ABU DHABI // Khalifa University is celebrating a year of domestic and international achievements, with students winning a series of awards at home and abroad.
The top four places at the Higher Education and Scientific Research Smart Applications Awards went to Khalifa University teams, in addition to first and second place in the Emirates Skills National Competition’s web security and programming categories.
The students were given the opportunity to travel abroad and present their projects in international competitions, such as taking an electric-powered remote control airplane to compete in the Design, Build, Fly Competition held in Tucson, Arizona.
Several of its academics also had a successful year.
Among them was Dr Habiba Al Safar, who was granted a scholarship to attend the Harvard Medical School Global Clinical Scholars Research Training programme, and Dr Mohammed Rezeq, who was awarded two patents for the development of nano-probes and the world’s smallest semiconductor transistor.
Last year also saw the establishment of two research centres at the university.
In conjunction with The Advanced Technology Investment Company and the Semiconductor Research Corporation, the university launched its Centre of Excellence for Energy Efficient Electronic Systems.
With the support of Mubadala Development Company, a Dh55 million Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre was founded to advance regionally relevant research in aerospace.
Dr Tod Laursen, the university president, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased with our accomplishments in 2013. We had a very busy year and we’re looking forward to an even busier one in 2014.
“Our students have had the opportunity to meet some of the leaders of the UAE, as well as international leaders and industry leaders, this has made for a very inspiring year for them.
“It is also very rewarding to see our students’ achievements in local and international competitions. Their accomplishments are a testament to the quality of education they receive at Khalifa University, and let us know that we are helping to achieve the goals of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision.”
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