The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) has signed an agreement with the University of Sharjah (UOS) to promote joint co-operation in the field of applied research and industrial innovation in the UAE.

The MoU emphasizes the commitment of the two organisations to make joint efforts to discuss and develop activities and initiatives, and create more awareness on science and innovation-related issues and to facilitate concrete scientific and technological projects.

Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general and vice chair of the board of directors, EIAST, and Dr. Samy Mahmoud, chancellor, UOS, signed the agreement in the presence of officials from EIAST and the University of Sharjah.

Dr. Salim Sabri, vice chancellor for Academic Affair, Professor Hamid Al Naimiy, dean of College of Sciences and president of Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Science, Dr Ali Shaheen, executive director, EIAST, and Salem Al Marri, project manager, DubaiSat-1, EIAST attended the ceremony.

As per the pact, EIAST and UoS will pursue joint technological research activities related to advanced science and technology, and will discuss joint applied research and development projects.

Through the MoU, the two parties will exchange technical and human resources expertise, said Al Mansoori.

"The MoU will contribute to developing local human resources by strengthening the culture of innovation and scientific research among UAE nationals. Scientific research is the main pillar of advancement and development base," he noted.

“EIAST seeks to co-operate with international and local educational institutions as we are keen to further reiterate Dubai and the UAE’s global image as a leading centre for advanced sciences and technology as per Dubai’s strategic plan, as well as a knowledge-based economy,” Mansoori added.

The two organisations will hold regular meetings for consultations to set up a mechanism to benefit from researches and implement the programmes agreed upon in the different fields.

Dr Mahmoud said the EIAST was one of the distinguished institutions that inspired scientific innovation and foster technological advancement in the UAE.

"The MoU will enhance co-operation in the fields of participation in introducing advanced technology products, exchange of data and information, training of scientists and technical specialists, exchange of scientists, researchers and technical experts and conducting feasibility studies in various fields such as space, astronomy, energy and others," he added.-TradeArabia News Service