Dubai: Registration for the 7th edition of Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programme, an Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) initiative aimed at boosting space science research, is now open for Emirati undergraduates specialising in science and engineering.
REU is part of the Generation Hope Initiative launched in October this year. Enrolment in the programme will close in January 2021 and will run for 8-10 weeks. “Students will be mentored by EMM’s science team, as well as international scientists to work on space science related research which can be presented in global conferences to the international science community,” according to EMM.
Students accepted to the REU programme can opt to complete their research at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai; UAE University — National Space Science and Technology Centre in Al Ain; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) in Colorado, USA; Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) in Berkley; Northern Arizona University; and Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique in Paris.
Next generation of Emirati scientists and engineers
Omran Sharaf, EMM Project Director, noted: “REU presents a unique opportunity for young Emiratis to get a once in a lifetime experience while learning from the best, as it brings together space experts from leading centres around the world, and students who are eager to explore careers in space. It is equally an opportunity for the EMM team to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation to inspire them and further develop their interest in science and engineering.”
“Students will be assigned a project, a mentor and tasks for the duration of the programme and will be supported in publishing their results to scientific meetings and conferences in addition to the EMM science team,” he added.
Hessa Al Matroushi, EMM Science Deputy Project Manager, added: “The UAE places strong importance on developing our youth’s scientific capabilities, and motivating them to take an interest in STEM-studies to contribute to the development of the nation.”
An introductory session will be held on December 6 and 10. More information can be found on the EMM website.