MIT joins with Emirates for country's first research-driven grad program

In a joint effort to pave the way for a new Science and Technology Institute in Abu Dhabi, MIT and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company have sign an agreement to establish region's first-ever research-driven graduate program, according to the MIT News Office.

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will be the first institution dedicated to research-driven graduate programs in the United Arab Emirates.

"MIT faculty and staff will provide advice, scholarly assessment and assistance in connection with the establishment of the Masdar Institute," said MIT Chancellor Phillip Clay. "This includes working with ADFEC to develop collaborative research and create indigenous academic programs, to create a strategy for commercializing Masdar Institute's research results and to build the institute's organizational and administrative capabilities."

MIT faculty will be responsible for assisting with faculty recruitment and developing joint research and designing educational programs. They expect to open their doors to the first graduate students in the summer of 2009.

"The Masdar Institute will serve as the nucleus of the Masdar Initiative, feeding it with talent and innovative technologies to enhance economic development and promote new industries using renewable energy and resources in the emirate and the region," said Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of ADFEC. "This cooperative agreement will lead to a superior relationship between the Masdar Institute and MIT to jointly address global energy issues."