AL AIN: The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) announced the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Programme today, aimed at supporting the “Plant the Emirates” initiative. This new programme will focus on engaging UAEU students and the broader community in sustainability efforts and research aligned with the United Nations SDGs, providing seed funding for student-led projects under faculty guidance.
According to Emirates News Agency, the SDGs Research Programme at UAEU seeks to enhance student and community awareness of the United Nations’ SDGs while enabling students to undertake research that contributes to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. Prof. Ahmed Alraeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, emphasized the programme’s commitment to empowering students to spearhead innovative research projects that support the “Plant the Emirates” initiative, aiming to foster sustainability, improve climate resilience, and strengthen community ties through targeted research.
Prof
. Alraeesi further detailed that the “Plant the Emirates” initiative is critical in providing a platform for students and researchers to delve into sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation efforts. The programme plans to fund and support 25 student research projects in its initial cycle, providing necessary resources to achieve impactful results.
The 2024/2025 cycle of the SDGs Research Programme will particularly encourage student research projects that align with the “Plant the Emirates” initiative, which focuses on revitalizing and enhancing the UAE’s agricultural sector. Advanced technologies, including AI, drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT), will be leveraged to increase the efficiency and reach of these projects.
Projects submitted for consideration in the programme must align with specific SDGs, namely SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Each research team will be comprised of four undergraduate students and a f
aculty member serving as the Principal Investigator (PI).