Sara Khalil Zaidan’s Research Focuses on Building Decarbonization to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 in Line with Paris Agreement.

Khalifa University Management Science and Engineering PhD student Sara Khalil Zaidan has won the Best Paper Award at the prestigious International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) Middle East and Central Asia (MECA) Conference 2025, one of the region’s leading platforms for energy researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, held in Turkey.

Sara Khalil won the award for her paper, titled ‘Beyond Technology: Behavioral Interventions and Policy Levers for Building Decarbonization, which addresses one of the most urgent global challenges – achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. While technological innovation remains essential, her research demonstrates that behavioral interventions —changes in everyday practices — offer fast, cost-effective, and scalable pathways to reduce energy demand, particularly in regions where technical solutions are slow to diffuse or resource-intensive.

The study highlights the built environment as a critical frontier for climate mitigation, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where extreme climatic conditions and high per-capita energy use make building decarbonization both challenging and impactful. By integrating global evidence with regional policy examples, Sara proposes a structured portfolio of interventions across core building energy services — cooling, heating, lighting, water heating, and appliances — supported by policy instruments that enable adoption alongside technological upgrades.

Dr. Mecit Can Emre Simsekler, Acting Chair, Management Science and Engineering, said: “Our PhD Student Sara Khalil Zaidan’s achievement reflects the caliber of research we foster at Khalifa University. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also provides actionable solutions for one of the most pressing sustainability challenges in our region. We are proud to see our students contributing to global climate goals and shaping the future of energy systems. This recognition also underscores Khalifa University’s commitment to advancing policy-oriented research that supports regional and global climate goals.”

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist 

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2025 YFEL Program Members Showcase Applied Innovation and Global Partnerships Advancing Sustainability

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced 50 members of its flagship Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) outreach program were honored at the 16th annual graduation ceremony for successfully completing their year-long commitments, underscoring Khalifa University’s emphasis on empowering youth with the knowledge, skills, and leadership mindset to shape a more sustainable future.

The graduation ceremony at the Khalifa University Main Campus was attended by members of the Khalifa University Board of Trustees along with dignitaries, guests, Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Dr. Waleed Alameri, Associate Provost for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, and Dr. Mohamed Saeed AlShehhi Assistant Provost, Enrollment and Graduate Studies, who gave the welcome remarks.

Since its establishment in 2010, the YFEL program has evolved into a nationally and internationally recognized platform for sustainability and energy leadership. The program’s growing alumni body of 680 members contribute across academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and public service.

Dr. Waleed Alameri, said: “The graduation of the 2025 YFEL cohort is especially meaningful as sustainability has moved from long-term aspiration to immediate responsibility. As mandated, Khalifa University firmly believes in equipping young people not only to understand global challenges but to actively participate in solving them. Through initiatives such as the YFEL program, Khalifa University continues to demonstrate how the power of collective action among universities, industry, government, and international partners could be critical to translating ambition into progress in sustainability, policy-making, technology and leadership.”

The 2025 edition of YFEL program introduced a refined three-phase framework, guiding participants from foundational understanding to real-world application. Phase I built strong fundamentals in energy systems, sustainability, and climate science—equipping participants to approach complex challenges with clarity and critical thinking. Phase II advanced hands-on exploration through projects in renewable energy, climate solutions, and emerging technologies. Phase III focused on leadership and application, empowering members to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver tangible outcomes — embodying the YFEL program’s ethos of preparing leaders ‘who do not wait for change, but actively shape it’.

A defining milestone of the 2025 YFEL journey was the 5th Edition of the German-Emirati Sustainability Days, which showcased collaboration between academia, industry, and international institutions, featuring Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO, German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce, and leading industry partners including Linde, Siemens, and Wilo, with a keynote contribution from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The platform demonstrated how German engineering expertise, Emirati ambition, and youth-driven innovation can converge to deliver practical, applied solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Across various platforms, the 2025 YFEL cohort presented projects tackling some of the region’s most pressing sustainability and energy challenges. They include Smart sustainable buildings to enhance energy efficiency and intelligent infrastructure; AI-driven hydrogen demand forecasting that integrates real-time traffic and weather data to optimize refueling efficiency; Decarbonizing gas compressor stations using Organic Rankine Cycle systems to reduce emissions and improve energy recovery, Biofuels production and utilization within the Hybrid renewable systems (solar and wind) for carbon capture, Autonomous renewable-powered vessels to lower the carbon footprint of marine fishing; Plastic-to-energy pyrolysis supporting circular economy models across the Gulf; and AI-driven autonomous smart desert farming to strengthen food security in arid environments.

2025 YFEL member Fatma AlRaeesi said: “We did not just study leadership; we were challenged to practice it—leading teams in high-pressure case competitions and communicating complex ideas with clarity and conviction. We leave here today not with all the answers, but with the right questions and the tools to find them.”

2025 YFEL member Zhao Jingyi, student from Universiti Sains Malaysia, said: “Expert instructors at the YFEL program led engaging classes, challenging me to think critically, especially during discussions on global issues. In addition to valuable mentorship, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds taught me the value of teamwork and different perspectives. We learned to combine our ideas, resulting in innovative solutions.”

The YFEL program’s early patrons and partners who laid its foundation, as well as Khalifa University faculty and mentors, were acknowledged for sustaining the YFEL program’s excellence and impact.

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Intelligent Waste Sorting to Advanced Water Treatment and Desert Greening Technologies Demonstrate Local and Global Relevance

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it is showcasing cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence and sustainability covering intelligent waste sorting to advanced water treatment and desert greening technologies, at the World Future Energy Summit 2026, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The Khalifa University projects that are being showcased at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 13–15 January include an Artificial Intelligence based autonomous material sorter, and 2D enabled functional membranes for water treatment and desalination. In addition, members of Khalifa University’s flagship outreach program the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), will present their project proposals, participate in debates, and interact with business leaders while attending various sessions.

Khalifa University’s commercial arm Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) is presenting two high-potential technologies with clear commercialization pathways: sustainable soil enhancement solutions derived from plant-based waste fibers for arid agriculture, and a solvent-based high-temperature delamination process enabling efficient recycling of photovoltaic modules. KUEC’s mandate goes beyond research presentation to actively prioritize investment-ready opportunities, structure commercialization strategies, and identify strategic industrial and financial partners. This approach accelerates market entry, enables scalable deployment, and creates new revenue-generating sectors within the knowledge-based economy.

Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “The Khalifa University projects being showcased at the World Future Energy Summit 2026 illustrate some of the most transformative technologies in artificial intelligence and sustainability, emanating from our core research centers. From intelligent waste sorting to advanced water treatment and desert greening technologies, our research is shaping a sustainable and resilient world. By merging artificial intelligence with breakthrough solutions in water, energy, and agriculture, we are shaping a world where smart systems and green practices work hand in hand to secure the planet for future generations.”

Professor Samuel Mao, Director, ASPIRE Research Institute for Sustainable Energy, and Professor of Practice, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University, will participate in a high-level, invitation-only dialogue, titled ‘Opportunity, Responsibility, and Governance in Extreme Domains’, co-hosted by the Emirates Polar Program and Arctic Circle. Professor Mao will also be on the judges panel for ‘Y4S Innovation Program – Final Pitch Day’ in which Youth-led teams present their sustainability-driven projects developed through the Y4S Innovation Program.

Focusing on sustainable and secure society, Khalifa University researchers are developing nanosheet-integrated hybrid membranes to address fouling and ageing issues in water treatment and desalination. These responsive membranes enable self-cleaning, sensing, and catalytic functions, improving separation efficiency, while reducing energy use and operational footprint.

The artificial Intelligence-based autonomous material sorter ‘IntelliBin’ enables proper segregation to help reduce landfill waste, increase recycling rates, and support sustainable urban development in line with the UAE’s 2030 Green Agenda and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It has an impressive 97% accuracy rate on unseen images, and currently the model is being optimized for deployment on low-resource devices. In addition to urban waste, the sorter can also be used at hospitals to reduce medical waste.

Among the KUEC projects, an eco-friendly, low-cost solution developed by Khalifa University researchers, helps improve water retention, carbon content, and erosion resistance in sandy soils using plant-based agricultural waste fibers. This technology reduces irrigation needs, repurposes waste, and supports climate-resilient agriculture for desert greening.

Another project is addressing the growing challenge of solar panel waste by providing a sustainable and cost-effective recycling solution. It is developing a solvent-based process to recycle photovoltaic (PV) modules using a specially designed tubular reactor to recover valuable materials such as silicon, glass, and solar back-sheet components, supporting the circular economy and promoting cleaner energy practices for a more sustainable future.

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Khalifa University’s 6G Research Center (6GRC) has won the ‘Telecom Review Excellence Award for Best AI Application for Vendors in the Middle East’ for its joint initiative ‘TelecomGPT-Arabic’, developed in collaboration with du, Nokia, Microsoft, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

TelecomGPT-Arabic reflects 6GRC’s vision of AI-native networks, systems that can interpret complex situations, reason over telecom knowledge, and adapt network operations and customer support workflows with higher speed and consistency. 

Designed to understand telecom queries in Arabic, TelecomGPT-Arabic supports decision-making across common operational scenarios, with an extensible architecture for future integration of voice, text, and structured telecom data.

This recognition reinforces Khalifa University’s commitment to advancing next-generation wireless systems and accelerating innovation across the UAE and the broader region through high-impact research, technology transfer, and international partnerships.

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The Physics Department faculty and staff came together for a full day of engagement and planning on 6 January for the Winter 2026 Retreat. Dr. Dirar Al Homouz, Chair, offered an overview of the Department’s strategic priorities and the vision for the upcoming academic period.

The agenda included a series of presentations and discussions on key academic and institutional themes, such as research infrastructure and access to ABET accreditation, program reviews, and departmental implementation plans.

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Professor Roberto Sabatini, Director of FALCON Program, Recognized for Leadership in Digital Avionics for Sustainability and Trusted Autonomy.

Khalifa University Professor Roberto Sabatini, Director, FALCON Program, Aerospace Engineering, has been elevated to the prestigious rank of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow, the highest professional honor awarded to only 0.1% of IEEE members annually.

Professor Sabatini is recognized for his ‘leadership in digital avionics for sustainability and trusted autonomy’, according to the IEEE citation. As IEEE Fellow, he will also serve his third consecutive term as Vice-President of Technical Operations for the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS).

IEEE is the world’s largest professional engineering organization with over 500,000 members across more than 160 countries. Guided by its mission, ‘Advancing Technology for Humanity’.

Prof. Sabatini, who has over three decades of global experience in aerospace, defense, and geospatial systems, is a founding Co-Editor of the IEEE Press Series on Aeronautics and Astronautics Systems, Editor for Progress in Aerospace Sciences, and Associate Editor for the IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Robotica, the Journal of Navigation, and Aerospace Science and Technology. 

Since joining Khalifa University in 2021, Prof. Sabatini has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have significantly enhanced the University’s reputation as a global leader in aerospace research and education. Under him, Khalifa University established the Aerospace Systems Research Group (ASRG) and the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Laboratory (GNC Lab), pivotal research hubs driving advancements in sustainable aviation, unmanned systems, and intelligent aerospace technologies.

In 2022, Prof. Sabatini was appointed Chair of the Aerospace Research Strategy Committee, where he fostered collaborations with national and international stakeholders to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of the UAE’s aviation and aerospace industries. He currently leads Khalifa University’s FALCON Program, which focuses on transformative areas such as trusted autonomous flight systems, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and integrated air and space traffic management solutions.

Prof. Sabatini’s innovative solutions in fault-tolerant avionics, trusted autonomous flight, and cognitive human-machine systems have cemented his position among leading researchers in aerospace systems. His work aligns with the UAE’s national focus on pioneering advancements in sustainable aviation technologies, advanced air mobility, and commercial spaceflight.

Prof. Sabatini said: “The future lies in our ability to prepare a new generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. By equipping them with deep domain expertise, interdisciplinary knowledge, and a global mindset, we are building the leaders and pioneers of tomorrow. These recognitions motivate me to continue working towards creating aerospace technologies that transform mobility, connectivity, and sustainability,” he shared. At Khalifa University, I have found a supportive and dynamic environment, as we are able to perform groundbreaking research and champion industry-focused training and innovation initiatives that align with the UAE’s vision for a knowledge-based economy and a sustainable future.”

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist 

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Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it has successfully won the bid to host the 53rd International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering (CIE53) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 20–23 October 2026.

Supported by the Abu Dhabi Conventions & Exhibition Bureau, Khalifa University’s Department of Management Science and Engineering has completed the process for hosting the event that will include four days of discussions on knowledge exchange, collaboration and networking.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University is proud to have won the bid to host the 53rd International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering (CIE53) for the first time in the GCC region. We are also delighted to organize such an international event that will once again showcase the UAE’s industrial, research and academic capabilities engineering and management science. We believe the knowledge exchange and presence of global leaders will result in collaborations that will benefit not only the local but the regional economies as well.”

Participants will explore cutting-edge research and breakthroughs in industrial engineering, gain valuable insights from emerging start-ups, leading AI and engineering enterprises, and world-class scholars. expand professional networks with experts and peers from across the globe, as well as get inspired by the brightest minds shaping the future of this multi-faceted field.

Dr. Mecit Can Emre Simsekler, Chair of CIE53, Acting Chair, and Associate Professor, Department of Management Science said: “Khalifa University is honored to bring this world-renowned conference to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Hosting CIE53 reflects our commitment to advancing research and innovation in industrial engineering, management science and related fields, and we look forward to welcoming global experts and scholars to Abu Dhabi.”

CIE53 continues the prestigious tradition of a conference series sponsored by Computers & Industrial Engineering: An International Journal, published by Elsevier. The journal ranks in the top 4% among general engineering journals in this field. 

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GAUC Delegation Shows Keen Interest in Highlighting Roof-Top Off-Grid, Entirely Solar-Powered Water-from-Air System at Global Forums

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced The Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), an elite group of top universities, has commended the University’s sustainable development activities in research and innovation, student experience, outreach engagement, and institutional effectiveness and infrastructure.

A high-level GAUC delegation led by Dr. Jian Zhang, Deputy Secretary-General, was received by Khalifa University President His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri at the University’s Main Campus. The GAUC was formed in January 2019 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with eight elite universities. H.E. Prof Al Hajri also chairs the leadership group of the Khalifa University Sustainability Task Force.

H.E. Prof  Al Hajri said: “We are pleased that Khalifa University’s accomplishments toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been acknowledged by the world’s elite university alliance, as we welcome Dr. Zhang to our campus and take a close look at many of our research innovations. Universities play a critical role in driving climate action and enhancing sustainability on campuses and in communities. Khalifa University understands its obligations and in line with the UAE’s Net Zero objectives, has implemented a sustainability policy that emphasizes efficiency and integrity, while ensuring consistency with the strategic priorities.”

Dr. Zhang said: “I am impressed by Khalifa University’s vision and the leadership’s dedication to sustainability. I am pleased to see that the university has achieved greatly in building a more climate resilient future through developing and implementing sustainable technologies, supporting youth engagement and educating leaders of tomorrow, convening communities and promoting partnerships, and advocating for climate action. Through my four-day in-depth visit, I am convinced that Khalifa University is at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the world.”

Accompanied by Professor Samuel Mao, Co-Chair, UAE Universities Climate Network, and Director, ASPIRE Research Institute of Sustainability, the GAUC delegation met with Dr. Ashraf Al-Najdawi, Vice-President for External Relations and Chief of Staff, Khalifa University. During the meeting, Dr. Al-Najdawi highlighted the broad spectrum of Khalifa University’s academic and industrial partnerships and explored strategic collaboration opportunities with GAUC members, as well as Khalifa University’s potential contributions to GAUC’s initiatives. Later, the GAUC delegation examined the sustainable practices throughout the campus buildings, such as the installation of energy efficient LED lighting and elimination of plastic water bottles. Dr. Zhang expressed a strong interest in the roof-top off-grid, entirely solar-powered water-from-air system, capable of producing fresh water from air moisture round the clock.

Dr. Zhang recommended that Khalifa University should consider presenting this demonstrated sustainable water technology to global higher education institutions that might generate significant interest because of the global water crisis caused by population growth, climate change, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.

Dr. Zhang also gained the first-hand knowledge of sustainable technology innovations from Khalifa University’s Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and Hydrogen (RICH), and the ASPIRE Research Institute of Sustainability (ARI), where he met RICH Director Professor Lourdes Vega and Professor Samuel Mao. He also met Assistant Professor Dr. Diana Francis and Associate Professor Dr. Aisha Alsuwaidi, Khalifa University’s polar science experts and faculty members of the Earth Science Department, who introduced the research of the cryosphere where climate change-induced ice melting causes sea level rise that directly threatens the communities of the GCC region.

Dr. Mao said: “Through the University Sustainability Task Force, Khalifa University has adopted climate action strategies, such as renewable energy, water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction, by engaging faculty, staff, and students in a sustainable campus community. Khalifa University has integrated sustainability into curricula, research, and every corner of the operations. In addition, through its leadership in UAE Universities Climate Network, Khalifa University is fostering strong collaborations among national and global universities on various issues of sustainable development.”

Dr. Zhang also engaged Nasser Almemari, Director, Student Life, and several leaders of Khalifa University student clubs that focus on sustainability and climate action. Khalifa University provides a vibrant student life, where many student clubs offer opportunities for students to take action on climate change. Recognizing climate change as one of the greatest threats to the future quality of life, Khalifa University’s students work closely with faculty and staff, organizing sustainability-themed activities that provide, for example, real-life project experience and technical skills and international mindset for a greener future.

The founding members of GAUC include elite universities such as the University of California at Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Australian National University, University of Tokyo, and Tsinghua University. GAUC’s mission is to advance climate change solutions through research, education, and public outreach, and to partner with industry, non-profit and government organizations to promote rapid implementation from local to global scales. GAUC has been actively promoting exchange and cooperation among member universities and providing leadership of global higher education efforts addressing climate change.

Adopted by United Nations Member States in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity, while protecting the environment. Higher education institutions remain a crucial pillar of the pursuit of the SDGs. They provide the knowledge, skills and mindsets essential for solving the world’s sustainable development challenges, leveraging their obvious strengths like education and research, but also their capacity to build communities, to influence people and to engage communities directly.

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Week-long Immersive Experience Includes Interactive Lectures by Faculty, Utilizing State-of-the-Art Facilities and Team-based Activities

Nearly 200 high school students from across the UAE participated in the Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s 2025 Winter School in Chemistry and Physics, learning about the bachelor’s programs, and gaining experience in hands-on lab experiments and molecular modeling.

Titled ‘Enhancing the Sciences for the Future’, the 2025 Winter School in Chemistry and Physics was organized from 15-19 December at the Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus to demonstrate the status of Khalifa University as a leader in science education and inspire student participants to pursue their studies by enrolling in Chemistry and Physics bachelor’s programs. The participants were selected out of 1,041 applicants from 80 high schools in the UAE.

Participants had week-long immersive experience, after being introduced to fundamental concepts through carefully designed interactive lectures by faculty, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, and team-based activities aimed at fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Khalifa University has already registered several milestones in chemistry and physics worldwide, including becoming a member of the ATLAS collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, located in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, KU became a member of the KM3NeT, one of the largest neutrino telescopes located in the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the Physics department has a wide spectrum that spans from Material Sciences, Medical and Biophysics, and Optics. This variety of research and educational programs greatly increases the visibility of the Khalifa University College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, facilitating student exchange programs and contributing to impactful scientific publications.

More recently, a physics PhD graduate won gold medal and first-place prize for his work on ‘Novel Nanoparticles for Targeting and Imaging of Cancer Cells’, at the fourth Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition organized during the 2025 AIChE Annual Meeting. 

In Chemistry, three teams from Khalifa University won top prizes across three research categories at the 13th edition of the Sharjah Sustainability Award for the 2024–2025 academic year. The awards were presented for developing an innovative solution to restore coral reefs using steel slag, new materials to recover gold from electronic waste, and a greener pathway for meeting the rising global demand for lithium. The Chemistry department organized the first Doctoral Sprint (thesis competition) for the 2025-2026 academic year through the AcerS UAE chapter to promote competition and enhance science communication skills among UAE Science graduates. 

Professor David Sheehan, Chair, Chemistry, said: “At Khalifa University, we envision a future where curiosity drives breakthroughs. By immersing young minds in real-world science and cutting-edge research settings, Khalifa University goes beyond teaching chemistry and physics — to shaping the innovators who will define the future of technology and sustainability. Through immersive programs like the 2025 Winter School in Chemistry and Physics, we empower participants to transform chemistry and physics into engines of innovation that will redefine technology and sustainability for future generations.”

Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist 

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Khalifa University’s Robotic Fish Monitor Mangroves and Coral Reefs, Following a Successful UAE–Japan Mangrove Initiative

Khalifa University and The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) have launched a collaborative effort in marine robotics to support the UAE–Japan Mangrove Planting Initiative, with Khalifa University’s Heterogeneous Swarm of Underwater Robotic Fish (H-SURF) deployed for pre-planting monitoring of mangroves and coral reefs — providing environmental observations that help ensure healthy marine ecosystems while advancing joint research and innovation.

As part of the UAE Embassy in Japan’s mangrove planting initiative, Khalifa University and UTokyo established a long-term collaboration focused on marine robotics research and capacity building. Earlier, a delegation from UTokyo visited Khalifa University’s Marine Robotics Lab, where researchers demonstrated its Heterogeneous Swarm of Underwater Robotic Fish (H-SURF) in a mock-up monitoring setup, designed to illustrate how autonomous systems can observe and characterize mangrove and coral environments prior to planting. The delegation from UTokyo was led by Prof. Toshihiro Maki, Associate Professor, UTokyo, with Dr. Yang Weng, Associate Professor, School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Eng., Arizona State University, and Mr. Qi Ming Yew, Master’s Student, The University of Tokyo.

The HSURF platform from Khalifa University supported the initiative by collecting baseline environmental observations — such as water parameters, habitat conditions, and visual assessments — that inform site readiness and help optimize planting outcomes. This project underscores both countries’ commitment to advancing technology and protecting marine ecosystems, aligning cutting edge robotics with sustainability and science-driven conservation.

During the visit, UTokyo delegation witnessed how the Khalifa University Marine Robotics Lab setup simulated key aspects of these tasks, offering insights into how HSURF integrates sensing, autonomy, and data workflows to support conservation actions. The demonstration was also a springboard for research exchanges — discussing sensor integration, autonomous navigation strategies in complex shallow-water environments, and the data analytics that translate raw observations into actionable insights.

Mangroves and coral reefs are crucial habitat-forming ecosystems, as they stabilize shorelines, sequester carbon, and shelter juvenile fish. Coral reefs support extraordinary biodiversity, protect coasts against storm surges, and underpin local economies.

Prof. Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost for Research, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University’s innovation ecosystem remains committed to move seamlessly from concept to real-world impact. By proactively initiating steps on international partnerships such as the collaboration with the University of Tokyo in advance, we demonstrate the readiness of our research capabilities, and sustainability priorities to the visiting delegations. This way, we ensure advanced technologies such as marine robotics are not only developed but deployed where they can make a measurable difference.”

Prof. Yahya Zweiri, Director, Advanced Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) and Acting Center Director, Center for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (KU-CARS) said: “Khalifa University and The University of Tokyo are working together to advance marine robotics research. Our HSURF robots successfully supported the UAE–Japan Mangrove Planting Initiative by monitoring mangroves and coral reefs to ensure healthy marine ecosystems. This partnership highlights the commitment of both institutions to advancing technology and protecting marine ecosystems.”

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist 

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Noise-Tolerant, Stretchable, and Flexible Hydrogel Electrode Outperforms Conventional Sensors for Epidermal Bioelectronics

A research team at Khalifa University has developed a next-generation conductive hydrogel electrode that promises to transform wearable and clinical bioelectronics, delivering superior signal fidelity, comfort, and sustainability compared to traditional electrodes.

The graduate students Nazmi Alsaafeen from the bioelectronics and biosystems on chip (LAB-BBC) group and Ioannis Ziogas alongside their supervisors , Dr. C. Pitsalidis, Dr. Ahsan Khandoker, Dr. Antoun Khawaja and  Dr. Anna-Maria Pappa and co-authors have published their study in Advanced Science.

Conventional electrodes suffer from poor skin conformity, gel drying, and motion-induced noise, limiting their reliability for long-term monitoring. The Khalifa University team addressed these challenges by engineering a soft, conductive hydrogel infused with a polymer uniformly mixed into its structure, offering intrinsic stretchability, self-adhesion, and biocompatibility.

Electrochemical tests revealed that the new electrode, called poly-ethylenedioxythiophene polystyrene sulfonate hydrogel Golde (PEDOT:PSS – PPHG), maintains low impedance, high dielectric stability, and a filtering effect that suppresses motion while preserving critical bioelectric signals. In trials with 39 participants, PPHG outperformed conventional electrodes in electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), and electromyography (EMG), delivering clearer measurements and sharper muscle and ocular signals.

The new method offers Superior Signal Quality with higher signal-to-noise ratios and reduced baseline drift in ECG recordings. It also offers enhanced comfort since 72% of participants preferred PPHG for long-term wear, citing better adhesion and zero skin irritation. Moreover, since it is fabricated via a single-container water-based process, PPHG avoids toxic crosslinker chemicals and supports partial biodegradation, making it eco-friendly and reusable.

The PPHG electrode is poised to transform cardiac monitoring, neuro-diagnostics, and rehabilitation, enabling high-fidelity, multimodal recordings in real-world conditions. Its scalability and cost-efficiency make it ideal for next-generation wearable health devices and clinical monitoring systems.

Dr. Anna-Maria Pappa said: “Our hydrogel electrode bridges the gap between biology and the traditional hard electronics. This innovation opens new doors for next-generation wearable health devices, neuro-diagnostics, and long-term cardiac monitoring.”

PhD student Nazmi Alsaafeen said; “By combining softness, conductivity, and noise tolerance, we have created a platform that not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable wearable technologies.”

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist

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A clear pathway toward high-performance AI systems that are sustainable, compact, and ready to meet future demands was outlined by Prof Baker Mohammad, Chair, Computer and Information Engineering Department, Khalifa University, at the IntegrateX Summit 2025, an event that brought together global technology leaders, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of digital infrastructure.

Khalifa University was the ‘Knowledge Partner’ of IntegrateX Summit 2025, which served as a premier platform for collaboration across critical sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, and system integration. The summit was supported by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mubadala, and G42.

Prof. Mohammad delivered a focused and forward-looking session titled ‘AI Acceleration Without the Heat: Memory-Centric and Neuromorphic Approaches’. He offered his insights into innovative strategies to address the energy and thermal limitations of conventional AI systems, emphasizing the potential of memory-centric architectures and neuromorphic computing to enable faster, more efficient, and scalable AI acceleration. He delved into topics including the design principles behind low-power VLSI systems, development of hardware accelerators, and the potential of emerging memory technologies.

IntegrateX Summit 2025 featured more than 60 exhibitors and attracted over 1,000 professionals, including C-level executives, engineers, and IT specialists. With more than 30 sessions and 10 panel discussions, participants explored cutting-edge topics like AI-powered processors, sustainable data centers, cloud computing, and industrial IoT.

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