The Maritime Sustainability Research Centre, launched
at an event attended by leading government and maritime industry
representatives, will be operated and managed by Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy
(ADMA),
the region’s leading academic facility catering to mariners, under the umbrella
of Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Maritime’s newly launched platform
bridging the gap between public and private sectors with the aim of
strengthening Abu Dhabi’s maritime industry.
Located
within ADMA’s premises, the research centre will advocate to seek funding, primarily
from private sources, to enable academic institutions and start-ups to conduct
applied and fundamental research.
Additionally, the research centre will support graduate study programmes,
offering valuable opportunities for aspiring maritime professionals.
The
objectives of the research centre are multifaceted, with aims to disseminate knowledge among partners and
stakeholders, address short and long-term research needs, and provide research
opportunities for graduate students. Areas of focus include Marine Environment
& Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Maritime Cyber
Security, Big Data, and Maritime Policies & Laws.
Investing
in research and development is vital for the advancement of nations, and the MSRCAD is poised to play a pivotal role in
propelling the UAE forward on its path to prosperity. According to data from
the OECD and the World Bank, leading economies worldwide allocate at least 1%
of their GDP to research and development, underscoring the importance of such
initiatives in driving innovation and economic growth.
Operating akin to a funding agency, the MSRCAD will release calls for proposals, inviting researchers
across the UAE to submit project proposals in specific fields.