The United Arab Emirates University is considering various educational and research initiatives to enhance its global leadership through its contribution to providing databased and scientific solutions. Such initiatives contribute to raising the international reputation and support the positive image of the United Arab Emirates University through various research programs. These initiatives support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030 to form a roadmap to make a better and more sustainable future for all people.
Prof. Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research at the UAE University, pointed out that scientific research is an essential part in the development of nations and the building of civilizations. It contributes to achieving the SDGs of the United Nations for the prosperity, well-being, and sustainability of societies for the benefit of humanity. The UAE University, therefore, proactively launches the Sustainable Development Goals Research Program. The program is intended to support national efforts and to raise awareness of the importance of the United Nations SDGs among the university community. It provides research funding to students’ research groups to investigate, test and implement research ideas to find flexible solutions that are comprehensive and sustainable under the supervision of a faculty member from one of the university’s colleges.
Dr. Murad pointed out that this research program is directed to university students from all disciplines. Each research project includes 3-5 students, studying at the undergraduate or graduate level, under the supervision of a faculty member. The duration of the project is four months, and the research teams are expected to present the research findings during a symposium to be held on March 17, 2022. The first cycle of the SDGs Research Program will focus on four goals out of the 17 goals. These include the first goal: poverty; the second goal: hunger, the eleventh goal: sustainability of cities and communities; and the fourteenth goal: life under water.
Dr. Murad also added, "We welcome new and innovative contributions or initiatives that contribute to improving and developing current solutions to achieve the SDGs. This program aims to enhance the participation and collaboration and contribute to building research skills among university students which are among the most important skills for the future labor market. The SDGs research program will focus on achieving sustainable solutions to national and global challenges such as poverty, food security, water and energy, health, gender equality, climate change, and peace.