United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is proud to announce its continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Research Program. This program aims to raise awareness among UAEU students and community regarding the United Nations SDGs while providing seed funding for students to support research initiatives that develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions under faculty mentorship.

“Prof. Ahmed Alraeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU, emphasized, “Through the SDGs Research Program, we aim to empower our students to lead innovative research initiatives that align with the 'Plant the Emirates' initiative. Our goal is to foster sustainability, enhance climate resilience, and build stronger communities through research that directly addresses the pressing challenges we face." He further highlighted that “'Plant the Emirates' initiative serves as a crucial platform for students and researchers to explore sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to environmental conservation, which are key to the UAE's future growth. In the first cycle of this call, we intend to support and fund 25 student research projects and provide them with the needed resources to drive impactful solutions”

The 2024/2025 cycle of the SDGs Research Program will focus on encouraging student-led research initiatives that directly align with the "Plant the Emirates" initiative, which aims to revitalize and stimulate the agricultural sector in the UAE. By leveraging advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT), research efforts can enhance the efficiency of this initiative. These technologies will optimize planting patterns, monitor plant health and growth, and enable real-time data collection on soil moisture, temperature, and environmental conditions. Additionally, genetic engineering will be explored to develop resilient plant species suited for the UAE's arid climate.

Submitted Proposals should directly connect with the "Plant the Emirates" initiative and align with the Sustainable Development Goals number SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Each research team will consist of four undergraduate students and one faculty member serving as the Principal Investigator (PI).

UAEU invites students to participate in this transformative program, encouraging innovative research that contributes to sustainable solutions for the UAE's agricultural sector and beyond. Together, we can cultivate a more resilient future for our communities.