The Digital Science Research Center (DSRC) has appointed Prof. David Naccache to its Board of Advisors for the Digital Security Unit. Prof. Naccache's experience includes cryptography and security, with prior roles at École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and Gemplus. He will provide external research assessment and foster collaboration between TII, ENS, RUHL and ULux. Why it matters: The appointment strengthens DSRC's digital security research capabilities through Prof. Naccache's expertise and academic network.
Prof. Mérouane Debbah, Chief Researcher at the AI Cross-Center Unit and DSRC, has been ranked No. 1 in France and 180th globally in Electronics and Electrical Engineering by Research.com. He has an H-index of 98 and over 47000 citations. Debbah was also recognized as a 2022 AI 2000 Most Influential Scholar in Internet of Things for contributions between 2012 and 2021. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the growing AI research talent within the GCC region, particularly in areas related to communication technologies and IoT.
Researchers from the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) will present research papers at the 17th Workshop of the International Lithosphere Program Task Force on Sedimentary Basins in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Meixia Geng's study identifies potential geothermal exploration sites in the UAE based on Curie isotherm depths. Dr. Felix Vega's research demonstrates drone-borne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for subsurface mapping of underground cavities. Why it matters: These studies showcase the UAE's commitment to sustainable development through geothermal energy exploration and advanced subsurface imaging techniques.
DERC is partnering with EPFL in Switzerland on a four-year project using EMTR and ML to study electromagnetic disturbance localization in PCBs. Professor Farhad Rachidi (EPFL) and Dr. Nicolas Mora (DERC) will mentor a PhD student. The collaboration builds on prior relationships between DERC researchers and Prof. Rachidi's lab. Why it matters: The partnership strengthens DERC's methodological expertise and international recognition in electromagnetic studies, potentially leading to further collaborations.
Jose Martinez, a Principal Researcher at the DSRC, was named one of Google's Top 20 Chrome Vulnerability Researchers for 2021, ranking 14th. He was recognized for detecting and demonstrating the exploitation of a serious vulnerability in the Chrome browser. This helped Google improve Chrome's security and contributed to safer development practices. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the growing cybersecurity expertise within the UAE and TII's ability to attract global talent in advanced security research.
Prof. Agostino Monorchio has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Directed Energy Research Center (DERC). He will advise on flexible conformal metasurfaces for electromagnetic applications, bringing expertise from the University of Pisa and international research tenures. His research spans computational electromagnetics, metamaterials, antenna design, and biomedical microwave applications. Why it matters: The appointment strengthens DERC's advisory capabilities in directed energy research, potentially advancing technological innovation in the UAE.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is partnering with Montena Technology to study high-altitude electromagnetic pulses and design infrastructure safeguards. DERC is also collaborating with Radaz to evaluate ground penetrating and synthetic aperture radars in Abu Dhabi, aiming to identify natural resources. Additionally, DERC and Université de Picardie Jules Verne are working on laser sources and sensors, with a DERC researcher spending four years in France. Why it matters: These partnerships enhance DERC's research capabilities in critical areas like infrastructure protection, resource exploration, and advanced sensing technologies.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) received a US$1.5 million grant from the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). The grant was awarded at the UAEREP's 5th Cycle Awarding Ceremony in Abu Dhabi. DERC was recognized for its research on laser-induced rain and the development of a mobile high-power pulsed laser using remote sensing. Why it matters: This funding supports the development of sustainable, chemical-free rain enhancement technologies, addressing critical water security challenges in arid regions.