When it comes to scientific achievements, cooperation generally produces better results. Across the world, research universities have collaborated with others to encourage innovation and discovery. The free flow of information and the movement of researchers between institutions is as old as academia itself. Scientists and academics in the UAE are now calling for even deeper cooperation to iaccelerate progress in academic and scientific research.
Over the past two decades, the UAE has established itself as the home of several top universities including New York University Abu Dhabi, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the American University of Sharjah and UAE University. Until this point, these universities have largely depended on their own staff and resources to spur academic research and innovation. Dr Fatme Al Anouti, an associate professor of chemistry at Zayed University, told The National that the UAE's academic environment lacks dedicated researchers and must find new ways of collaboration to overcome this challenge.
Collaboration between research universities does take place, however, especially in the realm of diabetes. Clearly, deeper cooperation is needed for the country to progress in this important field. Pooling resources such as researchers and laboratories is a natural solution to this challenge. But what is the best way to naturally spur the spirit of cooperation?
One way of changing the complexion of research collaboration is the establishment of a centralised research fund. While individual universities have their own research funds, a national fund designed to encourage collaboration across institutions would be a natural and easy fix to this problem.
Ultimately, the country can’t afford for its universities to sandbox themselves and view the collective academic environment from isolated islands. Our research universities will operate better together.
