The Director General of the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori has highlighted the vital need of establishing an integrated National Science Authority, during his participation as a keynote speaker during the Global Space Technology Forum, held on 16- 18 November in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The EIAST stand in the GSTF 2008 exhibition hall. The need for this Authority is to advise collaboration between various sectors and encourage securing funds to support scientific research associations serving the UAE's strategic objectives and the global advanced science community as well.

Attracting over 30 high caliber speakers from around the world, the Global Space Technology Forum 2008 was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE.

The forum aims to unite senior representatives from space agencies and National Space Programmes, government officials, policy makers, entrepreneurs, investors, engineers, scientists, academia, airline and aerospace senior management. 'The GSTF is an essential platform for EIAST to contribute to the future of the global space technology, and we are delighted with our participation in this first-of-a kind forum in the UAE,' commented Al Mansoori.

During his opening keynote speech, Al Mansoori shared with the audience of space technology industry experts, his experience in leading a team of locals to design and build 'Dubai-Sat 1', the inaugural project for Dubai Space Programme which was completed recently, and the commencing of the design phase of 'Dubai-Sat 2'.

In line with sharing EIAST's experience in developing strategies and policies that contribute to the advanced science and technology in the UAE; Al Mansoori proposed that the UAE create an Emirates Research Authority, and a Science Acadmeny to define a UAE-level space policy and urge collaboration in the UAE by formulating a coherent, coordinated science policy that integrates the diverse research activities of governments, industries, universities, and decision makers in the country.

In addition, he talked about possible policy suggestions to enhance the outcomes of the science and technology sector and help to move toward a knowledge-based economy, touching on the fields of education, public administration, social responsibility and recognition of scientific research as well as securing funds from government and industry to support the scientific community in the UAE. Al Mansoori finally announced that EIAST will soon be inaugurating the Graduate Institute for Scientific Research (GISR), which aims at initiating post-graduate studies as well as specialized educational and training programs.

Emirates Institute for Science and Technology (EIAST) was established to promote the culture of advanced scientific research in Dubai and UAE and create an internationally competitive base for human skills development. In addition to strengthening the country's international collaborative links and establish joint projects with industry and research organizations worldwide.