ABU DHABI, The UAE National Service and Reserve (NSR) Authority and Khalifa University of Science and Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on expanding cooperation in academic, scientific and research areas, including robotics and smart systems.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of Khalifa University, and Brigadier-General Obaid Ali Al-Mansoori, Director, Directorate of Information and Corporate Communication at NSR Authority, in the presence of Major-General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of NSR Authority; and Homaid Al Shimmari, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of Khalifa University Board of Trustees.
Major General Pilot Tahnoun viewed the projects developed by the third batch of 16 Al Nokhba-NSRs that were displayed as part of the “Khalifa University Innovation Day 2022”, the annual exhibition that celebrates the innovative essence of senior graduating students. The Al Nokhba-NSRs were later presented with certificates of completion on the successful conclusion of their assignments with Khalifa University.
Sheikh Ahmed stressed the importance of this MoU as it enhances the strategic partnership between the NSR Authority and Khalifa University, which is considered one of the leading scientific and academic institutions in the country.
He added that areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU focus on benefiting from the scientific capabilities of NSR recruits who will acquire scientific specialisations and postgraduate studies through training, qualifying and refining their skills in many practical fields that prepare them for scientific research, which is the fastest way to progress and prosperity.
Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed also emphasised the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s ambition in preparing a strong group of UAE National researchers capable of serving the military, while providing innovative solutions in logistic, technical and medical areas. At the same time, the MoU will also develop a group of recruits to support the military industry sector, as one of the most critical and strategic sectors supported by our wise leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bi Zayed Al Nahyan.
Humaid Al Shimmari said, “We believe this MoU will pave the way for many UAE national students to gain knowledge while enhancing their skill sets and become full-fledged professionals, adequately equipped to tackle future challenges.”
The MoU will expand cooperation on the Al-Nokhba and Tomooh programmes and aim to cover 30 to 50 participants annually, including students and NSR recruits, to hone their skills and prepare them for scientific research. Recently, the third batch of 16 Al-Nokbha-NSR graduates received their certificates of completion on the successful conclusion of their assignments with Khalifa University.
The MoU will develop effective technical solutions based on the latest technologies and operations research to support decision-making, thus enhancing performance efficiency in the military sector.
According to the MoU, Khalifa University will create an online platform for all eligible candidates in the NSR to apply for admission to the Tomooh and Elite programmes. The Tomooh programme targets high school graduates, based on their grades approved by the university in English Language EmSAT, Mathematics and Physics. Students will have the opportunity to study two different subjects, which will be credited as academic hours. In addition, scholarships will be granted to distinguished students who fulfil the criteria set by Khalifa University.
The research-intensive Elite programme, which is focused on developing solutions to current challenges, targets university students, especially those graduating from the top 300 universities in the world. Participants are allowed to take a subject from accredited graduate programmes if they meet admission requirements.
Moreover, the MoU paves way for students to enrol in training programmes and courses that hone skills while introducing them to technical, research and development fields. They will also be acquainted with the Khalifa University research centres.
The Al Nokhba-NSR projects viewed by Major General Pilot Tahnoun at Khalifa University Innovation Day 2022 included Arabic automatic speech recognition, Risk-Aware AVs on EasyMile Platform, Risk-Aware AVs: Nissan Leaf Platform, a base prediction module (iPredict) for resource planning with iPlan, Optimisation of ring design for Etisalat planning challenges, Hexapod walking robot building and control, Control and data analysis of pipeline inspection robot, Build-and-Control drone for package delivery, and Design and implementation of an agile autonomous UAV platform.
Source: Emirates News Agency