Panoramic view of the wind tower at Masdar Institute

{credit}Masdar Institute{/credit}

When Masdar City, a zero-carbon green city on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), was announced, there was much fanfare. Heralded by some as the future of cities (and contested by many) – it is also home to the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies.

However, after the initial fanfare, Masdar Institute quickly all but disappeared from the news. This week, however, the institute started reaching out to UAE nationals.

Thirteen UAE nationals from across the country’s universities were selected to join Masdar Institute’s six-week summer internship programme. The interns were selected based on high academic performance in science, engineering and computer science. They will be expected to work as full-time assistants.

Over 40 undergraduate students submitted applications for the internship, before the final 13 were selected .

Ektashif

Earlier today, Masdar Institute launched another outreach project called Ektashif, a 12-day residential programme – also for UAE nationals only – to learn about research in renewable energy, sustainability and the environment.

The programme is aimed at undergraduate students from the different universities in the country majoring in science or engineering and starts on 8 July. The students will be involved in some basic laboratory work as well as attend evening lectures in energy, environment and sustainable development. They will also participate in design challenges, field trips and recreational activities.

The lab topics will include studies in nanotechnology, desalination technologies, biofuels, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.