Masdar Institute's iSmart advances Abu Dhabi's economic development aspirations, energy policy

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The Institute Centre for Smart and Sustainable Systems, iSmart, at Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, has advanced several research projects in collaboration with Abu Dhabi partners to meet the economic aspirations of the emirate. The centre, which was launched early this year, recently signed a research agreement with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company to optimise operations at Mina Zayed Port, which can help contribute to Abu Dhabi's efforts to position itself as a leading global port and diversify its economy. Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute, said, "The growing relevance of smart systems infrastructure in today's world makes research in this area highly essential. The support of the UAE leadership continues to guide us and encourage our researchers to seek productive solutions, as witnessed by the number of research papers. We hope faculty and students associated with iSmart will continue to undertake cutting-edge research for the benefit of humanity in general." iSmart is also working with the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Energy and Climate Change to develop scenarios and models supportive of realising a renewable energy vision for Abu Dhabi, which can play a significant role in helping the emirate achieve its economic and development goals." iSmart is leading a collaborative research initiative with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport to understand how electric vehicles and wider adoption of public transportation can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport in Abu Dhabi. New areas of iSmart research will begin this autumn, when Masdar Institute launches its Sustainable Critical Infrastructure Master's programme, with the aim of providing graduates with research and intellectual property that will contribute to the sustainability of Abu Dhabi's development efforts. In addition to these activities, research is ongoing in areas ranging from machine learning and neural network algorithms to bio-fuels, smart grids and energy policy, with multiple peer-reviewed papers published since the centre's launch. Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis, Associate Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, and Head of iSmart, said, "At this point, our aim is to strengthen our capabilities so that the UAE government and private sector organisations will entrust our research teams with their medium and longer-term needs. Organisations like Abu Dhabi Ports Company and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already awarded significant projects." He went on to explain, "We intend to create a strong core of students before scaling up activities. What we are looking for now is a small group of dedicated and engaged students, willing to put extra effort to build up our course and research portfolio with their support." One of the graduating students associated with iSmart is Reem Ketait, of the Engineering Systems and Management programme, who has been working under Dr. Toufic Mezher, Professor. Her research focuses on the formulation of an integrated energy strategy for Abu Dhabi based on a holistic optimisation of the country's electricity sector. Ketait said, "I plan to seek the next challenge and allow the knowledge I have acquired from Masdar Institute to fuel my curiosity and propel me to contributing to making the UAE's sustainability goals a reality." – Emirates News Agency, WAM