Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), American University of Sharjah (AUS), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), have come together to enhance trilateral collaboration and foster exchange in the realms of research, academia, technology and innovation, with the inking of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—one between SRTIP and SIAT, and the other between AUS and SIAT.

The MoUs were signed during the SIAT delegation’s visit to SRTIP. The agreements were signed in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTIP and President of AUS; Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO, SRTIP; Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS; Professor Hairong Zheng, Executive President, SIAT; and officials from the three institutions.

Prior to the signing ceremonies, the SIAT delegation visited AUS and met with Dr Laursen and Dr. Mohamed El Tarhuni, Interim Provst and Chief Academic Officer at AUS. The delegation later explored potential collaboration avenues with the AUS College of Engineering (CEN) represented by Dean Dr. Fadi Aloul, Associate Dean Dr. Lotfi Romdhan, and Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Dr. Imran Zualkernan. SIAT is known for its research in cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, electronics and information technology, which are areas of focus in CEN.

The delegation later toured SRTIP led by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, who highlighted key areas of the park, including Sharjah Open Innovation Lab “Soilab”, a critical resource for research and development projects.

The visit ended with a pivotal meeting with Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, which set the stage for the signing ceremonies.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Today, we celebrate the convergence of two worlds of innovation. The cultivation of collaborative relationships between like-minded institutions is the cornerstone of the work we are undertaking at AUS and SRTIP, and I am delighted that with the signing of these two significant agreements with SIAT, our common vision for a future driven by technology, innovation and top academic research will be comprehensively supported by both parties. “Through this partnership, we aim to harness the collective strength of our institutions, ultimately inspiring our students and entrepreneurs to lead groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of technology, entrepreneurship and academic research.”

As per the agreements, the institutions will also organise joint conferences, seminars, camps, training programs, courses and lectures. AUS and SIAT would exchange materials and publications of common interest; develop joint research projects; organize faculty, student and administrator exchange programs; and hold cooperative international educational programmes, while SRTIP and SIAT would share expertise on new and emerging technologies.

The MoU between SRTIP and SIAT outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the two entities, aiming to promote various activities and collaborations in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, and explore opportunities for joint research and development projects. It also sets the stage for the identification and support of spinouts and startups that seek to leverage SRTIP as a launchpad for commercialization from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology. Furthermore, the collaboration will extend to the development of the AI HuB at SRTIP, which holds great promise for advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation, and exploring possibilities of setting up SIAT Development Center at SRTIP.

This groundbreaking collaboration between SRTIP, AUS and SIAT signals a big step forward for technology and innovation sectors, both locally and internationally. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership aims to bring transformative solutions to the world.

Meanwhile, The University of Sharjah (UoS) participated in the 8th Arab Conference on Astronomy and Geophysics, which was organised by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics in Cairo, Egypt.

This comes as part of the university’s keenness to participate in various scientific conferences at the regional and global level and publish academic research across diverse fields.

During the conference, Prof. Mashhoor Al-Wardat, Professor of Astrophysics, UoS, and Director of Academic Affairs, SAASST, delivered a specialised scientific lecture under the title “Al-Wardat’s Method, a computational method to unveil the mystery of close visual binary and multiple stellar systems”.

On behalf of Prof. Hamid MK Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), Prof. Mashhoor Al-Wardat delivered the union speech as one of the keynote speakers during the opening session of the conference. He highlighted the significant role of AUASS affiliated with the League of Arab States, stressing that it serves as an umbrella for joint work in the realms of space and astronomy, supporting specialised institutes, astronomical societies, and experts.

Moreover, Prof. Al-Wardat underscored UoS and SAASST’s dedication to advancing the field of astronomy and space sciences, through organising various specialised conferences and workshops aimed at enhancing knowledge in all aspects of space sciences that serve the local society.