Emirates Foundation offers grants for independent research projects

The Emirates Foundation, one of the UAE's leading philanthropic institutions, today announced a call for submission of original research proposals from the UAE in the fields of science and engineering, Information Technology and Environmental Sciences.

In this initiative, the Foundation's private sector partner is Shell Abu Dhabi, who will be acting in an advisory capacity. Shell has been one of the earliest supporters of the Emirates Foundation, and remains committed to supporting initiatives focusing on the human capacity development of UAE nationals.

Research projects that meet selection criteria will be awarded grants of up to Dhs 200,000. Dates for the submission of applications are June 1, 2008 and October 1. Winning projects will be announced in July and November 2008 respectively.

"This is the first time that independent research grants have been offered in the UAE," said Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, managing director of the Foundation.

The Foundation, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is breaking new ground in its commitment to supporting scientific research and promoting technological and scientific advancement in the nation.

Applicants are required to complete applications that include a summary of the project; laying out clear objectives plus the phases of implementation necessary for achieving them and a detailed budget. They are also expected to foresee potential pitfalls and to devise mechanisms to overcome or reduce these. A statement of qualification and a review of existing literature on the topic also feature as prerequisites for every grant submission.

"We strongly encourage project applications that include the participation and empowerment of UAE national students," said Dr. Abdulaziz Al Fahim, senior executive advisor for Science and Technology at the Emirates Foundation. "This will not only provide a valuable national dimension to any application, it will also help to enhance the academic careers and research skills of students from the UAE." Nejib Zaafrani, Shell Abu Dhabi's managing director, explained that Shell has always been very active in supporting the community in Abu Dhabi. "One of the key areas we focus on is education, and we are very proud to be associated with the Emirates Foundation in this initiative, as well as the other programmes on which we work with them".

Each application will be evaluated by a formal Review Committee that consists of independent and professional scholars and practitioners working in the relevant field.

Proposals from university researchers should additionally undergo internal review and evaluation by their governing university or institutional body before being submitted. Resulting evaluations must be included with the application.

Other proposals should be accompanied by a letter of support from the researcher's employer or the relevant institution.

More information and application forms can be found on the Emirates Foundation website: www.emiratesfoundation.ae under Grants and Scholarships. Proposals for Science and Engineering and Information Technology should be sent to: stresearch@emiratesfoundation.ae

Proposals for Environmental Sciences should be sent to: environresearch@emiratesfoundation.ae
/WAM/

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Sorouh, HCT to launch real estate management bachelor

Abu Dhabi-based Sorouh Real Estate Company and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) signed Thursday a cooperation agreement under which the real estate developer will offer AED 1.6 million a year for real estate management bachelor degree course.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak AI Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of HCT, and Saeed Al Ghufli, Chairman of Sorouh, signed the agreement.

Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the HCT's initiative for setting up a donor fund which will be a step forward in the HCT's relations with the corporate sector.

''The fund will open the door for companies to contribute positively to the progress of HCT on one hand and meet requirements of business sector from well-trained national professionals on the hand,''he added.

In his address, Sorouh Chairman said :''Today is a very special day for Sorouh because we are investing in the most important resource of the United Arab Emirates -Not oil, not land, not buildings, but PEOPLE. Today, we are announcing an investment ofAED 1.6 million a year in the Higher Colleges of Technology's Real Estate Management Bachelor degree course.

''We are creating a new chair, the Sorouh Dean of Real Estate Management. This Dean will lead the Bachelor of Applied Science (Business and Management) in Real Estate Management, helping to ensure that the UAE develops the best possible skills for the future, in a sector that is critical for the UAE growth and prosperity,''he indicated.

He also announced the sponsorship of 15 UAE nationals in the Real Estate Management programme, at an investment of AED 50,000 per student per annum.

''This announcement is far more than money; it is about creating a long-term partnership with the Higher Colleges, so that together we can bring forth a new generation of Emirati professionals in the real estate sector.

''The sponsorship is an investment in the future of our country's people and will help deliver an ever-growing base of professionals in this important sector,''he said. WAM

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New Scholarships for Western region students

The Western Region Development Council (WRDC) will sponsor, in partnership with the UAE Armed Forces and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, 75 top students from the region for higher education.
These sponsorships will be based on merit.

Mohamed Hamad Al Mazrouei, WRDC Director General, also visited the Higher College of Technology (HCT) located in Madinat Zayed to meet with the first four students and award them with their scholarships allowing them to continue their studies onto higher education.

WRDC aims to provide exclusive learning opportunity to the region's top students.

This scholarship programme is one of a kind as it will direct the region's top students into careers that will plug the current gap of skilled workers needed in the Western Region for future development projects.

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Paris Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi at GETEX 2008

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) is present at the GETEX Dubai; Gulf Education and Training Exhibition, which is held from the 2nd till the 5th of April 2008 at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

This participation serves the goal of intensifying the awareness of this renowned French teaching University, its programs and services. Dr. Daniel Balland, Director General of the university commented: "we were approached by a very interesting mass of talented students who are willing to know more about the university and the possibility of learning French before specializing. It has also been a good experience for us to learn where our university stands in the gulf market and get to know the market's key players".

It is worth mentioning that PSUAD has opened recently its Masters programs in Urban and Regional Planning, and Marketing, Management and Communication. The university is also considered a Research and Cultural center. As Abu Dhabi is growing to become the Arab World cultural centre, Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi serves this objective by frequently hosting cultural events within that frame.

PSUAD is a Humanities and Law university that appreciates all fields of humanities and artistic subjects. This and other important facts concerning student-life and cultural activities were explained, by the staff at the corner, to students and professionals.

Admission Committee also explained that in case students had no experience with the French language, the university offers an Intensive French program that lasts from one semester to an entire year. The university follows the LMD European system for Higher Education, that is Licence, Master, and Doctorate; where students receive their bachelor degree (European Licence) in three years, followed by a 2-year-Master Program, to finally study on different intervals the Doctorate. PSUAD degree is accepted and accredited at all universities belonging to the European Union.

The university offers a European Licence (3 years) in the following areas: Archaeology & History of Art; Economics; Geography & Urban Planning; History - Civilization and International Affairs; Languages & Business; Law and Political Science; Modern Literature; and Philosophy & Sociology. These programs are offered in addition to the Professional Master Programs mentioned previously.

PSUAD enjoyed a good location at the exhibition which reflected its prestigious image, and the exhibition gained the exhibitor's appreciation due to its high level of organization.

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du is the Gold Sponsor for the 7th Training and Employment Week in Al Ain

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAE University, Eng. Salah Salem bin Omair Al Shamsi, President of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in UAE and President of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited the du stand during the 7th Training and Employment Week in Al Ain.

Jamal Khalifa Lootah, Director National Recruitment & Development, du, welcomed the guests and briefed them on du’s efforts in supporting the Emiratization strategy in the UAE while highlighting that Emiratization in du has reached 22%. (PR)

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Bavarian team explores possibility of German Medical Sciences College at ADU

Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, President of Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has met with an influential Bavarian delegation, led by the Bavarian State Minister of Sciences, Research and the Arts, Dr. Thomas Goppel.

The meeting, which took place on the Abu Dhabi University (ADU) campus, and the discussed future cooperation and the possible founding of a German Medical Sciences College at ADU.

The German delegation toured the ADU campus to view the computer labs, science labs and the library. ADU already works in partnership with German universities such as the Bonn Universit?ts Klinikum, the Technische Universit?t M?nchen and the Freie Universit?t in Berlin.

The visit by the Bavarian delegation is yet another step in strengthening ADU?s ties with the best in German education and technology. WAM

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New Tawteen Youth Leadership Project

Every weekend for the last two months, selected groups of young Emiratis have been experiencing testing leadership and team building activities in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah - carefully created to help them acquire the self-confidence, skills and mind-set to succeed in the modern workplace.

They have been taking part in the new Tawteen Youth Leadership Project, launched in December 2007. Tawteen means "Localization" in English: the overall Tawteen Programme was established by the Emirates Foundation and leading UAE private sector companies last year.

Last weekend's two-day and two-night male camp was typical of this innovative programme. Five male camps, and three one-day female camps, have now been held in total, involving some 250 students from universities/or Higher Colleges across the UAE. During the camp at Wadi Beah, students have experienced a complex series of activities specifically designed to introduce and reinforce leadership qualities and skills.

Championed by private sector partners BP and ALDAR Properties, the camps have had a profound impact on many of the young participants. Camp activities included leadership theory, practical exercises, and debrief sessions. Students worked in a group context to put theory into practice and ?learn by doing?.

The Tawteen Youth Leadership Project is one of eight current projects identified during the initial Tawteen Symposium early in 2007. The aim is to provide similarly testing activity opportunities for young nationals across three key groups: high school, higher education and post-graduates, during coming years.

Emiratis from the Emirates Foundation's "Takatof" - or "shoulder to shoulder" - programme have been trained as team leaders to support the organizers during the camps, and to gain valuable experience to take back to their workplaces on facilitation, team management and motivation.

The Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, commented: "Tawteen actively supports the Government"s aim of preparing young UAE nationals to secure sustainable employment in the private sector. They face an uncertain and demanding world - through this and other Tawteen projects we and our "champions" help them meet and overcome its challenges." The Director of Projects for the Emirates Foundation, Khuloud Al Nuwais, said: "We are most grateful to BP and ALDAR for their encouragement and commitment to this leadership training. Their role is vital as we prepare for the next season of leadership camps." Shireen Khalil Yousef, a Takatof team leader enthused: "The experience was very rewarding' it was a good opportunity to discover new abilities - such as self confidence - and the ability to make quick and right decisions under pressure, as well as leading groups to achieve goals".

Abdullah Zamzam, Chief Corporate Support Officer for ALDAR Properties, explained: "In my role as champion, and as a member of the Tawteen Advisory Council, I have seen this project go from strength to strength - other Council members share my enthusiasm to grow this project in the next academic year.".

"ALDAR is committed to leadership training. The Tawteen Youth Leadership Project aligns well with our internal LEAD Programme for experienced graduates." AbdulKarim Al Mazmi, Regional Vice President BP Middle East's, emphasized: "BP Middle East continues to invest in education and training across the GCC with the ultimate aim of improving employment opportunities for nationals. We are serious about our commitment to the Tawteen Programme and its endeavors to unlock local talent and enhance access to opportunity." (WAM)

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The establishment of a Public Service Training Institution

An agreement was signed between the Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Service and the Singapore Civil Service College during today's Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum which took place at the Emirates Palace. The contract formalized their partnership and to embark on the establishment of a Public Service Training Institution in Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Rashed Mubarak Al Hajeri Chairman of the Department of Civil Service has signed the contract on behalf of the Department of Civil Service, whereas H.E. Lim Soo Hoon, Permanent Secretary and Chairman of The Singapore Civil Service College has signed on behalf of the Government of Singapore.

The contract signing marks the start of phase two of a cooperation project between the two organizations. Phase one of the project included a scope of work exercise and a Training Needs Analysis across the Abu Dhabi Government. This second phase marks the inauguration of a plan to build a Civil service College in Abu Dhabi. While the intention is to use the Singapore model for the college in the short term, it is intended that the institution will be totally self sufficient and operated locally within five years.

H.E. Lim Soo Hoon noted that the contract signing is the result of a long period of exchange and cooperation between the two governments. While representatives of The Singapore Civil Service College have been regular visitors to Abu Dhabi during the past year, some groups of Abu Dhabi employees have been attending a series of workshops in Singapore. Both parties have commented on the cordial relations between the two parties and the level of understanding that has been quickly established. The result of that mutual understanding is the inaugural event witnessed today that will mark a period of increased cooperation and working together.

The signing followed the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum which was established in June of 2007 as part of a joint commitment by the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi and International Enterprise Singapore (IES) to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Singaporean companies.

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Joint Emirates Technology and Research centre

The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), British Telecom (BT) and Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) have announced plans to establish a joint research and innovation centre in the United Arab Emirates.

A memorandum of understanding, signed this week, will create a jointly-funded international centre at Khalifa University, focussing on innovation within the Information and Communication Technology sector.

The centre is expected to be a driving force for innovation in the United Arab Emirates and beyond, creating one of the largest research and innovation labs in the Middle East. Through collaboration with industry, universities and governmental organisations, the centre will encourage international collaboration, research and innovation in the fields of Next Generation Networks, Systems and Services.

Hussain Al-Hammadi, member of the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Chairman of the Institute of Applied Technology said: "This centre will be established at Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research and it will engage the staff and students of the university in research and development activities that are relevant to industry and of international standing".

Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar, Chief Operations Officer of the Emirates Telecommunications Corporation, said: "The establishment of this centre will enable Etisalat to drive its growth through innovation and to connect emerging technologies to business advantage. This will no doubt emphasize Etisalat's competitive position as one of the major telecommunication companies in the world." Mike Carr, Chief Science Officer at BT, said: "BT has a long-standing commitment to the Middle East and is pleased to partner with Etisalat and Khalifa University in establishing this centre. It will provide a means to transfer BT's know-how to the Middle East region and at the same time expand the richness and diversity of BT's innovation by providing it with access to the wealth of intellectual capital that exists in the region". (WAM)

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Abu Dhabi to set up modern library

A new multilingual library is being planned for Abu Dhabi, with branches in several locations throughout the emirate, both in the Eastern and the Western regions.
According to Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of the National Library here, the decision to create a new reading environment came as a result of the popularity the existing library had here.

‘Last year alone, we had more than 100,000 readers in the library. Keeping in mind that Abu Dhabi is a relatively small city, this is a great number,’ Al Qubaisi told Khaleej Times.

He added that the readers’ interests varied from literature to technical studies such as IT and science.

The new library would not be completed before 2011 and its exact location has not been decided either. ‘We will open the main branch either here at the Cultural Foundation or somewhere else in the city, depending on where we find the best space,’ mentioned Al Qubaisi.

Like the existing National Library, the new one would also belong to the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

‘There will be nothing traditional about the new library but will have plenty of different things, meant to attract especially the younger generation to book reading. We will go to malls, where young people like to spend their time, and to schools and universities. We even thought of book caravans and book reading evenings,’ said Al Qubaisi.

The new library would take the best from the various trends in the book market throughout the world, including the highly intellectual European ones, the semi-commercial Anglo-American trends and the lesser-known Asian market.

‘We travelled to nine countries around the world, starting with the US and ending with Singapore, in order to set up our new library,’ revealed Al Qubaisi.

As for the content of the library, he said there would be no restrictions on books, subjects and titles. ‘The only censorship we will impose will be on pornographic material and books that are preaching hate among either human beings or religions,’ he added.

Al Qubaisi hoped that by improving the reading habits among Abu Dhabi people and generally developing the book market here, the bookshops too would be inspired to diversify their titles and subjects which, at the moment, had severe gaps in both Arabic and English language sections. Source

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DCS, Cambridge University ink deal

The Department of Civil Service in Abu Dhabi (DCS) signed on Sunday an agreement with Judge Business School of University of Cambridge to deliver best executive education programmes for the government of Abu Dhabi.

Rashid Mubarak Al Hajri, Chairman of DCS and Dr Lawrence Abeln, Chief Executive Officer at Cambridge Executive Education, Judge Business School, signed the agreement.

Al Hajri said strategic international partnerships aim at building capacity of the DCS's Centre of Excellence to groom future leaders in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Ablen said the contract crowned long rounds of consultations. He said he was delighted that the great British university would contribute to the amazing progress of Abu Dhabi.

Under the agreement, Cambridge will design special executive education programmes to cater for requirements of the DCS. (WAM)

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Abu Dhabi Education Zone received academic performance awards

The Abu Dhabi Education Zone received the most awards in the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance.

The results were announced yesterday at the Ministry of Education, marking the 10th anniversary of the award.

The assessment began on January 19, examining the best schools, best teachers, best applied project, best educational project, best academic supervisor, most distinguished family, and most distinguished and oldest adult learner.

Applied research award
The awardees were selected from each level grades both locally and the Gulf region, said Dr Hanif Hassan, Minister of Education and head of board of trustees of the award. No one was awarded in the Arab region for the new 'Arab Applied Research' category, said Dr Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Member of the Board of Trustees and head of the Judging Panel.
Source

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KITAB launches Book Crossing initiative

KITAB, a joint venture company between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and the Frankfurt Book Fair, and organiser of the upcoming 18th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), is warming up for ADIBF by bringing the global initiative 'BookCrossing' to Abu Dhabi.

Taking place from 11th to 16th March under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, this year's ADIBF will play host to a number of innovative activities.

Book Crossing will be the first initiative to kick off this Fair, which is well in line with KITAB's mission to help promote reading in the Arab world.

Starting on 4th March, a week prior to the Fair, Kitab will, during one week, distribute over 350 books (13 different titles) free-of-charge to the public from a booth in the Capital's Marina Mall. Each book will contain its own dedicated serial number and a sticker asking the reader to log on to and register that they are reading the book.

When finished with the book, the reader is asked to pass it on to friends or family, or leave it in a public place, so that it may be read by someone else. All those who have read the book can then track its journey on-line, as it passes from person to person.

All the books being distributed have been written by authors attending this year's ADIBF, including Alaa al-Aswany, Turqi Al-Hamad, Khairy Shalaby, to name a few.

"For this year's Fair, we've spiced up the programme with initiatives that we're sure will delight our visitors,? said Mr Jumaa al-Qubaisi, Director of ADIBF. "In our increasingly electronic world, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not lose the enjoyment of reading.

''Book Crossing is an ideal way to encourage young people to pick up a book and enjoy interactivity with that book's journey, demonstrating the pleasure that reading a book can bring," he added.

The 18th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair kicks off March 11th and runs till March 16th. The first day, March 11th, will be dedicated exclusively for trade visitors. ADIBF will be open daily from 10am - 9pm. The Fair is sponsored by Sorouh and its official media partner, Abu Dhabi Media Company. (WAM)

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INSEAD launches open enrolment programmes in Abu Dhabi

Following its inauguration last September, the INSEAD Centre for Executive Education and Research in Abu Dhabi has launched its first series of open enrolment programmes.

These programmes will cover key management topics on leadership, people and performance management, and finance, and are designed to cultivate the new generation of regional business leaders.

The announcement was made by visiting Dean Frank Brown in the presence of H.E. Mubarak Al Shamesi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council.

Since last September, INSEAD has conducted a number of events at its Centre in Abu Dhabi, offering local and regional corporations world-class executive education leadership programmes as well as leading global research with relevance to the Middle East.

In addition, INSEAD has organised visits of global business leaders to its Centre in Abu Dhabi, most recently including a group of Executive MBA students as part of a unique programme offered jointly by INSEAD and Tsinghua University, China, two of the world's most prestigious academic institutions.

"Today's announcement by Dean Frank Brown represents another milestone in expanding the reach of INSEAD to private and public sector organisations in the UAE and the GCC. The Council is excited about the potential of these developments" said HE Mubarak Al Shamesi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council.

With the new open enrolment programmes, Dean Brown is keen that "more and more people will be able to undergo the unique INSEAD experience. Having these programmes in Abu Dhabi exemplifies INSEAD's mission to develop transcultural leaders, fluent in all aspects of the global market place. It provides executives from the region with a unique opportunity to learn, share best practices and hone their international leadership skills." Brown, author of recently published The Global Business Leader: Practical Advice for Success in a Transcultural Marketplace, adds "with the support of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, we are committed to developing business education across this dynamic region, offering insight into advanced managerial ideas and worldwide business practices in one of the fastest growing and exciting geographies in the world." Focusing on real life business issues, the intensive open enrolment programmes range from three to five days and are conducted by prominent INSEAD faculty, who are among the world's leading academic researchers in business management and advisors to the world's major businesses.

The first programme, Leading for Results, will take place from 21 to 24 April and will provide experienced managers with the tools and frameworks to lead people in an ever globalizing business environment. (WAM)

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New local curricula

In the light of the directives of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop the education process in the country, the federal cabinet yesterday ordered the setting up of a committee to draft the local curricula.
The new committee will be headed by Minister of Education Dr Hanif Hassan.

Dr Hassan praised the initiative for developing the curricula focusing on Arabic language, Islamic religion and patriotic lessons.

“The committee will develop the curricula in the light of the changes the country is witnessing in areas pertaining to economy, social and cultural affairs,” the minister added.

A number of new subjects would be included in the new curricula, including human rights, preservation of environment, performance at work places and civic rights, Dr Hassan added.

“The new developments will focus on how to meet the requirements of the emirati society and enhance the tolerance and culture and bridging the gap between the cultures. It will also highlight the preservance of our customs and traditions as an Islamic and Arabic country,” he pointed out. Source

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Abu Dhabi University discusses cooperation with Purdue University of USA

A high ranking delegation from Purdue University visited Abu Dhabi University (ADU) today. At the first official meeting of the two institutions, they discussed possibilities of future collaboration.

University sources said that both parties have strongly expressed eagerness towards further strengthening the academic ties between the two institutions.

'ADU is constantly looking to expand and develop its international outreach by partnering with some of the world's leading institutions,' said Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU. 'We are confident that with Purdue University, we will have a firm basis from which we can expand upon mutual interest areas in the future,' he added.

Purdue University is regarded as one of the top 10 universities in the USA and internationally recognized for its programs in Engineering, Business and Applied Research.

During the meeting, the two universities discussed potentials for joint academic programs, faculty/student exchange programs, applied research and other economic development activities.

The Purdue delegation was hosted by Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri and fellow senior management.

The Purdue University delegation included Dr France A. Cordova, President;J. Timothy McGinley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Victor Lechtenberg, Provost; Susan Butler, Member of the Board of Trustees; Dr Don Gentry, Project Director. (WAM)

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