Khalifa University has recently partnered with Collins Aerospace, a global aerospace giant, to prepare Emirati engineers for future defense innovations in the UAE. This collaboration aims to create a pipeline of talent to sustain innovations and address various issues. Amal Osman, Vice President of International Business Development at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the importance of partnerships with academia to ensure a sustainable future for technological advancements. The partnership with Khalifa University involves young Emirati engineers visiting facilities in France to learn about communication devices that can support the Ministry of Defense in the UAE.
A Khalifa University Aerospace Engineering student contributed to the development of a groundbreaking lunar lander and drone while interning at ArianeGroup’s Orbital Propulsion Centre in Germany. The university offers aerospace engineering programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, along with a research center dedicated to addressing real-world challenges and driving technological innovation. This collaboration highlights the importance of fostering research and development in the aerospace sector to keep up with advancements in the industry.
Amal Osman also highlighted the seamless partnerships between the public and private sectors in the UAE, attributing it to the clear vision of the country’s leaders. The lack of bureaucracy and alignment around vision and innovation goals make it easier for companies to work efficiently in the region. STEM education plays a crucial role in preparing students for careers in astronomy and space sciences. Aisha Alowais, a researcher at the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, emphasized how STEM education provides students with the foundational knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology necessary for understanding celestial phenomena.
STEM education is a priority in the UAE, with a focus on empowering female students to pursue careers in STEM fields. A majority of interns in the STEM program are female, and the number of women in physics departments and programming fields is on the rise. Women are encouraged to participate in competitions related to big data and data science, leading to a significant increase in female representation in STEM fields over the years. This emphasis on STEM education and gender diversity in the industry contributes to the growth and innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors in the UAE. The collaboration between Khalifa University and Collins Aerospace highlights the importance of partnerships, research, and education in driving technological advancements in the region.
