Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

A total of 66 proposals for research revolving around the COVID-19 pandemics have been submitted to find out possible solutions for betterment of the society. A fund of Dhs5 million has been allocated for this research.

This was revealed at the ‘Fifth Science and Engineering Research Forum,’ organised by the Research Institute for Science and Engineering at the University of Sharjah (UoS). The forum was held to discuss research topics and ideas and proposed project implementations in the future in light of the current challenges represented by the COVID-19 pandemic and how scientific research will contribute to facing and overcoming its effects on various economic, health and social fields.

The forum also introduced research centres at the Research Institute for Science and Engineering and shed light on research projects in the various specialisations currently conducted by teams and research groups.

During the discussion session on remotely ongoing scientific research that revolves around the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor of the University for Research and Graduate Studies, clarified that the University of Sharjah is developing regulations for precautionary measures in line with the UAE’s directions and that must be followed during this period for groups and research institutes so that the number of individuals in the laboratory does not exceed three people.

“A total of 66 proposals for research revolving around the COVID-19 pandemics were proposed with the participation of all scientific colleges and research groups in all fields to take advantage of all the views and solutions that will be presented to society with a funding Dhs5 million for this research,” he said.

Addressing the inaugural session, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy stressed that this Forum will focus on introducing the new research centres of excellence affiliated to Research Institute for Science and Engineering.

Keynote speaker Dr. Farid Al-Amiri, Director of the Environmental System for Research and Development at the Abu Dhabi Research and Development Authority, addressed the importance of achieving an environmental system for research and development in the UAE by proposing a framework for the system of environmental research and development in the country and absorbing all the necessary components to enhance their search results.

ROLE HAILED: Italian media has hailed the humanitarian initiatives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), who is also the Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC for her generous donation for the elderly infected with COVID-19 who are receiving treatment and care in various Italian institutions, in addition to her initiative to support thousands of families affected by the pandemic in the cities of Naples, Assisi and Rome.

Several Italian humanitarian and charitable institutions also praised Sheikha Fatima’s support during these terrible conditions which enhanced the services provided to the beneficiaries of the elderly and the underprivileged.

In conjunction with Zayed Humanitarian Day, Sheikha Fatima provided a generous donation to scores of elderly COVID-19 patients, now being treated in Fondazione Montedomini, a foundation for their treatment in Florence, Italy.

Several Italian media outlets shed light on this donation which was meant for thousands of the underprivileged in Naples and Assisi in addition to her support to the educational sector and e-learning through the provision of hundreds of tablets to several educational institutions in Rome.

Newspapers in Naples reported that community of Saint Egidio in Naples received financial support that contributed to covering the needs of a thousand families who have experienced financial difficulties arising out of the economic consequences of the pandemic.

The president of the community extended thanks and appreciation to Sheikha Fatima for her humanitarian initiatives and care to the needy families which reflect her values.