The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop joint activities and initiatives to strengthen co-operation in the filed of applied research and industrial innovation in the UAE.

Both parties seek to promote their efforts in research, develop joint activities and initiatives, in addition to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship culture based on a steady scientific basis that strengthens the execution of scientific and technological projects.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General of EIAST, and Dr. Abdullah Saad Al Khanbashi, Vice-Chancellor of UAEU.

As per the MoU, EIAST and UAEU will pursue joint educational and technological research activities related to advanced science & technology, applied research and development projects. The MoU will play a significant role to enhance the cooperation between faculty members and staff in the fields of mutual interest such as advanced technology products, spatial data analysis, statistics, survey research, economic analysis and forecasting. It will promote mutual assistance in improving research techniques and methods, and joint publication of research papers, training of scientists and technical specialists, exchange of scientists, researchers and technical experts, and conducting feasibility studies in various fields such as space, astronomy, energy and others. The two parties will also organise joint symposiums, workshops and conferences.

EIAST will share DubaiSat-1 images and other resources to support the researches and studies at UAEU and develop applications based on them, moreover following up the applied researches and joint development projects.

"The MoU with UAEU is important given the vital role that the university plays in strengthening and preparing the national cadre for careers in science and advanced technology. The MoU will contribute to developing local human resources by strengthening the culture of innovation and scientific research among UAE nationals as a founding pillar in the system of development," said His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori.

Al Mansoori commended the role of the University which provides all sectors with the scientific needs and skills with experience and the expertise the University enjoys. He referred that EIAST from its capacity and mission looking forward to opening new cooperation frameworks with relevant research centres and institutions and UAEU is on top of these institutions we wish to develop cooperation with it at all levels.

Dr. Abdullah Saad Al Khanbashi said: "the timely Signing of the MoU with EIAST comes in a time of increasing need to open new prospects to meet the needs of the prevailing developments in Science & technology to serve the sustainable developing in the country in light of the strategic vision of the comprehensive development. This MoU will definitely contribute and support the common objectives of both parties towards many of the mutual interests with all scientific potentials and viable and applicable technology in various projects to serve the country the best".