Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced $3 million in research funding to support new technologies aimed at increasing rainfall and improving water security. The funding will be awarded to up to five research projects focused on advancing rain enhancement methods, particularly in regions facing dry climatic conditions.
The announcement was made on November 5 by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), which is managed by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). The programme has opened its Seventh Cycle, inviting researchers from around the world to submit proposals addressing major scientific and technical challenges in rain enhancement.
The latest funding round aims to support scientific research, encourage innovation and develop practical technologies that could improve rainfall enhancement activities.
UAE Offers Grants of Up to $1.5 Million for Research Projects
Under the Seventh Cycle, UAEREP will support up to five selected research projects. The funding will depend on the duration of each project.
Researchers can apply for grants of up to $500,000 for one-year projects, $1 million for two-year projects and up to $1.5 million for projects running over three years.
Each selected project will have a duration of between one and three years.
Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization and Chairman of the NCM, said the UAE continues to invest in scientific research, innovation and international cooperation to strengthen water security.
He added that through the NCM and UAEREP, the country is supporting new research and technologies that can advance rain enhancement science and help address water scarcity.
Five Major Research Areas Identified for the Seventh Cycle
The programme has identified five priority areas where researchers are encouraged to develop new solutions and technologies.
These include improving cloud-seeding materials, developing new cloud formation and rain enhancement systems, using autonomous unmanned aircraft systems, studying limited-area climate interventions, and advancing models, software and data technologies.
Research into cloud-seeding materials will focus on improving the effectiveness of existing methods. Scientists will also explore alternative techniques and new systems that could help improve cloud formation and rainfall enhancement.
Another key area involves the use of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems to support rain enhancement operations.
The programme will also encourage research into how land-use changes, atmospheric moisture and aerosols can influence local climate conditions. In addition, researchers will be able to explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced modelling systems to improve rainfall predictions and measure the effectiveness of rain enhancement activities.
UAE Focuses on Turning Research into Practical Technologies
Dr Ahmad Al Kamali, Director of UAEREP and Acting Head of Cloud Seeding Operations at NCM, said the Seventh Cycle builds on the scientific and technological progress made during the programme's previous six cycles.
He explained that the programme is looking for research that addresses important scientific challenges, introduces innovative approaches and offers a clear path towards practical use.
A major focus of this funding round is to move research beyond the experimental stage and bring promising technologies closer to operational readiness.
Applicants will therefore need to explain how their proposed projects could be used in real-world applications or contribute meaningful scientific developments in rain enhancement.
International Research Partnerships Encouraged
UAEREP is also encouraging cooperation between universities, private-sector companies and government institutions.
International research partnerships and teams involving multiple institutions are welcome. The participation of UAE-based researchers and research organisations is particularly encouraged as part of efforts to strengthen local research capabilities.
All applications will undergo a two-stage evaluation process. Proposals will be assessed based on their scientific and technical quality, innovation, research methods, expertise of the research team, capacity-building plans and budget requirements.
Seventh Cycle Builds on 17 Previously Funded Projects
The latest funding round follows six previous cycles through which UAEREP has supported 17 research projects.
With the Seventh Cycle, the UAE aims to further advance scientifically tested technologies and research methods that can support rainfall enhancement.
The programme will continue to focus on developing practical and scientifically validated solutions that can contribute to water security in the UAE and other parts of the world.
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