class, research-intensive institution, to drive the creation of future transformative advanced technologies for the energy sector and further strengthen the position of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as an international hub for AI and advanced technology.”

Khalifa University has established research capabilities in all areas of digital technology as well as renewable energy, oil and gas. The university leads several research projects that apply artificial intelligence techniques for industrial applications. Khalifa University’s Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute brings together the university’s research in robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, next-gen networks, semiconductor technologies and cybersecurity under a single umbrella for application in key sectors, such as energy.

At the same time, Khalifa University’s Petroleum Institute is a research institute dedicated to obtaining new technologies and solutions in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The Institute houses two research centers – the Center of Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS) and the Research and Innovation Center on carbon dioxide and hydrogen (RICH Center) – driving energy innovation to maintain the UAE’s position at the forefront of the energy industry.

AIQ focuses on developing and commercializing artificial intelligence products and applications for the energy industry, and accelerating industry adoption of advanced technologies in the UAE. AIQ is working on a number of key AI projects across the oil and gas value chain such as drilling performance, reservoir modelling, corrosion detection, and product quality.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
31 January 2022

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Agreement Paves Way for Advancing Innovation in the Abu Dhabi Oil and Gas Sector ��

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced they have signed a research and development framework agreement for undertaking a joint research and development program that will advance innovation in the oil and gas sector in the areas of strategic importance to ADNOC.��

The agreement was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, and Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Executive Director, People, Technology & Corporate Support Directorate, ADNOC, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2021 that was held from 15-18 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).��

According to the agreement, a research and development board will be established with particular focus on upstream, downstream and digital solutions for the oil and gas industry and will have members from both partners. Khalifa University’s members are Dr. Steve Griffiths, Senior Vice-President, Research and Development; Dr. Saeed Alhassan, Senior Director, Petroleum Institute; and Dr. Ernesto Damiani, Senior Director, Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute.��

Khalifa University’s Petroleum Institute is home to the Center of Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS) and the Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and H2 (RICH Center). The two research centers, along with other research undertaken at the Petroleum Institute and elsewhere at Khalifa University, contribute to technology innovations in areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture, catalysis and enhanced oil recovery. Khalifa University’s Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute provides a broad spectrum of intelligent systems capabilities that can be tailored to the needs of the oil and gas sector.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
9 December 2021

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Project to Focus on Engineering, Scaling-up and Commercialization of Novel Class of Selective Ion Sponges for Desalination ��

Khalifa University and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) announced they have signed a research collaboration agreement to jointly fund a project to engineer, scale-up and commercialize a novel class of selective ion sponges for desalination supporting enhanced water recovery and a circular approach to desalination.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University and His Excellency Saeed Albahri Salem Alameri, Director-General, ADAFSA. The project represents both the partners’ intense involvement in water management and food security – two sectors strategic for the UAE.

The project will lead to the delivery of intellectual property (IP) in desalination, advanced materials design, process integration and trigger responsive systems, with applications and scope of study spanning far beyond the project’s ambit. It will also place Khalifa University, ADAFSA and the UAE in a leadership position in advanced separation materials design for the development of a significant and scalable technology for desalination. Additionally, it will find potential applications beyond desalination in areas such as resource recovery, selective toxins or pathogens removal, and nutrients benefaction. Highly novel materials and manufacturing routes are also expected to be developed and translated in the scale-up stage.

Dr. Al Hammadi said: “Khalifa University is delighted to enter into this partnership with ADAFSA and inspire innovation in the UAE’s strategic sectors. In addition to food security and desalination, this project is expected to yield IP in several related sectors, which will help highlight the UAE’s role in advancing development of fresh technologies. We believe our expert faculty, who are leading this research project with their collaborators, will not only drive innovation but will also develop human capital for the local and regional industries.”

H.E Saeed Alameri said: “We are happy to collaborate with Khalifa University in conducting this research project, which will create environmentally and economically sustainable freshwater resources. Due to the increased pressure on the available water resources and the depletion of groundwater, there is a pressing need for investing in scientific research to localize modern technologies and innovations in desalination.”

Alameri noted the agriculture sector is the largest consumer of groundwater in the Emirate, stressing this collaboration stems from ADAFSA’s keenness on leveraging all possible opportunities to achieve agricultural sustainability, thus boosting the food security of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general.

The project was initially submitted to Khalifa University within ADAFSA’s efforts to build strategic partnerships with key research entities in the UAE, to develop the agricultural and food sector. It was prioritized as water is of the essential natural resources used in agricultural production, especially as this sector faces many challenges in providing the needed irrigation water for crops.

The project will be led by Dr. Ludovic Dumee, Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering, an expert in advanced and responsive separation materials development at Khalifa University, who will be assisted by post-doctoral researchers and two PhD students. Dr. Hassan Arafat, Director, Khalifa University Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), and Professor, Chemical Engineering, will also support and co-lead this project.

From ADAFSA’s side, the research project will be supervised by a team specialized in economic, agricultural and irrigation development under the directives and follow-up of H.E. Saeed Alameri, ADAFSA’s Director General.

The project will eventually lead to development of a library of light responsive MOF materials and module configurations enabling relatively low-cost water recoveries, as well as analytical databases that can predict water quality based on ‘source’ waters. In addition, it will generate freshwater streams from saline groundwater or treated wastewaters at par quality or above that is required for farming applications, while leading to a scalable technology for deployment at the end of the project with relevant stakeholders in the water utilities and materials engineering areas.

Khalifa University’s CMAT focuses on advanced desalination technologies, nanomaterials and membranes, energy efficiency and sustainability of water processes, as well as technology transfer and capacity building in desalination.

Meanwhile, ADAFSA will follow-up and utilize the project’s outcomes in developing the agricultural sector and finding ways to desalinate water in a sustainable, economic and environmental manner, in cooperation with the stakeholders.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
6 April 2021

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Partners Foresee Multiple Projects for Collaboration to Support the UAE’s Vision, Especially in Precision Medicine and Advancing Research on Genomics and Proteomics

Khalifa University and G42 Healthcare, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi-based technology company Group 42, announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in research and academic areas related to the healthcare sector and artificial intelligence.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, and Ashish Koshy, CEO, G42 Healthcare, at a virtual ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

According to the MoU, both partners will cooperate on research and the publication of research outcomes by faculty, scientists and researchers, as well as on academic programs. The two will also implement a student exchange program.

Dr. Al Hammadi said: “Khalifa University is delighted to enter into this research collaboration MoU with G42 Healthcare and advance the healthcare vision of the UAE. Our academic and research capabilities are acknowledged widely, as our collaborations expand into various areas including smart healthcare, genomics, bioinformatics, systems biology, diagnostic engineering, and cyber-physical systems, as well as advanced technology. We believe the synergy resulting from our joint activities, especially through our dedicated research centers, will inspire innovation that will benefit the wider community.”

Mr. Ashish Koshy said: “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Khalifa University, one of the leading academic institutions in the country, on collaborative research, publications, joint academic programs and student exchange programs. During this pandemic, we have all understood and witnessed how strategic collaboration between entities is critical for future proofing the health of our nations.”

Both partners agree that there are multiple projects they can collaborate on, to support the UAE’s vision for the future, especially in introducing precision medicine and working closely with the pharma industry and advancing research on genomics and proteomics.

More recently, G42 Healthcare and the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology conducted a SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing study that has identified the genomic source of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will help determine the spread and evolution patterns of the virus ever since the disease was first recorded in the UAE, while providing additional insights for sustainable screening of the SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and will help the country better prepare for future outbreaks. The entire study is expected to be published soon.

Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Director, Center for Biotechnology, and Associate Professor, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Khalifa University, has already been investigating the nuances of the Emirati genome, following a research published last year describing the sequence of the first complete Emirati genome. She and other researchers have since been investigating the specific genome variants that may point to risk factors for certain diseases and seeking to understand how these genetic variations can help develop more personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Walid Zaher, Chief Research Officer, G42 Healthcare has been leading the viral genome sequencing and Emirati Genome Program, among other projects and commented, “Our collaboration spans an array of research projects that draw upon combined expertise in technology and innovation. The longitudinal viral genome sequencing study assesses the potential emergence of a more virulent subtype and its potential effect on the country’s infection control strategies and will in turn translate into improvements in diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity. Similarly, our Omics Centre of Excellence has analyzed more than 1,000 human genomes on NGS and TGS platforms to create a standard Emirati reference genome which sets the precursor for a wider scale roll out of the program”.

At present, some of the Khalifa University research centers involved in healthcare-related research include the Center for Biotechnology (BTC), Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), and the Khalifa University – Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KU-KAIST) Joint Research Center.

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
22 February 2021

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Lockheed Martin, a U.S.-based global aerospace, security and technology leader, and Khalifa University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on research and academic initiatives that will advance technology and human capital development in the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Steven H. Walker, vice president and Chief Technology Officer of Lockheed Martin, and Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, signed the agreement virtually, which identifies areas of mutual interest in support of Lockheed Martin’s research endeavors and the development of a knowledge-based economy as outlined by UAE Vision 2021. It is the first of several planned formal agreements between Lockheed Martin and Khalifa University to increase the pipeline of highly skilled aerospace, defense, technology and security engineers in the region.

“At Lockheed Martin, we are committed to working together with colleges and universities to advance the strategic priorities of our customers,” said Dr. Walker, who recently joined the Khalifa University Board of Trustees, succeeding Lockheed Martin’s Executive Chairman Marillyn A. Hewson. “As a well-respected research institution and a leading contributor to the UAE’s vision to shape a knowledge-based economy, Khalifa University is an obvious partner. We are confident that our collaboration will help advance STEM careers, evolve the country’s research ecosystem and provide unique opportunities for research and development activities.” �� ��

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin and Khalifa University will explore opportunities for cooperation, led by the university’s faculty, in areas including machine intelligence, autonomy, microelectronics, structural and thermal materials, and air vehicle research. The publication of research, along with development and assessment of academic course material, will also add to knowledge sharing through the MOU.

Dr. Al Hammadi said: “As a research-intensive educational institution that seeks to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in applied science and engineering, we are delighted to partner with Lockheed Martin to focus more on advanced research areas. The MoU with a globally leading aerospace and advanced technologies company will not only help develop talent locally through STEM collaborations, but also offer us access to Lockheed Martin’s technological capabilities. We believe equipping the youth in the UAE and building new capacities in areas including aerospace will benefit the country, contributing to catalyzing the growth of the rapidly developing knowledge-economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Lockheed Martin works with leading universities worldwide to sponsor research and perform collaborative research for government customers. The company’s Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS), based in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, has hosted merit-based summer internship programs for top-performing UAE engineering students every year since 2017. This summer, 16 talented students from leading institutions, including Khalifa University, are interning virtually at the CISS to comply with distance learning measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.

With 19 research centers focusing on various economic sectors that are considered strategic to the UAE, Khalifa University drives innovation and scientific exploration in advanced technology areas such as aerospace, nuclear engineering, advanced materials, oil and gas, and clean energy. Each year, the University adds a sizable number of patents to the intellectual property (IP) basket of the UAE. At present, Khalifa University has 126 issued patents, with 343 patent applications pending, and more than 400 invention disclosures.

Clarence Michael
Senior English Editor
1 September 2020

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