The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) and Institute for Community Engagement (I.C.E) of Zayed University (ZU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop joint activities and initiatives to promote applied research and development that boost industrial innovations in the UAE.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General of EIAST, and Dr Sulaiman Aljassim, Vice President of Zayed University.

As per the MoU, the two organisations will pursue collaborative research in science and technology, and provide access to each other's facilities, data and equipment for facilitating the research. EIAST will share its DubaiSat-1 images and other resources to support applied research at Zayed University.

The two organisations also agreed to conduct feasibility studies in various fields including space science, astronomy and energy, and share their human capital in areas of mutual interest such as spatial data analysis, statistics, survey research, economic analysis and forecasting.

"We have great pleasure in collaborating with a premier national institution like Zayed University as we share a similar perspective in developing the human capital and scientific research in the UAE. Advancing the scientific and technological capabilities of national cadres is the best investment in sustainable development and positioning the UAE as a knowledge economy as envisaged by the UAE Strategic Vision 2021," said Al Mansoori.
"EIAST has an expanding partnership network, which comprises leading educational and research organisations. The partnership with Zayed University's Institute for Community Engagement enables us to bring the cutting edge of science and technology to the student community in the UAE and serve as a resource pool for research and development projects,"

Al Mansoori added.

"The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology has critical capabilities that make it a valuable research resource in contemporary knowledge streams. EIAST has also been consistent in promoting technological and scientific innovation in the UAE. We see our partnership with EIAST as a landmark in our efforts to inculcate a culture of research and innovations in the UAE," said Dr Aljassim.

"Under the support and patronage of H.E Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University, we are keen to provide academic, scientific, and technical programmes, and apply them to achieve quality and excellence in educational outcomes in qualified young cadres. Shiekh Nahayan supports the application of the highest standards in all curricula and programmes in faculties, university departments, and service centres," added Dr Aljassim.

Technology components have become a strategic choice that should be applied in the educational process," he added.

Zayed University's Institute for Community Engagement is keen to provide its scientific services to all institutions and organizations through its international experts. Through the MoU, the two parties will exchange experiences and coordinate in the areas of training, counseling, and preparation of research for enhancing scientific and professional performance.

The MoU includes the use of the new Geographical Information System related to the Institute for Community Engagement. It also includes feasibility studies in different fields such as space science, astronomy, energy, and the exchange of human resources. Joint ventures, workshops and training programmes of mutual interest will also be part of the co-operation framework established between EIAST and Zayed University.