UAE focused Talks

2017.03.29

The Falcon Genome Project commenced in 2010 and resulted in de novo genome assemblies for the peregrine and saker falcons in 2013, which have been used to understand avian evolution, demography and evolutionary adaptation. The two reference genomes have been the basis for further exploration into adaptation in saker falcons across their geographic range in Eurasia, resulting in some surprising patterns and inferences on the recent history of this species. This lecture describes the anatomy of this genomics project, the challenges and outcomes of the research, and the current research directions of the Falcon Genome Project. 

Speakers
Michael Bruford Professor of Biodiversity, Cardiff University

The Falcon Genome Project  Diversity, Population Structure And Local Adaptation

Sunday, January 28, 2018

In the last 15 years, people’s understanding of how the Solar System evolved into what we observe today has greatly expanded. This became possible as advances in scientific computing enabled us to fully explore a wealth of observational data and -- more importantly -- the powerful theory of Celestial Mechanics, going far beyond its traditional boundaries. As a result, a new theory of Cosmogony has emerged, contradicting the traditional view of a 'perfect clock'-like system; this theory is also applicable to other worlds (i.e. extra-solar systems). In this talk, the speaker begins with a short presentation of the populations of celestial bodies in the Solar System. Then, he explains the basic scientific ideas on which traditional cosmogonic models were based, and discuss how these models fail and why. Finally, the speaker discusses recent theoretical models that explain how the Solar System came to be.

Presentation: 
http://bit.ly/2ocMXhw

Speakers 
Kleomenis Tsiganis, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

How Did Our Solar System Form

2018.10.15

In October 2017, the UAE has released the first national Artificial intelligence (AI) strategy recognized as the first strategy of this caliber in the region and the world. The strategy is meant to highlight the framework of the first project in the UAE centennial 2071 and an initial step in 2021 roadmaps. The AI initiative in the UAE is aimed at focusing on revolutionizing technology, education, space, health, energy, water, environment, transport and traffic sectors, amongst others, through building proficient, productive, cost-effective and innovative solutions. The results achieved will streamline an innovative industrial arm of the future in placing the UAE as a global industrial hub, and building the proper economic, technical and scientific communities and groundwork that will support this vision. How important it is to build futuristic research and development industrial communities to support this vision? What are the main criteria that should be set in place to achieve successful outcomes? This discussion is a genuine and collective conversation with His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and a Member of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation and the Deputy Managing Director of the Foundation to capture his vision on the execution of the UAE AI strategy and the resonance of his endeavors to build a pathway for the future of industry and technology in UAE.
Speaker: His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Individuals

A Roadmap To The Future- A Conversation With H.E Omar Al Olama

2018.09.17

This documentary covers the story of the young Emirati, Dr. Khaled Al-Suwaidi, who, on February 3, 2018, ran a 327-kilometer, 80-hour ultramarathon from Fujairah Port in Fujairah to Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. It was the first time someone had ever run such a distance in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Khaled dedicated this initiative to raise funds for the Cancer Patient Care Society (Rahma), which was established by his father, Prof. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi. Dr. Khaled believes that in order to reach maturity and personality growth, and to be able to comfortably deal with all difficulties, it is important to step outside of one’s “comfort zone” and accept “self-suffering.” Until October 2017, Dr. Khaled had had no running experience. Since his childhood, he has also had a case of “flat feet,” which is an obstacle to running. Nevertheless, this only added to his determination to achieve his goal. By following a very strict exercise regime, he was able to obtain victory in this difficult battle.

The Rahma Run

2018.09.19

Archaeological discoveries from an ancient village on Marawah Island located in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region reveal the presence of a sophisticated and skilled population that traded and thrived during the Neolithic period. Artefacts excavated provide a comprehensive picture of life in the UAE around 8,000 years ago. The people living there constructed stone-built houses, the earliest examples of such architecture discovered in the Arabian Gulf. These people herded sheep and goats, and used stone tools to hunt animals like gazelles. The presence of fish, dugong, turtle and dolphin bones suggest that seafood was an important part of their diet. This talk delves into the above topics and examines their historical scope in greater details.

Speaker: Mark Beech, Head of Archaeology (Al Dhafra & Abu Dhabi), Historic Environment Department, Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)

Life In Stone Age In Abu Dhabi

2018.10.24

Today, families in the UAE wait in hope that a life-saving organ may be donated to a critically ill loved on. In 2018, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi created history in the UAE by developing a comprehensive multi-organ transplant program which is already transforming patients’ lives. This talk explores how the transplants for four major organs – kidney, heart, liver and lung – are giving hope to families in the UAE and around the region by delivering a world-class level of care here in the nation’s capital, meeting the needs of the community while contributing to the sustainability of the country’s healthcare sector.

Speaker
Bashir Sankari, MD; Chief of the Surgical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi 
Rakesh Suri, MD; Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Story Behind The UAEs First Multi - Organ Transplant Program

2018.11.19

The late Sheikh Zayed is well-known for his interest in, and support for, the natural and cultural heritage of the UAE. This talk examines the field of the environment and archaeology of Abu Dhabi to demonstrate his involvement in projects that have led to the preservation of two of Abu Dhabi’s most important nature reserves and to the promotion of knowledge of key archaeological sites, such as the early Christian monastery on the island of Sir Bani Yas. This talk also focuses on the way in which Sheikh Zayed saw the Sir Bani Yas site as being evidence of the UAE’s tradition of cultural and religious tolerance.

Speaker
Peter Hellyer, Writer, Historian & Environmentalist, Individuals

Sheikh Zayed & UAE Natural And Cultural Heritage

Abu Dhabi And The City Of The Future 
2019.02.11

Photographer Andrew Moore presents his images of Abu Dhabi in the context of other cities around the world that he has shot and done projects on. In particular, Moore's talk focuses on how the principles of intelligent urban design apply to these different cities and the lessons learned from both good and bad examples of architecture and city planning.

Speakers 
Andrew Moore, Award-Winning Photographer, Individuals

Abu Dhabi And The City Of The Future

The NYUAD Institute is a center of advanced research, scholarly and creative activity, and public workshops. Institute programs facilitate discussion between academics, students, professionals, and leaders from the UAE and from around the world.

The Falcon Genome Project Diversity, Population Structure And Local Adaptation

NYUAD Institute

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