UAEREP Sets Stage For 6th Cycle Of Rain Enhancement Research Grants

The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) recently convened an international assembly of scientists, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategic research areas and outline roadmaps for its 6th Cycle. This cycle will offer grants to up to three winning research proposals, each receiving US$1.5 million over three years. Submissions will open globally at the beginning of next year.

The high-level workshop focused on UAEREP’s strategic priorities, exploring opportunities for partnerships with local universities and research institutions in the UAE. Engagement with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and other international entities was also discussed. The workshop solidified criteria such as technology readiness level (TRL) progression for technologies and models, encouraging UAE research community involvement in proposed activities.

Alya Al Mazroui, UAEREP Director, stated, "At UAEREP, we remain committed to enhancing international cooperation within the rain enhancement research community to advance scientific understanding and develop innovative solutions. By joining efforts with uniquely selected prominent scientists and experts, we have been able to successfully address our shared global challenges and lay the foundation for our 6th research grant cycle."

This year’s workshop participants concentrated on five key thrust areas: optimised seeding materials, rain enhancement systems, autonomous unmanned systems (UAS), limited-area climate intervention, and advanced models, software, and data. Experts covered critical areas of interest for rainfall enhancement applications, such as UAS communication systems and protocols, high-risk technologies and systems, and novel cloud seeding materials.

Discussions on modeling and software ranged from cloud chamber simulation software for microscale precipitation processes to Big Data analytics for short-term weather forecasting and cloud seeding decision support. Steve Griffiths, Professor of Practice at Khalifa University and member of the UAEREP Strategic Direction Committee, remarked, "As the pioneering international initiative funding innovative research in rain enhancement, UAEREP's legacy continues with the successful conclusion of this Solicitation Update Workshop."

Collaborative Efforts and Future Roadmaps

Many participants joined these key discussions for the first time as UAEREP’s robust network of experts continues to seek innovative solutions for water security challenges and related environmental issues. Participants included representatives from world-class entities such as the WMO, US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, North-West University, and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).

Prof. Jurg Luterbacher, WMO Director of Science & Innovation and Chief Scientist, commented, "UAEREP is an especially important program as we continue to focus on rain enhancement possibilities, operations development, and infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of our water resources. By working together, we have successfully developed a short-term roadmap for the next few years."

Systematic Approaches and Local Partnerships

The diverse team of international experts engaged in discussions that conceptualised systematic approaches, developed stepwise criteria, and recognised opportunities for local partnerships. They also identified synergies for converging research pathways and conducted systematic reviews to craft the solicitation document.

With inputs from WAM