Technology Innovation Institute’s Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is sponsoring the 8th Euro-Asian Pulsed Power Conference (EAPPC) in Biarritz, France. The conference will cover topics such as pulsed power applications, high power microwaves, particle beam technology, and ultrahigh magnetic field generation. DERC will present its progress on fast discharge technologies with semiconductors and gases. Why it matters: DERC's participation highlights the growing focus on advanced energy technologies and international collaboration within the UAE's research landscape.
DERC at Khalifa University hosted a virtual seminar on High Energy Physics and Sensing Technologies, drawing 230 attendees from over 20 countries. The seminar featured presentations from a dozen international scientists on high-power electromagnetics and electromagnetic interference. Future seminars are planned on high-energy lasers, acoustics, and radar/sensing, with support from international universities and scientific societies. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's growing role as a hub for international scientific collaboration and advanced research in strategic technology areas.
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 Technology Innovation Institute (TII) will host the GlobalEM high-power electromagnetics conference in Abu Dhabi from November 13–17. The conference, organized by TII’s Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), will feature sessions on sources, antennas, IEMI threats, high energy lasers, and critical infrastructure impacts. GlobalEM brings together experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in electromagnetics. Why it matters: The event strengthens the advanced directed energy domain in the UAE and supports Abu Dhabi's goal of becoming a hub for innovation in mitigating electromagnetic risks.
KAUST alumnus Muhammed Sameed, who completed his master's degree in material science and engineering in 2012, works at CERN on the ALPHA experiment, which uses lasers to measure the properties of anti-hydrogen. Researchers at CERN are investigating the fundamental structure of the universe, including the absence of anti-matter. Current research indicates that every process that creates matter also creates anti-matter in the same amount, which does not align with the observable universe. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's role in training scientists who contribute to cutting-edge research in fundamental physics, even at international facilities like CERN.
Mae AlMansoori from TII's Directed Energy Research Center won the Young Scientist Award at URSI Kleinheubacher Tagung 2020. Her paper introduced a correlation metric to evaluate the influence of random variables on high-power electromagnetic sources, specifically a Vircator model. The study combined extreme value theory and descriptive statistics to analyze peak output power variability and identify dominant factors. Why it matters: The research offers a framework for managing uncertainties in high-power electromagnetic sources and optimizing their efficiency, relevant for defense and energy applications in the region.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will participate in the 2021 Joint IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal & Power Integrity, and EMC Europe. DERC will present scientific papers and a tutorial on Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) with ETS Lindgren, led by Dr. Nicolas Mora. Dr. Mora and Professor Farhad Rachidi will present a tutorial on High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). Why it matters: The participation highlights the UAE's growing expertise in electromagnetic compatibility and protection, particularly regarding critical infrastructure resilience against electromagnetic threats.
The 34th General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (GASS) of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) will be held in Rome from August 28 to September 4. The Technology Innovation Institute’s Directed Energy Research Center (DERC), led by Dr Chaouki Kasmi, will present a tutorial and five scientific papers. DERC's presentations will focus on advances in electromagnetics and optoelectronics. Why it matters: DERC's participation highlights the UAE's growing role in international radio science research and development.