MBRSC Awards Students and Mentors of 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates Programme

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) recently held a special event to honor students and mentors who participated in the 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programme. During the ceremony, certificates were given to recognize their hard work and achievements in this important programme. The event marked the end of an exciting 10-week journey where students worked on advanced research projects under the guidance of experts in space science.

The REU Programme is an important project by MBRSC to help young Emirati students develop their research skills. It is part of MBRSC’s efforts to prepare the next generation of space scientists and engineers. This programme shows how much the Centre values education and its goal to make the UAE a leader in space exploration.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel   

This year’s programme was held in partnership with several top universities, including New York University Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, National Space Science and Technology Center, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from the USA. These partnerships gave students the chance to work on projects that are important for space research, such as Earth planetary science, human health in space, protein crystallisation, and engineering.

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, spoke during the event. He said, “The REU Programme shows how much MBRSC is dedicated to building the UAE’s future leaders in science. By letting our students work with some of the best space researchers, we are helping them gain the skills they need to make progress in space exploration and technology. The hard work and great results of these students make us proud, and we believe they will contribute a lot to our space sector and beyond.”

Over the 10 weeks, students worked on many exciting and useful research projects. One important study looked at how being isolated for a long time affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems. This research used data from an analog crew that had been in isolation for eight months. Another project studied how heat moves from the Moon’s surface to rover tires, which will help ensure that rovers can work properly during future lunar missions.

Other projects included a review of 500 research papers about using artificial intelligence with remote sensing to study satellite images of Abu Dhabi. Another team focused on comparing stem cells and tooth root cells to improve techniques that could help in medicine. One more study looked at changes in bone density among analog crew members and compared them to cases like COVID-19 patients and people with osteoporosis who couldn’t move. These studies help us understand the health effects of isolation and develop solutions for them.

The programme also gave students the chance to work closely with mentors. These mentors came from MBRSC and the partner institutions, helping the students solve problems and complete their research projects successfully. Their support and guidance were key to the programme’s success.

The REU Programme is specially designed for Emirati undergraduate students studying subjects like physics, chemistry, and mathematics. It is open to students in their second, third, or final year of university. Through the programme, students get one-on-one mentoring from experienced scientists. They also participate in the REU Knowledge Camp, where they meet mentors and learn about the programme’s goals.

This programme not only helps students learn but also prepares them for future careers in the space sector. By working on real-world projects, they gain hands-on experience and develop skills that will be useful in their professional lives. The REU Programme is an important step in helping young talent in the UAE contribute to the country’s growing role in space exploration.

The event ended with a special thanks to the mentors for their dedication and hard work. Their expertise and support helped make the programme successful.

With the REU Programme, MBRSC continues to show its commitment to inspiring and training the next generation of space scientists. It is helping the UAE move forward in space research and technology, making the nation proud on a global level.