Abu Dhabi: Six research project ideas from Masdar Institute have been announced as the winners of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) Awards for Research Excellence, with a total prize money of Dh1.97 million.
The research proposals were judged on a number of points, including the quality and originality of the project, the qualification of the researchers, and whether the research projects could have a positive impact on the UAE.
“Masdar Institute’s thriving culture for innovation continues to result in high-impact research that is relevant to the UAE’s greatest challenges. These awards from Adec are a recognition of this fact, and we hope that they will inspire additional innovations among our researchers in the future,” said Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute.
Adec also praised the achievement of Masdar Institute, and in a statement said: “This is a major achievement for Masdar Institute, given the number of proposals received, the quality of the competition and the rigorous international peer review process to which the proposals were subjected.”
Among the winning projects were a research proposal to develop a solar system that can collect more energy from the sun in a cost-effective way, headed by Dr Chiesa. Another research project being led by Dr Palmisan is looking at ways to produce hydrogen in a sustainable and cost- effective way and to use as fuel cells.
Dr Steve Griffiths, vice-President for research, Masdar Institute, commenting on the awards, said it was a testament to the innovative work being carried out by the institute.
“Receiving six of the prestigious Adec research awards reflects the significance and value of the Institute’s research in areas of strategic importance to Abu Dhabi, including energy, water and environment advanced materials,” he said.
“With support from government agencies like Adec, Masdar Institute is able to help drive solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges through its interdisciplinary research capabilities,” he added.
The six winning proposals:
New composite nano materials based on grapheme and doped titanium oxide for production of hydrogen from hydrogen sulphide and water decontamination, by Dr Palmisano
Spectrum splitting module for cost-effective solar energy photovoltaic conversion, by Dr Chiesa
Transparency-switching materials for reactive sun tracking: CPV for the rooftop market, by Dr Gougam
Towards novel green graphene membrane for water desalination, by Dr. Zou
Nanocomposite biomaterials for self-sensing orthopaedic implants, by Dr Shanmugam
Natural Geologic Risk Assessment for Abu Dhabi, by Dr Sousa
