Al Ain: The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has officially launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Program to strengthen its contribution to the “Plant the Emirates” initiative, promoting sustainability and innovation through student-led research.
The new program is designed to raise awareness about the United Nations SDGs among students and the broader community. It also offers seed funding for 25 student research projects, enabling participants to develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions with faculty mentorship.
Prof. Ahmed Alraeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, emphasized the importance of fostering a research culture that aligns with national sustainability goals.
“Through the SDGs Research Program, we aim to empower students to lead innovative projects that align with the ‘Plant the Emirates’ initiative. Our objective is to promote sustainability, enhance climate resilience, and strengthen communities through research that addresses today’s urgent challenges,” Alraeesi said.
The “Plant the Emirates” initiative offers a vital platform for students and researchers to explore sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to environmental preservation efforts in the UAE.
The 2024/2025 research cycle will focus on projects directly linked to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Alraeesi noted that the research will also leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
UAEU is pleased to announce the Sustainable Development Goals Research Program for the 2024/2025 cycle, which will focus on student-led research initiatives that are directly aligned with the national goals of the “#Plant_the_Emirates” initiative. @MoCCaEUAE pic.twitter.com/z0CGGHuoV4
— جامعة الإمارات العربية المتحدة (@UAEU_NEWS) October 16, 2024
In the first cycle, 25 student teams will receive the necessary resources to develop impactful solutions. Each research team will comprise four undergraduate students and one faculty member acting as the Principal Investigator (PI).
The SDGs Research Program aims to create a dynamic environment for young researchers to develop practical solutions aligned with the UAE’s sustainability agenda. By encouraging student innovation and community involvement, the program reinforces UAEU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.