The Emirates Scientists Council has received the approval for 20 strategic initiatives, which will aid in creating a conducive environment for innovation and scientific research in the country, said a report.

The initiatives, which were approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aim to develop a generation of Emiratis scientists and researchers for the benefit of the country, said a report in WAM.

"Our objective is to set our scientific and research priorities that serve our interests, cement our economy and build a future for our generations. We bet on young scientists to establish a national scientific and research platform," His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

Sara Al Amiri, chairperson of Emirates Scientists Council, praised the support of HH Sheikh Mohammed to scientists and researchers in the country, and said that the strategic initiative aims to come up with a scientific programme that prepares talented students to compete for Nobel prizes, sets up a national agenda for research which will be launched in 2017, UAE Scientific Challenges forums, Interactive national laboratories, the Mohammed Bin Rashid medal for Scientific Honour, and a national programme for discovering and developing the spirit for research.