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At Abu Dhabi University, research should not only be of the highest quality but also lead to impactful, commercial applications

At Abu Dhabi University (ADU), there is an awareness that even the most pioneering research will not lead to genuine progress unless there is a clear path to translating it into real-world products and services with tangible impact. This is why the institution is not only looking for high-quality research but impactful research.

“At ADU, we are promoting both applied research and several interdisciplinary themes,” says Montasir Qasymeh, associate provost for research and academic development at ADU. “This includes quantum technologies, renewable energy, and the Internet of Things. Over the last few years, we have seen an exponential growth in the number of patents we’ve been granted and scientific research papers published.”

Recently, ADU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) announced it had achieved 3,000 research publications in the international Scopus index, with over 80 per cent issued in the Q1 and Q2 categories - standard-bearers for top-tier universities around the world. With its extensive collection of 36,377 titles, the Scopus citation database is a hallmark of ADU’s excellence and pioneering work. “This is why we are confident of our future progress and are establishing more interdisciplinary centres, including those focusing on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence,” Qasymeh adds 

Patents also play an important role in driving impactful research at ADU. They have a hugely positive impact on wider society by creating the legal frameworks necessary to protect ideas and incentivise innovation. Patents can bolster a university’s reputation and transform ideas into products and services that deliver real-world impact. At ADU, the filing of new patents, whether in the domestic or international markets, signals to students that their research can lead to concrete applications that better the lives of citizens around the world. 

“Once patents are in place, we can begin looking at commercialisation options, such as partnerships with industry leaders or start-ups, as well as via technology transfer,” says Mohammed Ghazal, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the university. “This is why, at Abu Dhabi University of late, we have started to increase our focus on patents. We have put in place initiatives to support our faculty and students in pursuing their ideas and turning them into patents as the first step toward successful commercialisation and generating positive societal and economic impact.”

The notable patents that ADU has received over the years stretch across a broad spectrum of fields, including nanotechnology, quantum computing, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and electronics. For instance, Qasymeh was granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for his work on redefining the landscape of quantum communication.

“ADU’s approach focuses on fostering a patents culture by encouraging its researchers and students in any way possible,” says Anas Al Tarabsheh, associate professor of electrical engineering at ADU. “ADU, represented by the ORSP, funds the patenting process, assists researchers and facilitates all the necessary steps. Recently, the university was proud to receive two new patents in renewable energy after we took a decision to transform all our final-year projects into patentable innovations.”