MBRAS offers solutions to address future challenges

Dubai: Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of the Emirates Scientists Council (ESC), today chaired the first meeting of the second cycle of Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists (MBRAS), which was held virtually.

Al Amiri highlighted the importance of advancing the UAE’s science and technology ecosystem to expand its influence, shape national scientific policies and help achieve key objectives of national strategies, such as the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300 billion.

“Scientists in the UAE have a pivotal role in creating enterprises, setting visions, developing plans and initiatives, contributing to national strategies and realizing their goals, besides enriching the science landscape – locally and internationally,” said Al Amiri.

“The joining of the advanced technology and industry portfolios into one ministry means we now have a ministry with a mandate dedicated to research and development. That includes everything from basic research to commercialization and implementation, all the way through to industrial impact.”

Second cycle

The second cycle comprises 150 new members and associates including high impact scientists from the country. A total of 64 new members are researchers and scientists, 46 are specialized affiliates, and 40 are young affiliates.

During the meeting, which convened the UAE’s leading scientific minds, several ideas to support the development of scientific research, as well as concepts, initiatives, and projects to chalk out policies and programs were discussed.

Ali Al Hashmi, Director of S&T Policies and Programs Department in the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said that MBRAS significantly contributes to formulating scientific policies that support the country’s scientific, economic, and social goals for the next 50 years.

Five specialized committees and three advisory boards

MBRAS comprises five specialized committees. In addition to the newly created Women and Youth Committees, MBRAS includes a Members Selection Committee, a Science Communication Committee, and an Outreach Committee.

The Women Committee will represent women within the local scientific community and will advocate for advancing their opportunities in the STEM fields. Meanwhile, the Youth Committee will focus on young scientists in the country to guarantee their participation and ensure their opinions and suggestions are heard.