Water Research Center
The Water Research Center (WRC) is an interdisciplinary
research and innovation hub focused on translating
fundamental and applied water science into practical
solutions that enhance water security.
The Center’s mission is to advance research in water
desalination, wastewater treatment, and sustainable
environmental practices, with the goal of developing
scalable technologies that address critical regional and
global water challenges. Its vision is to support sustainable
development and economic growth, build national research
capacity in the United Arab Emirates, and contribute to
global sustainability through measurable, real-world impact.
The WRC hosts the most advanced water research
laboratory in the Middle East and North Africa, featuring
pilot-scale membrane manufacturing and testing facilities.
These capabilities enable the design and optimization of
next-generation membranes and integrated water treatment
systems under realistic operating conditions.
Research activities at the WRC span desalination,
water reuse, resource recovery, and responsible water
management. The Center’s work directly supports the UAE
Water Security Strategy 2036 and aligns with six United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing
together faculty from science and engineering disciplines
with government, industry, and international partners, the
WRC addresses complex water challenges while fostering
collaboration and long-term resilience in water systems.
Research Areas
The objective of the NYUAD-WRC has been to advance cross-disciplinary
research and innovation in water-related technologies, environmental processes and sustainability.
Since its launch in 2020, the Center has expanded its research scope to include
optimization of desalination processes, novel approaches to membrane design, renewable energy desalination, environmental remediation and resource recovery.
The Center’s activities will be grouped into four main interconnected themes:
- Sustainable Desalination and Advanced Membrane Processes
- Resource Recovery and Environmental Remediation
- Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
- Electrically Conductive Membranes and Systems
Objectives
The Center has four key strategic objectives:
- To strengthen its presence as a global innovation hub for water by supporting cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and development in water-related technologies, environmental processes and sustainability.
- To continue generating educational opportunities and foster human capital through relevant training initiatives and degree programs.
- To develop a unique framework of research and education to advance integrated water research to tackle water challenges in the region and beyond.
- To harness practical solutions for the water sector through technology transfer activities and engagement of local and regional stakeholders.
Specific research objectives of the Center are as follows:
- To explore fundamentals and applications of materials science in relevance to desalination and pollutant removal.
- To establish structure-properties-performance relationships to advance membrane technology for desalination and water treatment.
- To develop strategies for environmental remediation and resource recovery, extracting value from waste byproducts generated by desalination and other wastewater streams.
- To examine the environmental impact of desalination and water treatment practices and resulting discharge on marine organisms in coastal regions.
- To advance electrically conductive membranes and systems for smart sensing and control of desalination and wastewater processes.
- To incorporate novel fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, for surface patterning of membranes and development of low energy spacers.
- To integrate renewable energy sources for low carbon desalination.
Contact Us
NYUAD Water Research Center
Experimental Research Building (C1)
NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus
PO Box 129188
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Email: nyuad.wrc@nyu.edu
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