SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The inaugural Space Research Conference 2024 concluded on Thursday at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the importance of aligning research with national space priorities, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the latest innovations.
The event, hosted by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), took place from October 8-10 as part of World Space Week, and witnessed the participation of Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, along with international academics, scientists, industry leaders, and decision-makers.
The conference featured key presentations from industry and academic partners such as Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Space42, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, as well as New York Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University, and Madari.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAESA, said that the inaugural Space Research Conference was designed to engage researchers and students with the UAESA’s mission of developing human capital in the space sector.
“We see great potential in our Emirati youth, and with their contributions, we have made significant strides in the space arena,” he said.
Al Qubaisi highlighted the UAE’s achievements in space exploration, including the Mars mission and future endeavours to the Moon and asteroids.
“Research, dedication, and hard work are essential, and this conference provides a vital platform for those efforts,” he noted.
Al Qubaisi also introduced the newly launched Space Research Platform, stating: “The research platform we announced aims to display the great work our youth develop in academia, allowing us to better research measurement.”
It is an integrated search engine with over 450 publications from 200+ specialised researchers in six key fields, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration in the space sector.
He highlighted the importance of initiatives like the National Space Academy, which equips graduate students with the skills needed for effective participation in the space industry.
“The academy focuses on providing the necessary skill set to facilitate a smoother transition into the sector, enabling students to understand what it takes to become an effective workforce in this field.”
“Our main objective is to develop human capital, starting with researchers and students, then transitioning them into the workforce through the Academy,” he added.
During the last day of the conference, the graduates of the National Space Academy received honors for their work on satellite system development as part of the Space Applications Courses and Seed Programme, collaborating with Space42 and Edge Group.
The winners of the research paper competition, judged by a panel of experts across six fields, were announced.
Mariam Alzaabi, an Emirati graduate and Software Engineer in Research & Development, shared her experience with the Space Applications Courses.
“Through the Space Applications programme, I developed a strong foundation in remote sensing and satellite data analysis. These competencies significantly enhance my ability to develop innovative solutions,” she said.
Hessa AlKhaled, a Kuwaiti Marine Water Quality Expert at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, said the programme was “highly rewarding”. She said the course helped her enhance skills in environmental science and data analysis through practical projects and collaboration with experts.
“The most impactful project was programming an environmental inspection tool to analyse pollution sources. It pushed me to apply my skills and integrate new tools like Python and AI, enhancing my analytical abilities,” she added.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Amal Al Hammadi, an Emirati Computer Science student, reflected on her experience with the course.
“The programme was incredibly rewarding. It provided hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and collaboration with passionate individuals. The academy strengthened my technical abilities and fuelled my passion for using space technologies to solve real-world problems,” she said.
The conference featured over 100 papers on national space policy, covering satellite communications, navigation, Earth observation, sustainability, space exploration, and situational awareness, presented by experts from academic and research institutions.