RAK Ruler H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Opens 16th International Workshop On Advanced Materials
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, opened the International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM) by highlighting the importance of science in creating a sustainable future. He stressed Ras Al Khaimah's dedication to scientific progress and innovation that can transform industries.
The 16th IWAM edition at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort gathers over 200 participants, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Andre Geim from the University of Manchester. The event features lectures, discussions, and poster sessions on advanced materials' impact on the future.
In his speech, Sheikh Saud stated, "Through the annual hosting of the IWAM, Ras Al Khaimah is reaffirming its commitment to nurturing scientific advancement and contributing to the global conversation on advanced materials." He believes fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and investing in advanced materials will lay a foundation for a brighter future globally.
The workshop attracts scientists from prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, University of California and MIT in the US, and University of New South Wales in Australia. Nearly 400 submissions were received from over 20 countries for this year's workshop.
Sheikh Saud described science as a systematic pursuit of knowledge essential for understanding the universe. He emphasised its role in building a sustainable future, with young generations playing a crucial part in this endeavour.
A special session for high-school students is organised with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research on IWAM's third day. This initiative aims to engage young minds in scientific exploration.
Collaborations and Innovations
IWAM collaborates with Ras Al Khaimah's Department of Knowledge and University of Bolton Academic Centre to present the Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge (RISC) 2025. This challenge invites students and professionals to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, offering cash prizes.
Advanced materials scientists will visit local companies to demonstrate how these materials can enhance production processes. Opportunities for collaboration with the Sheikh Saqr Laboratory at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in India will also be highlighted.
Sustainable Development Focus
This year marks the first inclusion of a session featuring three UAE speakers under 'Materials for Sustainable Development in the UAE'. Speakers from Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, and New York University Abu Dhabi will participate.
Advanced materials like metals, ceramics, and polymers have potential applications across various industries such as aerospace, transport, construction, and healthcare. They can also help reduce carbon footprints and energy demands.
Ras Al Khaimah's Stevin Rock sponsors IWAM. It is one of the largest quarrying companies globally with an annual production capacity exceeding 80 million tons.
With inputs from WAM
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