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Emirates Mars Mission invites Emirati students for REU programme

The REU programme will run during the summer of next year, likely between May and August.

Emirati students are invited to enroll for the eighth cycle of Emirates Mars Mission’s (EMM) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programme. It offers an engaging opportunity to conduct Mars related research at one of six scientific labs or universities in the UAE, US and France including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre alongside EMM’s science team or renowned international scientists.

EMM’s REU 2022 programme aims to develop national capabilities in space research for Emirati students specialising in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It offers students a chance to gain practical and research-based experience at distinguished space science facilities in the UAE and abroad.

Students will be mentored by EMM’s science team or international scientists in the UAE, USA and France during a 10-week summer research experience at either the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai; The National Space Science and Technology Center in Al Ain; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder; Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley; Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff; or Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique in Paris.

Omran Sharaf, Project Director, EMM: “Now in its eighth year, our REU 2022 programme offers for Emirati undergraduates to build skills and capabilities in scientific research and learn from some of the world’s foremost scientists. It brings together experts from the UAE, US and France to train, develop and pass on knowledge to the next generation of highly-talented students: the next frontier of economic growth and innovation. As we continue to enhance national capabilities to create a world-class space industry, we are excited to welcome the next batch of applications to accelerate our knowledge-driven economy in line with the vision of our leaders.”

Hessa Al Matroushi, Deputy Project Manager – Science, EMM, added: “Empowering the next generation of talent through building scientific and technical capabilities in STEM fields is a keystone in forming a knowledge- and innovation-based future economy. Homegrown talents in these areas will help the UAE to pursue its vision over the next 50 years of growth and progress. We are pleased to announce the eighth cycle of the REU 2022 programme, which is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we discover the best young Emirati talents in STEM fields. The programme will help us to prepare new generations of cadres capable of leading the UAE’s space sector through its next stages of growth and prosperity. It will simultaneously demonstrate the attractive career opportunities offered by a robust space economy.”

The REU 2022 will run in the summer, likely between May and August next year. A mandatory REU Boot Camp will be held for the accepted candidates prior to the programme commencing. It will provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge in Mars science to ensure that they are well-equipped to carry out research during the programme.

Undergraduates will then be assigned a research project to focus on throughout the programme and a mentor to provide guidance. The projects are bounded accordingly so the student has weekly milestones to achieve conclusions. By the end of the programme, the students will present their research findings to the EMM science team and get the chance to present their work to the international science community in national and international conferences and events.

Emirati students interested in joining the REU programme need to fill out a registration form with the top applicants shortlisted for an interview after which the best candidates will be accepted. Applicants are invited to register on the Emirates Mars Mission website. Only undergraduate sophomores, juniors or seniors (not in their final semester) studying STEM-related courses will be considered. Applications must include two recommendation letters from university professors or faculty members testifying their skills, knowledge, qualities, characteristics, and capabilities.