ABU DHABI // UAE University is to showcase its research in an effort to attract funding and projects that currently go to institutions overseas.
Officials will present about 80 case studies focusing on health, economic, environmental and social issues at the Emirates Palace hotel on November 3, hoping to grab the attention of Government heads who they feel should invest in local research.
"We want to let everyone know we're still here," said Dr Rory Hume, the university's provost. "This is meant to highlight the contributions the university continues to make that are aligned with the needs of the nation.
"If we need to bring in outside expertise, we want to bring people here ... to help to train the next generation of young nationals here in the UAE. That's an important part of the equation."
The oldest federal university in the country is ranked among the top 400 in the world. It aims to become the nation's first research-based institution, launching a public health research institute and PhD programmes this year. Officials said this year they will eventually cut as many as 200 jobs to boost research funding.
"To improve our world rankings, we will need additional research funding but also researchers who will focus on areas of economic diversification, health problems, water issues, aerospace and other areas of practical application in this country," Dr Hume said.