Sharjah, UAE, May 8, 2024 – Research at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is set to grow with the launch of three cutting-edge research centers, each dedicated to addressing critical challenges and driving innovation in their respective fields. The launch was announced at the AUS Innovation Expo: Future of Research and Technology in the UAE on May 6.
The Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center in the AUS College of Engineering aims to address sustainability challenges in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 and the National Water and Energy Demand Management Program. Similarly, the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development in the AUS School of Business Administration focuses on supporting the UAE’s National Entrepreneurship Agenda, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Materials Research Center in the AUS College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to driving innovation in advanced materials, energy and the environment, aligning with the UAE Economic Vision 2030.
“Cultivating a culture of research excellence is pivotal in our mission at AUS. The establishment of these transformative research centers underscores our strategic commitment to not only addressing pressing global challenges but also positioning ourselves at the forefront of innovation. Through rigorous inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to chart new territories and make enduring contributions to the advancement of knowledge and society,” said Dr. Mohamad El-Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS.
The expo also featured a keynote speech by Dr. Chaouki T. Abdalla, Executive Vice President for Research at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA, and a member of the AUS Board of Trustees, titled “Building a World-Class Research and Innovation Organization.” Hatem Al Mosa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah National Oil Corporation also shared insights on fostering innovation with his keynote speech titled “Building an Innovation Ecosystem.”
Current AUS research was shared at the expo, as AUS faculty members spoke on topics such as smart cities and infrastructure, biomedical engineering, sustainable technologies and more.
AUS students were able to present their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures at the expo through the AUS:Sheraa Pitch Challenge, a research poster session and an exhibit of projects by students of the College of Architecture, Art and Design.
To learn more about the new AUS research centers, visit www.aus.edu/research-and-graduate-studies/research-centers.
About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.