The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has partnered with Strata Manufacturing PJSC and the UAE Space Agency to demonstrate its collaborative research innovations and human capital development leadership in the fields of energy, advanced technology and space systems, on the occasion of the Qudwa Teachers’ Forum 2016.

Coinciding with the World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, the forum was organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (ADEC).

Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), the forum was in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and his deep belief in the role of the teacher in the educational process.

His Excellency Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating World Teachers’ Day with the UAE’s educators here today. Education has been a primary focus and central component of the Space Agency’s strategic vision for the future. Our education initiatives, such as this Mars Habitat exhibition, are a principal means for raising awareness of, and interest in, our national space sector.”

He continued: “Throughout our educational programs we work closely with a range of local and international partners and stakeholders. Not only does this contribute greatly to our international standing, it also allows us to introduce new scientific methods and curricula into our education syllabi and professional training programs. These have been highly successful in encouraging students and young professionals to focus on STEM courses, which reaps great rewards for the space industry and other sectors.”

Masdar Institute faculty, students and related collaborative research projects were key parts of the dynamic informative display areas set up by Strata Manufacturing and the UAE Space Agency. A total of five collaborative research projects were displayed by Masdar Institute – one with Strata at the “Innovation Driving Change” area, and four with the UAE Space Agency at its ‘Mars Habitat’ display.

Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “It is our hope that the collaborative research projects displayed by Masdar Institute faculty and students can help inspire the UAE’s teachers to continue their efforts to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs. We are all part of the same effort to transform the UAE into a prosperous diversified knowledge economy, which starts from providing our children with a quality primary school education focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and continuing through to high-tech university specializations.”

Dr. Mohammed Atif Omar, Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, Masdar Institute, was joined by Strata officials and student Yusra Abed Al Rahman and Fatima Al Obeideli at the stand. Dr. Saif Almheiri, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Masdar Institute, was joined by officials from the UAE Space Agency.

The ‘”Innovation Driving Change” section highlighted the Masdar Institute-Strata collaborative thermography project, which demonstrated a fast and non-destructive way to test the parts of aircraft made from carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The system can result in significant cost savings and reduced down-time for airplanes while also helping to build a dedicated UAE national talent.

Strata CEO Badr Al Olama said: “Strata is proud to participate in the Qudwa Teachers’ Forum. Our youth carry the promise of a bright future for our country and this promise is shaped by the hard work and dedication of their teachers.”

Similarly, ongoing Masdar Institute projects on display at ‘Mars Habitat’ covered organic solar cells, 3D printing; vital sign sensors for human health, and solar-assisted water purification. These projects explore areas of technological innovation that may one day make human life on Mars possible.

Masdar Institute leads research through high impact publications, the development of intellectual property and continual formation of new industry and government research collaborations.

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