Abstracts Submission Deadline is 27 July��

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Knowledge E, today announced a partnership for the , taking place on 24–25 September 2025 at Khalifa University’s state-of-the-art Main Campus in Abu Dhabi. This summit is designed as a response to the urgent need to equip higher education professionals with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven academic landscape.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape research methodologies and knowledge dissemination, the AI Futures Summit: Empowering Higher Education will delve into current trends, challenges, and opportunities presented by AI. The conference is intended for higher education leadership, researchers, faculty, librarians, graduate students, and academic professionals seeking to navigate and collaborate with AI in academia.

Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University said: “As a leading institution driving innovation in artificial intelligence, through education and research, Khalifa University is proud�� to collaborate with Knowledge E for the AI Futures Summit: Empowering Higher Education. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing the responsible development of AI technologies, empowering the next generation of scientists in the UAE and the region, contributing to the UAE’s status as global leader in digital transformation.”��

Key themes and sessions include ‘AI in Teaching and Learning’ strategies for integrating AI technologies into curriculum design and assessment to enhance educational experiences, ‘Ethical and Sustainable AI’ addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI in education, including privacy, security, and environmental considerations, ‘Institutional AI Use Cases’ showcasing practical applications of AI in research repositories, data management, learning management systems, and institutional operations, and ‘Industry Partnerships’ for fostering collaborations between universities and corporations to solidify student experiences and drive innovation.

The organising committee invites everyone to submit their abstracts related to the summit’s themes. Preference will be given to case studies demonstrating innovative AI collaborations in higher education institutions. The submission deadline is 27 July 2025. Accepted speakers will receive a full waiver of the conference registration fees.

Organisations interested in sponsoring the AI Futures Summit: Empowering Higher Education can choose from various packages, including digital sponsorships, exhibitor tables, social events, and speaking opportunities.

Further information about the AI Futures Summit can be found on the Summit, Knowledge E and Khalifa University’s social media channels as well as the conference website: , while requests and questions can be directed to events@knowledgee.com

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist��

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Proof-of-Concept Indoor Drone System with Computer Vision and AI Can Detect, Verify, and Count Warehouse Assets

A Khalifa University�� team of four students has won the top award in the ‘Computing and Robotics’ category under the Senior Design Project (SDP) Competition at the 19th IEEE UAE Student Day for an indoor drone system designed to detect, verify, and count warehouse assets using computer vision and AI.

The team included Sahlah Adesina, Aaminah Arif, Rahika Roza, and Tasneem Ahmed, while Dr. Reyad El-Khazali, Dr. Mihai Sanduleanu and Dr. Sean Swei offered mentorship, and technical guidance. More than 330 students from 58 academic institutions participated in the IEEE UAE Student Day at the University of Dubai, making it one of the largest student technology expos in the world.

The fully functional proof-of-concept custom-built manually piloted drone system has been successfully tested for stable indoor flight, and is equipped with onboard sensors, an AI camera, and a Raspberry Pi – a versatile, single-board and low-cost computer. The solution stands out for its portability and the use of AI.

The drone also includes YOLOv8-based (You Only Look Once – YOLO series of real-time object detection algorithms) models for detecting normal and damaged boxes, as well as QR/barcodes, with over 95% Mean Average Precision (mAP). In addition, it also has a full-stack web dashboard with real-time video feed and inventory tracking, supporting scans with less than three-second latency that is crucial for real-time applications.

Dr. Reyad El-Khazali said: “Congratulations to our students for winning the top award in the category and demonstrating Khalifa University’s role as a higher education institution of scientific excellence. It was also an incredible experience to showcase our students’ senior design project among some of the most innovative and inspiring student work across the country. From AI-powered healthcare systems to sustainable tech and cutting-edge robotics, the level of creativity and technical excellence at each booth was truly motivating.”

Clarence Michael��
English Editor – Specialist��

The post Khalifa University Student Team Wins Top Award at 19th IEEE UAE Student Day Senior Design Project Competition���� appeared first on Khalifa University.

Representatives from Khalifa University, UAE Central Bank, UAE Cyber Security Council, Italian Central Bank, and University of Bologna Share Perspectives

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the UAE Cybersecurity Council today announced senior leaders from global banking and finance sector including central banks, financial institutions, and the academia gathered at Khalifa University for discussions on the critical importance of cybersecurity within the financial ecosystem. The event was co-organized with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the Bank of Italy (Banca d’Italia-BDI).

The event titled ‘Cybersecurity and Resilience in the Financial Sector’ at Khalifa University Main Campus featured distinguished speakers from CBUAE, BDI, the UAE Cyber Security Council, Khalifa University’s College for Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the University of Bologna and CERTfin. The��public-private cooperative initiative��aimed at increasing the cyber resilience of the Italian financial sector.

The event included keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and potential collaboration.

It started with welcome addresses from His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of UAE Cyber Security Council, H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University (participation to be confirmed), and Claudio Impenna, Head of the Market and Payment System Oversight directorate at Banca d’Italia.

The keynote titled ‘Cyber threat in the financial sector – trends, challenges, and responses’, was delivered by Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean of the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. It focused on bridging academic research with practical applications, offering a forward-looking perspective on technological advancements in financial cybersecurity with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said: “The relentless evolution in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence places the financial sector on the frontlines against escalating cyberattacks and complex regulatory demands—particularly surgically targeted ransomware, AI-powered fraud networks, and emerging threats. Our challenge extends beyond asset protection to maintaining trust amid the fragile equilibrium between innovation and security. This demands AI-driven defense systems and radical cross-sector collaboration.”

H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University is privileged to host an event of this stature with central bankers and security experts to highlight the ever-expanding role of AI in the global banking and finance sector. This gathering also reflects the significance of cybersecurity and its integral part in blocking data breaches and protecting against financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. We believe the discussions and knowledge sharing resulting from this event will positively impact policy-makers and facilitate the implementation of robust cyber security measures incorporating AI to safeguard financial assets.”

Thabet Bakheet Khamis, Chief Risk Officer at the Central Bank of the UAE, delivered a talk on ‘CBUAE experience in fostering Cybersecurity in the financial sector and lead a panel discussion on ‘Cybersecurity regulations and supervisory practices’.��

Gino Giambelluca, Head of Payment Systems and Infrastructures oversight division at Banca d’Italia and BdI representative in the steering committee of CERTFin, delivered a talk on ‘Strengthening cyber resilience of the European financial ecosystem – policy, regulation and risk mitigation strategies’.��

Professor Jorge Zubelli, Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Khalifa University, highlighted the University’s research for robust data analytics and AI in the financial sector.

Mario Trinchera, Chief Information Security Officer at ABI Lab. And manager of CERTfin cybersecurity operations, offered a presentation on public-private and cross-sector collaboration, covering threat intelligence and information sharing, cyber training, as well as the best practices and risk assessment tools.��

Professor Michele Colajanni, University of Bologna, delivered a talk on ‘Innovation in cyber threat and response: How AI can improve the security of the financial sector’.��

The Italian Central Bank’s Luca De Angelis led a session on ‘Enhancing Cyber Resilience through Threat-Led Penetration Testing’.

The closing panel on ‘Enhancing resilience and countering cyber frauds in the financial sector by leveraging the emerging technologies’, featured industrial presentations from the UAE and Italian companies. It was moderated by BdI’s Claudio Impenna. Industrial presenters will include representatives from Italy’s cybersecurity and cryptographic solutions provider Telsy, and the UAE companies of the CyberE71 program of the Cyber Security Council.

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Undergraduate Students Turn Coding Skills into Tools for Real-World Impact��

Khalifa University hosted its 3rd Sustainability and Social Responsibility E-Gaming Competition at the Main Campus that brought together a large number of undergraduate students across various teams to design digital games and applications that raise awareness of global issues linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).��

Organized by the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning, the competition marked the culmination of a month-long program integrating sustainability education with digital innovation. Participants attended several workshop sessions, covering game development, design, and programming, and received mentoring to support their projects.��

The competition challenged students to apply their technical and creative skills to develop interactive platforms that highlight environmental and social challenges. Game concepts addressed topics such as climate change, food security, water conservation, mental health, and inclusive education.��

E-gaming and digital technologies are increasingly seen as effective tools to promote sustainability and civic awareness. This initiative leveraged those tools to cultivate innovation, collaboration, and a deeper sense of global responsibility among students.��

Final projects were assessed based on creativity, technical execution, and potential impact. Winning team members included undergraduate students Mohammad Arwani and Abdulla Almehairbi from the Computer Science program who won first place for their project titled, ‘Eco Galaxy.’ In second place was the project ‘What the Island Gives’ which included six undergraduate students from the Computer Science and Industrial and Systems Engineering program, while the project titled ‘E-Coffee’ won the third place including two students from Computer Science. The winning projects were recognized for their ability to effectively communicate sustainability issues and engage users through digital storytelling and gameplay.��

The competition forms part of Khalifa University’s broader strategy to align academic and co-curricular experiences with the UN SDG framework, while equipping students with the tools to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.��

Dr. Ali Almansoori, Associate Provost for Education, and Professor, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to witness the creativity and innovation demonstrated by our undergraduate students during this year’s Social Responsibility E-Gaming Competition. By integrating sustainability education with digital technologies, we empower Khalifa University students to become proactive agents of change, addressing critical global issues through interactive platforms. Initiatives like these not only enhance their technical skills but cultivate a deeper sense of global responsibility aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”��

Alisha Roy��
Science Writer��

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Award Recognizes Professor Khaled Musallam’s Valuable Contributions and Pioneering Work on Thalassemia Treatment��

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Khalifa University Adjunct Professor Khaled Musallam has won the 2025 Clinical Excellence Award from the European Hematology Association (EHA) for his achievements and commitment to clinical research​, with valuable contributions and pioneering work.��

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The award was presented to him during the Opening Ceremony of the Association’s annual congress held in Milan, Italy. EHA is one of the largest hematology organizations in the world, promoting excellence in patient care, research, and education.��

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Professor Musallam is also Group Chief Research Officer, Burjeel Holdings, and is based in Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi. He is also the Founding Director of the Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD), Director of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Center, and Head of the Innovative Trials Unit at the Genetics and Rare Disease Center. In addition, Professor Musallam is Global Research Lead at Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York and Adjunct Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.��

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As a student, Professor Musallam focused his scientific inquiry on thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder characterized by chronic severe anemia. He has worked in both academia and industry across multiple organizations in Europe and the Middle East.����

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Professor Musallam has fostered extensive collaborations both regionally and globally towards novel drug development. His work was mainly focused on setting up and leading large global datasets of individuals with thalassemia to identify the relationship between modifiable risk factors and long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes, which can be targeted by treatment optimization or novel therapies.��

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Professor Musallam’s work helped characterize the various forms of thalassemia with respect to transfusion dependence, leading to a shift in patient categorization globally. His work enabled the medical community to notice the detrimental effects of untreated anemia in non-transfusion-dependent patients (NTDT), including serious complications and early death. This was the basis for the development of two novel disease-modifying therapies – luspatercept and mitapivat, the first-ever to target the underlying disease in these patients. The therapies have been evaluated in global clinical trials with extensive involvement from Professor Musallam as principal investigator. He is also a member of the steering committee, and key advisor for regulatory filing with the US Food and Drug Administration, and the European Medicines Agency.��

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Professor Musallam’s studies were the first to provide clinical proof of principle on the correlation between iron overload and serious clinical complications of NTDT, affecting almost all organ systems. He identified thresholds which were later used on the design of oral iron chelation therapy (drugs that remove excess iron from the body) trials in NTDT and to define prescribing information and international management guideline recommendations for these agents. Collectively, his work provided a new treatment landscape for NTDT patients by uncovering these detrimental risk factors for poor patient outcomes and supporting the development of novel agents to address them.��

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Professor Musallam has made various practice-changing contributions to advance knowledge in transfusion-dependent individuals (TDT) that has helped quantify the risk of suboptimal treatment and its impact. His studies linking natural increases in fetal hemoglobin level and favorable patient outcomes supported clinical proof of principle for advances in gene editing, which has recently become a reality.����

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A highly respected author with over 230 publications in leading peer-reviewed international medical journals, Professor Musallam’s expert contributions remain amongst the most recognized and cited in the field. He is also the Editor of the first-ever NTDT management guidelines by the Thalassemia International Federation and the latest TDT management guidelines, which are the prime resources used by treating physicians worldwide for patient care.����

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Professor Musallam said: “This award is a celebration of all the successful collaborations I have had throughout my career, especially with mentors and mentees who eventually became close colleagues and friends from all over the world. We were all joined by a single cause of improving the lives of patients living with a devastating disease. The support and resources made available to me in the UAE over the past five years have surely helped accelerate my research programs and allowed me to put our region on the international map of research and development. With the EHA award, we are inspired to keep the momentum going for advancing knowledge and discovering new treatment options.”��

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist

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Top in UAE for Unprecedented Eight Consecutive Years, Leading in Faculty Student Ratio, and Research Citations������

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it has jumped 25 places to be ranked 177^th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, firmly securing a spot among the world’s top 200 universities.��

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For eight consecutive years, Khalifa University has remained the top institution in the UAE, reinforcing its status as a national leader in higher education and research. In the 2026 edition, the University leads across several key indicators including 11^th in the world for ‘International Faculty,’ top in UAE for ‘Citations per Faculty,’ and ‘Faculty Student Ratio’, affirming its leadership in attracting global talent and producing high-impact scientific research.��

The new QS rankings evaluated more than 8,467 universities from across 106 locations, with Khalifa University leading all 12 universities from the UAE, with a ‘Graduate Employment Rate’ of an impressive 94%.��

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “As global academic and research landscape evolve, our consistent climb to reach the top 200 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings reinforces Khalifa University’s status as a driving force in science and technology, particularly among researchers and students seeking world-class opportunities closer to home. The 177^th rank remains a testament to our faculty and students whose work continues to make a positive impact, while highlighting our global growing presence. Through our diverse academic community and our expanding international and regional industry collaborations, we are consistently contributing to meeting UAE’s ambitions in knowledge economy leadership.”��

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Faculty and Students Drive Green Innovation with Award-Winning Projects in Recycling, Clean Energy, and Marine Restoration

A total of three research teams from Khalifa University have won top prizes across three research categories at the 13th edition of the for the 2024–2025 academic year. The winning projects and participants from various categories were honored during the��Environment and Protected Areas Authority’s (EPAA) final awards ceremony in Sharjah.

Held under the patronage of the Government of Sharjah’s EPAA, the national competition recognizes innovative projects that advance environmental protection and sustainable development in the UAE. This edition included 235 projects submitted from schools, universities, government and private entities, alongside 248 university students and 115 academic members.

Nineteen jury members evaluated the submissions based on rigorous scientific criteria and the Khalifa University teams were recognized with top prizes after progressing through several competitive rounds, including public showcases and jury assessments of their prototypes. Their award-winning projects addressed critical environmental issues, ranging from sustainable resource recovery to the restoration of marine ecosystems.

A team led by Dr. Nahla Al Amoodi, from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, took first place in the Environmental Resources Conservation and Protection category for the project ‘Utilization of Steel Slag for Coral Reef Restoration.’ Undergraduate researchers Fatima Alketbi, Sumayya Alshehhi, Zahra Alameri, and Bakheeta Alqubaisi presented an innovative solution to restore coral reefs using steel slag, which is an industrial byproduct promoting marine biodiversity and circular resource use.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinesh Shetty from the Department of Chemistry led a team that won first place in the Human & Environmental Health Protection category for the project ‘Materials for sustainable recovery of gold from e-waste and their reuse.’ Along with PhD students Najat Aldaqqa and Nada ElMerhi, the team developed new materials to recover gold from electronic waste, offering a more sustainable approach to managing one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.

Khalifa University Graduate Student achievements were recognized in the Research in Sustainability category, where PhD student Mohammed A. Abujayyab, claimed second place for the project on ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Lithium Industry: Sustainable Extraction Solutions with Keratin.’ Led by Dr. Fawzi Banat, Center Director, Food Security & Technology Center, the project proposes a greener pathway for meeting the rising global demand for lithium, critical for batteries and renewable energy storage.

Dr. David Sheehan, Chair, Chemistry, Khalifa University, said: “It is rewarding to see fundamental chemistry applied in such practical, forward-looking ways, whether through recycling critical materials or supporting more sustainable industries. This kind of work represents the best of what research and education can achieve together. Moreover, such awards are a testament to the creativity and commitment of our students and faculty, especially in tackling urgent environmental challenges.”

Dr. Ali Elkamel, Chair, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa University, said: “The top prizes in different research domains reflect Khalifa University’s diverse research capabilities and its growing impact on environmental innovation in the UAE. It especially �ǿմ�ý how our faculty and students are actively contributing to national sustainability goals through innovative, science-based solutions.”

Alisha Roy
Science Writer��

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A new review from Khalifa University researchers �ǿմ�ý how organic polymers can be used in flexible nanoelectronic and photonic devices����

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Discover how organic polymers are shaping tomorrow’s tech, listen now!

Conjugated polymers are flexible, sustainable, and high-performance alternatives to silicon-based semiconductors. A new review by researchers from Khalifa University outlines how molecular engineering is turning these organic materials into powerful building blocks for applications ranging from solar energy to wearable electronics.����

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Dr. Ammar Nayfeh, Amaan Chougle, Dr. Ayman Rezk, and Syed Usama Bin Afzal, all from Khalifa University Department of Electrical Engineering, collaborated with Dr. Abdul Khayum Mohammed and Dr. Dinesh Shetty from�� Khalifa University’s Department of Chemistry to examine the expanding role of conjugated polymers in developing next-generation electronic and photonic devices. They published their review in .����

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“Conjugated polymers bring a level of adaptability and sustainability that traditional semiconductors can’t easily match,” Dr. Nayfeh said.�� “These materials are perfect for flexible devices transistors and memory needed for wearables.�� Also they can be used for flexible solar cells. Their optical and electrical properties are well suited for this role.�� One challenge is the fabrication of devices that our group is currently working on in this project.”��

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Dr Shetty added: “At the heart of these materials is their ϖ-conjugated system which allows electrons to move more freely along polymer chains. This mobility, combined with the ability to tweak their chemical structure, gives scientists a toolkit to design polymers with custom electronic, optical and mechanical properties.”��

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The team’s review categorizes conjugated polymers by their molecular architecture — one-dimensional linear chains and two-dimensional sheets — and explains how structure influences performance. 2D polymers provide superior charge mobility while 1D polymers are ideal for flexible applications.����

“Conjugated polymers offer a powerful combination of customizability, performance, and sustainability that positions them at the forefront of next-generation electronic and photonic technologies.”

— Dr. Ammar Nayfeh/span>, Khalifa University.

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Molecular design innovations are driving performance improvements. Research has developed polymers that achieve power conversion efficiencies over 20 percent in all-polymer solar cells while also optimizing their performance for long-term stability, which is key to commercial viability.����

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Beyond photovoltaics, conjugated polymers are making strides in organic transistors, nonvolatile memory applications and bioelectronics. While challenges remain, such as environmental degradation and integration with existing manufacturing, the trajectory is clear: conjugated polymers are becoming indispensable to the future of nanoelectronics and photonics.����

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This review exercise is part of team’s exploration of finding the suitable polymer system with relevant electronic and photonic properties.����

Jade Sterling
Science Writer

The post Conjugated Polymers Take Center Stage in the Future of Electronics and Photonics���� appeared first on Khalifa University.

Khalifa University researchers have developed a compact system that efficiently produces both electricity and clean water using solar energy, offering a sustainable solution for water-scarce, off-grid regions��

Discover the latest in solar innovation — listen now!

In an effort to address the global twin crises of energy and water scarcity, researchers from Khalifa University have engineered a solar-powered device that does both: it generates electricity and produces freshwater by combining concentrated photovoltaics and membrane distillation into a single, compact module. Unlike traditional desalination systems that rely heavily on fossil fuels or separate energy sources, this hybrid design uses the waste heat from solar cells to drive a thermal desalination process.����

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The team was led by Dr. Mohamed Ali, with Dr. Kabbir Ali and Dr. Mostafa Ismael, all from Khalifa University’s Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department. Their results were published in .����

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“Instead of letting heat dissipate, we direct it into water purification,” Dr. Ali said. “Clean water access is crucial for remote societies, affecting health and wellbeing, and requiring essential water infrastructure enhancements. Integrating sustainable energy sources with desalination systems provides an eco-friendly approach, addressing energy, water, and environmental challenges.”��

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“By harnessing both electricity and thermal energy from the sun in a single unit, our hybrid system represents a step towards affordable, dual-purpose infrastructure for water-stressed regions.”

— Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Ali, Khalifa University

 

The team used computational fluid dynamics to simulate how the system behaves under varying solar intensities, water flow rates, and seasonal conditions before it was rigorously validated against lab data. Performance varied by season and time of day, with peak water production occurring during summer afternoons and electricity generation peaking around noon.����

Most importantly, the system is energy efficient, consuming significantly less energy than traditional desalination systems, only requiring energy for pumping water. There is significant potential for this system, but before commercialization, there are some hurdles to overcome. Long-term durability under harsh conditions and large-scale deployment remain areas for future research, but the team’s achievements represent a significant step towards decentralized, sustainable solutions for remote and arid regions.����

Jade Sterling
Science Writer��

The post Dual-Purpose Solar Tech Delivers Clean Water and Power in One Device�� appeared first on Khalifa University.

Landmark Achievement in Sustainable Space Technology Marks a Leap Forward in Local Capacity Building with Global Relevance

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the UAE Space Agency today announced a major milestone in space innovation with the commissioning of the region’s first environmentally friendly, in-house-developed micro propulsion system for a 6U CubeSat. The system is designed, built, and tested entirely in the UAE, marking a critical step towards building national capability to engineer and deploy satellite propulsion systems.

Supported by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) through a formal agreement with Khalifa University, the project is part of the 6U CubeSat initiative to demonstrate in-orbit technology for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. Six University researchers and key collaborators from UAESA are involved, with the system now entering the final commissioning phase at Khalifa University’s Small Satellite Lab.

Developed at Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Lab (KUSTIL), the propulsion system marks a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical systems, by utilizing High Test Peroxide (HTP), a non-toxic propellant that breaks down into water vapor and oxygen. Compact yet high performing, the system’s 2U propulsion module features five thrusters capable of five degrees of freedom (DOF) control, an uncommon achievement for satellites in the CubeSat class.

His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “Today, we mark a historic milestone in the UAE’s space innovation journey with the launch of our environmentally friendly, locally developed micro propulsion system for the 6U CubeSat. This strategic achievement not only embodies our commitment to sustainable space technologies but stands as living proof of our national talent capabilities in engineering”.

Al Qubaisi added: “This distinguished innovation has laid a new cornerstone in our quest to cement the UAE’s position as a pioneer in space exploration at both regional and global levels. It is a source of immense pride to see our investments in the space sector transform into tangible reality. We remain steadfast in our determination to achieve further breakthroughs that will strengthen the UAE’s footprint in the global space economy and next-generation technology.”

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “As part of the collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, the CubeSat propulsion project aligns with the UAE’s vision to strengthen local and regional space capabilities. Such advanced systems represent a significant leap in the country’s ability to independently validate complex and sustainable space technologies. Reaching the final commissioning phase �ǿմ�ý Khalifa University’s deep commitment to nurturing national talent, enhancing local infrastructure, and advancing innovation that not only supports a self-reliant space ecosystem but contributes meaningfully to global scientific progress.”

The propulsion module will be integrated into a fully functional 6U CubeSat system, expected to launch by the end of 2026. The primary mission is to demonstrate in-orbit propulsion capabilities for attitude control and orbital maneuvers. A successful demonstration aims to pave the way for the UAE’s first CubeSat-based satellite constellation, establishing a foundation for scalable, sustainable access to space, which would also be the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Beyond the module itself, the team has also built a dedicated milli-Newton thrust testing facility, now operational in Abu Dhabi. This facility will be available for future use by external researchers and industry partners, contributing to the UAE’s broader capabilities in space propulsion R&D. Khalifa University will lead the Assembly-Integration-Testing (AIT) phase of the CubeSat with national entities, including UAESA, as well as international partners to secure a launch window.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer

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Award to be Officially Presented at EMBC 2025 Conference in Denmark������

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The IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) EMBS Student Chapter at Khalifa University has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Best Regional Student Chapter Award, following a year of impactful contributions and engagement. This is the first time the Khalifa University Chapter has won the award.��

The award citation commended the student chapter for its technical excellence, and leadership in advancing biomedical engineering education, outreach, and global visibility. The award will be officially presented during the opening ceremony of the EMBC 2025 Conference, in Copenhagen, Denmark.��

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Dr. Maria De Fatima Fonseca Domingues, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, is the Chancellor of the IEEE EMBS Khalifa University Student Chapter, while Rateb Majd Katmah is the President. During the year, the Student Chapter organized and supported a diverse range of events that helped to enrich the technical, professional, and community engagement of the members and students. It hosted hands-on technical workshops such as the ‘Mastering Ubuntu and Python’ series and led campaigns including the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, engaging over 500 participants.

The chapter played a pivotal role in organizing and hosting the 11th International Conference on Software Development and Technologies for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (DSAI 2024) and the first College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) Undergraduate Research Conference 2025. It also hosted a series of distinguished seminars and panel discussions, including ‘Empowering Young Minds’ by Dr. Fatma Al Hashimi on stem cell science, ‘Extending the Reach of Bioelectronic Implants’ by Prof. Christopher Proctor, ‘Future Biomaterials’ by Prof. Jonathan Knowles from University College London, and a panel discussion on ‘Women in Emerging Technology’ featuring prominent speakers.��

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Dr. Domingues, said: “Organizing and supporting various activities not only elevated the EMBS Student Chapter’s visibility locally and globally, but also contributed to growing the chapter’s membership to 66 within its first year, positioning it as a leading EMBS student chapter in the region. This international achievement is commendable, and we acknowledge the continuous dedication and hard work of both the current and former EMBS officers across successive semesters.”��

Clarence Michael��
English Editor – Specialist��

The post Khalifa University IEEE EMBS Student Chapter Wins 2025 Best Regional Student Chapter Award�� appeared first on Khalifa University.

Under the patronage of��His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has attended the 2025 graduation ceremony, held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

In all, 163 students received their PhD degrees, while 193 received their master’s, and a total of 725 students received their bachelor’s degrees, making the overall numbers 1,112, including 31 PhDs in medicine graduates.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated the graduates and their families on passing this educational stage, wishing them continued success in their professional and scientific careers, and in the service of their homelands and societies in various fields.

His Highness reaffirmed that the graduation of a new cohort of students from Khalifa University, specialised in engineering, science, and medicine, reflects the UAE’s commitment to preparing a generation of scientifically and academically qualified talent capable of meeting the needs of crucial sectors in advanced engineering, technology, medicine, and health sciences.

His Highness commended the role of Khalifa University as a leading academic and research institution, in developing distinguished specialists and researchers capable of creating advanced solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, medical sciences, and future technologies.

In his address, His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his visionary leadership and support of Khalifa University and the UAE’s academic and research institutions.

His Excellency also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for attending the ceremony and for His Highness’ continued support of national talent and competencies across various scientific and research fields.

Reflecting on the UAE Year of Community and its impact, His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri highlighted the academic achievement of Khalifa University students and reaffirmed the institution’s role in preparing future-ready talent to lead and excel in various industries, including the private sector.

His Excellency emphasised that the students represent the innovation and excellence that support the UAE’s long-term vision, thanking the faculty members for their instrumental role in shaping skills and competencies of the graduates of this cohort.

During 2025, Khalifa University has achieved several milestones. The institution was ranked first in the UAE and 37th in Asia in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025 and ranked top in the UAE in 10 subjects in the��QS World University Rankings��by Subject 2025. The��Petroleum Engineering��programme has risen to the 7th place maintaining its position in the global top 10 for three consecutive years.

Khalifa University marked a milestone in its sustainable journey with the launch of Sustainability Strategy – A Pathway to Net Zero 2050, the university’s first greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions report. Further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global hub for robotics and AI innovation, the University launched a bachelor’s programme in Robotics and AI.

In academics, Khalifa University also developed a dual PhD programme in collaboration with KU Leuven, a first-of-its-kind dual master’s programme with the Arizona State University, partnerships with Zayed Military University and Al Ghurair Foundation, and an undergraduate research programme with Mubadala Healthcare, as well as continuing its partnership with the National Service and Reserve Authority (NSRA).

Also in attendance at the graduation ceremony were senior officials, members of the Khalifa University Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, the graduates, and members of their families.

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