The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and the University of Tokyo, have yesterday announced a special joint seminar to support regional security through proper management of the water, energy and food nexus.
To be held on 3rd March at the campus of the Masdar Institute's Centre for Smart and Sustainable Systems (iSmart), the seminar, entitled ‘Nexus of Energy-Security and Water-Energy-Food' will be led by faculty and graduate researchers. They will highlight the trajectory of the successful collaboration between the Masdar Institute and the University of Tokyo, including implementation of joint research and joint symposia, exchange of research materials, and publications in water, energy and food-related research. The seminar will also cover the important role of the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) in facilitating the internships of Masdar Institute's Emirati students with leading companies in major Japanese industries.
Other research reports that will be presented at the seminar will include electricity trading among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, ‘Feed-In-Tariff' schemes, presentations on working with Fundacion Capital, a non-government organisation (NGO) in Colombia, South America, and challenges faced by Central Asian countries in the construction of the Rogun dam.
Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute, said, "The seminar with The University of Tokyo reflects the long-term collaboration in strategic areas between two world-class research-based institutions. The discussions will bring out the extent of research conducted by faculty and students in the interconnectivity of water, energy and food sectors and their role in the regional economic growth." From The University of Tokyo, graduate student Aoi Minamisaka will present his views on ‘The Effect of Electricity Trade on Regional Cooperation: The Analysis of SAARC using Game Theory.' Graduate students Ryota Doi and Gun Matsuo will discuss ‘Security Implications of Planned Electricity Trade in the Middle East.' A paper on ‘Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Central Asia' will be analysed by Dr. Mikiyasu Nakayama, Professor, Department of International Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences.
From the Masdar Institute, Dr. Mohamed Omar, Head of iSmart, and Associate Professor, Engineering Systems and Management, will speak about ‘University of Tokyo and Masdar Institute: A Positive Example of a Collaboration Framework,' while Dr. Sameh El Khatib, Assistant Professor, will present his views on ‘Modelling a Nexus: Where to Start.' Since signing the collaboration agreement in January 2014, the two institutions have steadily expanded their joint research activities. In addition, the collaboration also covers an annual internship programme, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) and organised by JICE. The JICE internship offers Emirati students exclusive professional experience at leading Japanese corporations, as well as advance learning opportunities with the latest research and development in clean technologies.
Source: WAM