The 2018 New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Research Conference opened yesterday, showcasing the University’s innovative interdisciplinary research which addresses some of the world’s most pressing questions while furthering new knowledge and discovery. The conference is ongoing from November 5 - 7 and highlights the role that NYUAD plays as a hub for education, scholarship, and advanced research in Abu Dhabi.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences in the UAE, who discussed the direction of scientific research within the UAE and noted NYUAD’s contribution in this endeavor. Following her remarks, H.E. Al Amiri signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Emirates Scientists Council and NYUAD, represented by Provost Fabio Piano. The MOU signifies an opportunity for collaboration on shared initiatives with the potential to significantly strengthen advanced sciences within the UAE.
NYUAD Vice Chancellor Alfred Bloom and Provost Fabio Piano also delivered remarks at the opening reception, with Bloom commenting on the University’s original vision as well as the extraordinary success achieved to date in terms of quality of research as well as research output.
The remainder of the conference will focus on themes including bio-innovation, health, cities, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, governance and peace, human behavior, knowledge, mobility and migration, as well as astronomy and astrophysics. As this falls during the Year of Zayed, the themes are rooted in the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, and reflect his commitment to education.
The opening reception also launched interactive exhibitions Research Re-framed and GLIMPSES, interdisciplinary interactive exhibits that take visitors into a journey of discovery and exploration of research at NYUAD re-framed into immersive experiences, engaging installations and thought provoking displays, encouraging visitors to take part in open dialogue with the research presented and with one another.
H.E. Sarah Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, said at the event: “A main priority for all of us working in the science sector in the UAE is to establish advanced research centers as a key pillar of sustainable development in the UAE. We aim to have these centers up and running over the next few years. Our overarching strategy is for the entire country to be perceived as an open laboratory and an environment that incubates, fosters and nurtures science and discovery. We want to attract the world’s best minds to come to the country and to test their ideas and innovations. It’s through engaging with the wider UAE science community that these ambitions can be realized. NYUAD is a key driver in this strategy and I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the university for the incredible level of success they have achieved in the few short years it has been operating.”
