| Serial | R and D industry partners | Ongoing/potential /conculded | Center of Excellence | Project Category | SDG Impact |
| 1 | Department of Health | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 10 |
| 2 | Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City | Potential | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 10 |
| 3 | Burjeel Cancer Institute | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9 |
| 4 | Abu Dhabi Biobank | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 10 |
| 5 | Tawam Hospital | Concluded | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 10 |
| 6 | National Reference Laboratory | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9 |
| 7 | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Potential | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9 |
| 8 | Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center | Concluded | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 10 |
| 9 | G42 Healthcare | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 10 |
| 10 | NMC | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9 |
| 11 | Dubai Health | Ongoing | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 10 |
| 12 | Mediclinic | Potential | Cancer Research Institute | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 10 |
| 13 | Solar Energy Research Institute | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 14 | Universiti Putra Malaysia | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 15 | Higher College of Technology | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 9, SDG 13 |
| 16 | University of Sharjah | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 17 |
| 17 | Technology Innovation Institute | Concluded | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 18 | Universiti Teknologi Petronas | Potential | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 19 | National Defence University of Malaysia | Potential | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 9, SDG 13 |
| 20 | ADNOC | Concluded | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 21 | National Aviation Academy | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 22 | United Arab Emirates University | Concluded | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 23 | Institut Teknologi Bandung | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 9, SDG 13 |
| 24 | University of Malaya | Potential | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 25 | University of Malaysia Perlis | Potential | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 17 |
| 26 | McMaster University | Concluded | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 27 | SD Guthrie | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 28 | MFRC - Metal Forming Research Corporation Korea | Ongoing | Research Institute for Sustainable Futures | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 29 | Emirates Global Aluminium | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Engineering | SDG 9, SDG 13 |
| 30 | Al Ain Farms | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| 31 | Seha Al Dhafra Hospitals | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 9 |
| 32 | University of Louisville | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 33 | Mubadala | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Business | SDG 4, SDG 17 |
| 34 | Liwa Education | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 35 | Liwa University | Ongoing | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Business | SDG 4, SDG 9 |
| 36 | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Concluded | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Health Sciences | SDG 3, SDG 10 |
| 37 | ADNOC | Concluded | Research Institute for AI & Emerging Technologies | Engineering | SDG 7, SDG 9 |
| Serial | Faculty Lead | Title of the lead | Feild expert | Division |
| 1 | Dr. Khaoula Errafii | Division Team Lead, Assistant Professor Genetics, College of Health Sciences | Research interests span genomics, epigenetics, diabetes, cancer, and bioinformatics. | Division of Genomics and Bioinformatics Research |
| 2 | Dr. Wael Said Abdrabou | Member & Multi-omics Lead, Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences | His research focuses on the dynamic relationship between metabolism, nutrition, and immune system reprogramming over time, with the aim of identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for infection susceptibility and age-related immune dysregulation. | Division of Genomics and Bioinformatics Research |
| 3 | Dr. Amal Gaddala | Member, Assistant Professor, Genetics, College of Health Sciences | She specializes in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and genomics, with a strong focus on integrating machine learning and multiscale data for disease diagnostics. | Division of Genomics and Bioinformatics Research |
| 4 | Dr. Amel Hamdi | Member, Assistant Professor, Hematology and Molecular Biology, College of Health Sciences | Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of iron metabolism, erythropoiesis, and blood disorders, including anemias, thalassemias, and leukemias. By integrating molecular biology with translational research, her work aims to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. | Division of Genomics and Bioinformatics Research |
| 5 | Dr. Afsheen Raza | Division Team Lead, Director, ADU-CRI and Associate Professor, Molecular Biology, College of Health Sciences | she specializes in cancer molecular biology, biomarkers, and immunotherapy | Division of Biomarker Research |
| 6 | Dr. Alaa Siddig | Member, Assistant Professor, Molecular Pathology, College of Health Sciences | Her research focused on the transcriptomic profiling of early-onset breast cancer, utilizing advanced techniques in bioinformatics, gene expression analysis, and immunohistochemistry. | Division of Biomarker Research |
| 7 | Dr. Asiya Nazir | Division Team Lead, Senior Instructor, Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences | Her research focuses on the genetic characterization of fungi and bacteria, metagenomics, and the isolation of anticancer biomolecules from endophytes. She has made notable contributions to the study of cellulase enzymes, including their isolation, characterization, and purification, and has published widely in reputable journals. | Division of Drug Discovery and Development Research |
| 8 | Dr. Abdulmajeed G Almutary | Member, Assistant Professor, Immunology and Microbiology, College of Health Sciences | His expertise includes simulation-based learning, biotechnology innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration | Division of Drug Discovery and Development Research |
| 9 | Dr. Murad Al-Rajab | Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology | His research focuses on the application of AI and machine learning in healthcare (including cardio vascular diseases, cancer classification, autism, Alzheimer and dementia), education, smart cities, and computer science education. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications, received multiple research grants, and leads projects in health informatics, explainable AI, smart infrastructure, and autism care technologies. | Division of Bioengineering and Machine Learning |
| 10 | Dr. Rabah Al Abdi | Division Team Lead, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering | His research focuses on medical imaging, signal processing, and medical informatics. Dr. Al Abdi has a registered US patent in cancer imaging and has published 30 papers in selective journals and conferences in his field. | Division of Bioengineering and Machine Learning |
| 11 | Dr. Khaldon Lweesy | Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering | His research interests span diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, medical imaging, biomedical signal processing, and biomedical instrumentation, with additional work in medical waste management. | Division of Bioengineering and Machine Learning |
| 12 | Prof. Nisreen Alwan | Division Team Lead, Professor, Environmental Health and Safety, College of Health Sciences | Her research focuses on critical areas such as food safety, exposure to environmental contaminants (mycotoxins, microplastics, toxic metals), and public health interventions. | Division of Public health Research |
| 13 | Prof. Haleama Al Sabbah | Memeber, Professor, Public Health,College of Health Sciences | Public health nutrition Dietary habits, nutrition policy, and physical activity Mental health and public health psychology UAE health/nutrition situation and non-communicable disease context | Division of Public health Research |
| 14 | Dr. Jawad Yousaf | Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering | Radar and microwave systems Electromagnetic compatibility AI-enabled sensing technologies Sustainability and translational impact Smart and sustainable agriculture Energy-efficient sensing systems Autonomous robotic platforms Non-invasive health monitoring Intelligent infrastructure solutions | Robotics and Mechatronics |
| 15 | Prof. Mohammad Alkhedher | Professor and Chair of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department | His expertise is in mechatronics systems and intelligent methods for condition and property-based monitoring and management systems, encompassing energy storage, machinery, environmental quality, 3D printing, and nanomaterials. | Robotics and Mechatronics |
| 16 | Dr. Mohammad I. Awad | Assistant Professor in Computer Engineering – Artificial Intelligence | Wearable robotics and compliant actuation Haptics Deep learning applications in robotic/assistive systems | Robotics and Mechatronics |
| 17 | Dr. Fahid Riaz | Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering | Thermo-fluids and thermal systems Waste-heat / low-grade heat driven cooling (ejector refrigeration) Energy systems modeling/optimization and sustainable engineering applications | AI for Sustainability |
| 18 | Dr. Mohamed Abdi Jama | Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering | Solar irradiance assessment and bias correction using reanalysis datasets Renewable/solar resource evaluation for sustainable energy planning Electrical/biomedical engineering applications (departmental scope) | AI for Sustainability |
| 19 | Dr. Rahaf Ajaj | Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Safety | Environmental sustainability & circular economy (pollution reduction, biodegradable materials) Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), public health & occupational safety Climate resilience & environmental risk management (incl. indoor air quality, waste impacts) Regulatory governance & compliance (nuclear/radiation protection, NORM management, inspections) Research leadership & innovation (interdisciplinary projects, funding, patents, international collaboration) | AI for Sustainability |
| 20 | Dr. Moatsum Alawida | Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology | Solar irradiance assessment and bias correction using reanalysis datasets Renewable/solar resource evaluation for sustainable energy planning Electrical/biomedical engineering applications (departmental scope) | AI for Cybersecurity |
| 21 | Prof. Shehzad Ashraf | Professor of Cybersecurity Engineering | Cybersecurity engineering, information security, and network security Cryptography and privacy-preserving security protocols Secure systems/IoT and applied security research | AI for Cybersecurity |
| 22 | Dr. Rawan Al-Louzi | Assistant Professor of Law and the Program Coordinator for the Master’s in Cyberlaw and Artificial Intelligence program | Cybersecurity engineering, information security, and network security Cryptography and privacy-preserving security protocols Secure systems/IoT and applied security research | AI for Cybersecurity |
| 23 | Dr. Syed Omer Gilani | Assistant Professor of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering | Artificial intelligence and machine learning Computer vision and intelligent systems Biomedical/engineering applications of data science and signal processing | AI for Healthcare |
| 24 | Dr. Taimur Hassan | Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering | Machine learning and computer vision Medical imaging and machine perception Signal processing, embedded systems, and robotics applications | AI for Healthcare |
| 25 | Dr. Yazan Dweiri | Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering | Machine learning and computer vision Medical imaging and machine perception Signal processing, embedded systems, and robotics applications | AI for Healthcare |
| 26 | Prof. Haitham Nobanee | Professor of Finance | Neural engineering Miniaturized embedded systems Biomechanics and biomedical engineering applications | AI for Business |
| 27 | Dr. Muhammad Usman Tariq Kazi | Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Operations Management | Business analytics and operations management Big data analytics and data-driven decision-making Supply chain/operations themes (as reflected in publications and ADU profile context) | AI for Business |
| 28 | Dr. Adiya Anshu | Chair of the Department of Social Science | Management Information Systems (MIS) Data mining and predictive analytics (including healthcare applications) Information systems and digital/business process topics | AI for Business |
| 29 | Dr. Hossam Aly | Assistant Professor of Commercial Law | International relations and global studies Diaspora, migration, and security studies Geopolitics and international cooperation themes | AI for Business |
| 30 | Prof. Adel Khelifi | Professor and Chair of Computer Science and Information Technology Department | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Internet of Things (IoT) & Big Data Blockchain technologies Computer vision & medical imaging (especially cancer/lung diagnosis) Smart systems (smart cities, smart agriculture) Cybersecurity & e-government systems Cultural heritage digitization (AI + blockchain) | Intelligent Systems |
| 31 | Dr. Murad Al-Rajab | Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Data Science & Predictive Analytics Bioinformatics & cancer genomics Healthcare AI (ECG, cancer detection, monitoring systems) Smart systems (smart cities, tourism, energy optimization) Sustainable computing & digital transformation | Intelligent Systems |
| 32 | Dr. Sajid Khawaja | Assistant Professor in Computer Engineering | Digital system design & embedded systems Edge AI / AI-enabled embedded intelligence (hardware–software co-design) Signal processing & intelligent/pattern-recognition systems Communications/AI-enabled networking research (e.g., adaptive systems in wireless contexts) | Intelligent Systems |
| 33 | Prof. Constantine Andoniou | Associate Professor of Education | Educational Technology (EdTech) Digital learning & e-learning systems ICT in education Knowledge construction & digital pedagogy Cybersecurity awareness (education context) Media, communication, and learning environments Sociology of education & digital culture | Intelligent Systems |
| 34 | Dr. Khaled M. Al-Aribe | (Lead) Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering | Integrating micro-mechatronics/MEMS with renewable energy systems Microsystems and renewable energy technologies Bioengineering–photonics hybrid applications (book focus) | Research Centre for Renewable Energy |
| 35 | Prof. Sharul Sham bin Dol | Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Futures, Lead, Professor of Mechanical Engineering | Pulsatile flow over a backward-facing step using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Fundamentals of turbulent and unsteady flows Vortex dynamics Aerodynamics Aerospace engineering Propulsion systems Wind energy Flow assurance Atmospheric water harvesting Government and industry-funded projects Renewable energy technologies Water harvesting systems Oil and gas pipeline networks | Research Centre for Turbulence and Energy Efficiency |
| 36 | Dr. Ross Davidson | (Lead) Associate Professor of Management | Research focused on leadership and HRM practices that promote a sustainable work environment, specifically the role and ability to co-create safe working conditions locally and internationally. The research firmly embraces the mandates of the ILO and UN sustainability objectives (3, 8). Secondarily, my research continues to investigate the development of a co-created understanding of meaning of leadership in the international milieu. Research has been supported with grants from IOSH. | Research Centre for Climate Change |
| 37 | Prof. Charilaos Mertzanis | Researcher, Professor of Finance | Research Centre for Climate Change | |
| 38 | Dr. Jawad Yousaf | (Lead), Researcher, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering | His research is strongly driven by sustainability and translational impact, focusing on smart and sustainable agriculture, energy-efficient sensing systems, autonomous robotic platforms, non-invasive health monitoring, and intelligent infrastructure solutions. | Research Centre for Sustainable Agriculture |
| 39 | Dr. Rahaf Ajaj | (Lead), Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Safety | Environmental sustainability & circular economy (pollution reduction, biodegradable materials) Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), public health & occupational safety Climate resilience & environmental risk management (incl. indoor air quality, waste impacts) Regulatory governance & compliance (nuclear/radiation protection, NORM management, inspections) Research leadership & innovation (interdisciplinary projects, funding, patents, international collaboration) | Research Centre for Sustainable Living |
| 40 | Prof. Evan K. Paleologos | Researcher, Director of Master of Engineering Management / Project Management, Professor of Engineering and Project Management | Water resources & groundwater hydrology Risk analysis / environmental decision-making Environmental geotechnics & geoenvironmental engineering (incl. contamination/soil–water topics) Sustainable geoinfrastructure / clean-energy critical minerals (geoenvironmental aspects) | Research Centre for Sustainable Living |
| 41 | Prof. Mohammad Alkhedher | (Lead), Professor and Chair of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department | Mechatronics systems Intelligent methods for condition and property-based monitoring and management systems Energy storage Machinery Environmental quality 3D printing Nanomaterials Online detection of stress-corrosion cracking in aggressive environments using artificial intelligence Development of thermally safe Li energy storage systems tailored for the UAE environment | Research Centre for Energy Storage & Electrification |
At Abu Dhabi University, we connect research excellence with industry needs to co-create innovative, scalable solutions that address real-world challenges. Through strategic partnerships, we advance applied research, unlock funding opportunities, and contribute to national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Where We Create Impact Our partnerships are focused on key sectors that align with national priorities and global challenges:
2. Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation Advancing smart solutions, data-driven systems, and emerging technologies to support industry innovation.
3. Sustainability & Clean Energy Collaborating on solutions that promote environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
4. Healthcare & Biotechnology Supporting research that enhances healthcare systems, medical technologies, and community well-being.
5. Education & Human Capital Development Developing initiatives that strengthen skills, knowledge transfer, and future workforce readiness.
6. Smart Cities & Infrastructure Driving innovation in urban development, mobility, and resilient infrastructure systems.
Abu Dhabi University collaborates with leading national and international organizations to deliver impactful research and innovation outcomes.
Our partnerships span government entities, multinational corporations, and industry leaders, enabling:
• Co-developed research projects
• Innovation-driven initiatives
• Knowledge exchange and capacity building
• Industry-funded programs and solutions
Each partnership is built on a shared commitment to delivering measurable impact and advancing sustainable development.
The Community Relations Department at Abu Dhabi University serves as a strategic hub for industry engagement, partnerships, and collaborative research development. We play a central role in connecting ADU’s academic and research capabilities with leading organizations across the public and private sectors. Our mandate is to foster meaningful, long-term partnerships that go beyond traditional engagement—enabling co-developed research, applied innovation, and knowledge exchange. By aligning academic expertise with industry needs, we support the development of practical solutions that drive economic growth, social impact, and sustainability. As a bridge between academia, industry, and government, the department facilitates access to funding, supports joint initiatives, and enhances the visibility of ADU as a trusted partner in research and development. Partner With Us We offer multiple pathways for organizations to collaborate with ADU: • Sponsored Research Projects • Joint Grant Applications (National & International) • Industry-Funded Research Chairs & Labs • Consultancy & Applied Research Services • Student Innovation & Internship Programs, and sponsorships Our team works closely with partners to design and implement collaborations that deliver mutual value and measurable outcomes.
The drive to address topics relevant to national development, and to support researchers in the production of knowledge and research-based problem solving, is at the heart of our research activity.
We endeavour to conduct research that is:
Build and enhance the applied research capacity of ADU in selected strategic areas.
Provide a research infrastructure that is responsive to the needs of scholars and students.
Partner with prominent corporate and government agencies in the UAE and the region to target external funding.
Develop and foster a network of local and international scientific scholars and attract the best scholars from around the world.
Integrate research and teaching and develop new activities that enrich the student experience.
Transfer and disseminate knowledge to the communities Abu Dhabi University serves and maximize opportunities for commercialization.
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