Sharjah: In a significant strategic move to boost international collaboration across scientific research, innovation, and education, the University of Sharjah (UoS) has signed a landmark agreement to establish the Global Centre for Future Technologies (GCFT) in partnership with Russia's Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech).
According to Emirates News Agency, the centre will be headquartered at the University's Sharjah campus. The agreement was inked by UoS Chancellor, H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, and Skoltech President, H.E. Prof. Alexander Kuleshov. The agreement paves the way for the establishment of the GCFT, which is envisaged as a dynamic international platform uniting institutions dedicated to advancing science, research, and cutting-edge technologies.
The centre will focus on five critical domains: AI, biomedical and healthcare advancements, renewable energy and storage solutions, and food and water security. This is in addition to other fields to be agreed upon later, fostering joint ventures that tackle tomorrow's most pressing challenges. The centre's work will revolve around four pillars: scientific research, education and professional training, innovation, and global outreach.
Following the signing, Prof. Esameldin Agamy hailed the deal as a catalyst elevating Sharjah's status as a regional and global leader in research and technological innovation. Prof. Agamy elaborated that the centre will act as a global platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge, noting its focus on vital fields like AI, healthcare, renewable energy, and food and water security aligns seamlessly with the United Arab Emirates' strategic push to build a sustainable knowledge economy.
He stated that robust international partnerships represent the optimal pathway to achieving transformative leaps in research and innovation. The centre will offer vast opportunities for students and researchers worldwide to engage in advanced research programmes, fellowships, research camps, and startup initiatives, nurturing an environment of innovation and creativity.
The University of Sharjah Chancellor concluded his remarks by expressing anticipation that the Global Centre for Future Technologies will be a model for fruitful international scientific collaboration, contributing innovative solutions to global challenges and a bridge connecting research and academic institutions worldwide.