UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science Opens 6th Cycle for Innovative Proposals
Each proposal can receive up to US$550K annually for a maximum of three years.
The announcement was made at the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF) in Abu Dhabi, which runs from January 28-30, 2025, at Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers. The forum brings together experts to discuss solutions for water security challenges exacerbated by climate change.
UAEREP invites proposals in five core research areas: Optimised Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation Systems, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models and Data. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), emphasized the importance of this cycle in addressing global water scarcity and advancing sustainable climate action.
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the program's global impact, aiming to position the UAE as a leader in rain enhancement research. She also noted a focus on projects demonstrating clear progression in Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and alignment with the program's research priorities.
The registration deadline for proposals is March 13, 2025, with pre-proposals due by March 20, 2025. Full proposal submissions will be invited by May 20, 2025, with final selections announced in January 2026.
The 7th IREF coincides with UAEREP's 10th anniversary, underscoring its decade-long commitment to enhancing water security through innovation. To date, the program has invested AED 82.6 million in 11 research projects, yielding 8 patents.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
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