Khalifa University hosts sixth Forum on ICT Research and Innovation

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and Deputy Chairman of Khalifa University Board of Trustees, Khalifa University held the UAE’s sixth Information and Communication Technology Research Forum (ICTRF2012), at its Abu Dhabi campus on May 20^th, 2012. 

The forum was attended by H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, member of Khalifa University’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to the UAE and attracted academics, researchers, and industry professionals from the fast growing ICT sectors in the UAE and the region. 

The theme of this year’s forum focused on “Establishing a Knowledge Based Economy through ICT Research and Innovation” and included presentations from world renowned academics and industry leaders, like Professor Peter Cochrane, Chairman and Director of Cochrane Associates in the United Kingdom.  Prof. Cochrane made a presentation on “Data, Meta-Data, Knowledge and Intelligence.”. Dr. Ivan Boyd, Head of Operations for the Research and Technology Department of British Telecom, presented on “UK Knowledge Economy-Skills, Infrastructure and Services.”  Professor Khaled Ben Letaif, Dean of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology spoke about “Wireless Communications: A Look into the Future.” Professor Savo Glisic, from the University of Oulu, Finland, gave a talk on “Development Strategies and Policies for ICT Research Funds Based on National Needs and International Trends in Research and Innovation.” The CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center in the United States, Mr. Saeed Amidi, spoke on “Building an Ecosystem like Silicon Valley,” and the Vice President of New Ventures for Mentor Graphics in the United States, Mr. Serge Leef, gave a presentation on “Success Factors for Value Creation in the Era of Technology Convergence.” 

There were also three breakout sessions. “Emerging Research in the Development of a Knowledge Based Economy” was chaired by Professor Nader Azarmi, Director for EBTIC. “Infrastructure for Enabling a Knowledge Based Economy” was chaired by Khalifa University Interim Dean of Engineering, Professor Hassan Barada. The third and final session, “Value Creation from a Knowledge Based Economy” was chaired by Dr. Eesa Bastaki, CEO of the ICT Fund. 

Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President and Forum Chair, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, said: “We were pleased to host the sixth annual ICTRF. This forum offers attendees a unique opportunity to meet with leaders in the ICT field and discuss the status of the UAE’s research and education networks and future developments. I would like to extend my thanks to the guest speakers, who travelled from around the world to speak on important matters in the ICT world.  There presentations were thought-provoking, insightful and inspiring.” 

He added, “Events like ICTRF provide our students and faculty excellent opportunities to expand their knowledge in their fields of interest and to meet with industry leaders.  Events like these are an important part of our students education.” 

ICTRF2012 is co-organized by ETISALAT-BT Innovation Centre (EBTIC) and the Emirates Advanced Network for Research and Education (ANKABUT). The main patrons of the event are the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), and the ICT Fund. ICTRF2012 is sponsored by Etisalat and the Institute of Applied Technology and technically sponsored by IEEE and BCS.