Abu Dhabi University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programmes (ORSP) awarded research grants to 155 students, as part of the 'Undergraduate Student Research Scholarship Fund', resulting in the successful conclusion of 62 research projects during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Students at the College of Engineering contributed the highest number of research projects at 37, followed by the College of Business Administration with 11 projects, and the College of Arts and Sciences with eight projects.

With a strong focus on improving the quality of life, the projects covered a wide spectrum of fields, such as technology, health, aviation, smart management and international law. The topics included transit systems in aviation, smart teleconferencing technologies, virtual reality in education, renewable energy in robotics, oxygen, carbon dioxide monitoring application, and technology usage in managing health conditions.

"ADU’s drive to fund innovative student research projects shows its commitment towards directing research outputs to contribute to the needs of the Abu Dhabi government’s policy agenda and its Economic Vision 2030. This initiative corresponds with the UAE’s strategic vision to build a diversified knowledge-based economy, leverage its competitive capabilities, and foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and scientific breakthroughs. Moreover, the fund is part of the ORSP’s comprehensive plan to prioritise the university’s scientific research agenda, and enable students to hone their research skills, so that they can pursue postgraduate studies in vital domains and achieve success in their future careers," said Dr. Ashraf Khalil, Director of Research at Abu Dhabi University.

The ORSP’s Undergraduate Student Research Scholarship Fund witnessed a rise in the number of research projects supported, from 44 projects conducted by 107 students in the 2015-2016 academic year to 62 projects by 155 students in the 2016-2017 academic year.

Dr. Khalil said, "This significant boost is a testimony to ADU’s relentless pursuit of excellence in strategic areas of research and innovation that will boost the socio-economic development. The university is dedicated to empowering outstanding students and inspiring them to continue making innovative discoveries in renewable energy, water resource management, and many other domains that have a direct impact on our daily lives."