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The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development recently supported two students from the Department of Physics, in the College of Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), to attend practical training with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of a strategic partnership between CERN and UAEU.

Professor Mohamed Albaili, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost), emphasized the enthusiasm from both sides to enrich this strategic partnership. This is principally done by training university students and honing their skills and expertise in relevant international research centers such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Professor Albaili was speaking during a reception for Mr. Salem Saeedan Al Rashidi, Director of the Support Services Department at the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. Also present were Dr. Sulaiman Al Kaabi, Assistant Dean for Professional Development at the College of Sciences, and Professor Maamar Benkraouda, Head of the Physics Department.

Mr. Al Rashidi said that although the fund focuses on financing infrastructure projects in developing countries by supporting economic and social development. It also attaches a great deal of importance to social responsibility and actively participates in community issues. One such issue is investing in the talents of UAE nationals in order to develop their scientific and practical skills as they strive to be leaders in the future.

For his part, Dr. Sulaiman Al Kaabi, reiterated that the College of Sciences constantly seeks to cooperate with different community institutions in a variety of fields. This is done to aid development and promote the concept of vocation among students. He added that the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is a prime example of positive interaction aimed at strengthening educational processes, especially given the scientific and technological progress made in the country in recent years.

Dr. Al Kaabi also highlighted the importance of moving forward by investing in scientific cooperation with CERN. This includes hands-on training, research and making use of expertise in terms of technological applications related to the production of energy; as well as cooperation regarding radiological applications in medical physics such as treatments for cancer. There is also a further possibility of this cooperation leading to the completion of both Master's and Doctoral degree programs.