Research Institute for Sustainable Futures

Achieving the United Nation’s sustainable development goals

Research center team working on a collaborative project

A world-class center of cutting-edge and innovative research

The Research Institute for Sustainable Futures(RISF) focuses the collective research expertise of Abu Dhabi University on achieving the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) and on contributing to reaching the 2050 net-zero goals in areas where it is currently internationally recognized for the breadth and depth of its research excellence.

The RISF seeks to develop inter-disciplinary research programs to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives.

Foster advanced research activities, position the university among the best research-intensive institutions in the UAE and the region. Also, to support technology transfer to industry, provide real-world solutions, and supports the UAE's transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

RISF Vision & Mission

To be internationally recognized as an intellectual centre for progressing sustainability policy and practice.

We will achieve our vision by:

Delivering interdisciplinary projects which address specific problems spanning our research program themes.
Connecting our interdisciplinary research teams to international faculty who are acknowledged sustainability experts in academia, policy formulation, and practice.
Engaging with key stakeholders in Government and the private sector across multiple channels to enable knowledge and technology transfer with the specific aim of promoting sustainable organizations and the green economy.
Explicitly acknowledging the unacceptable economic deficit of developing countries, by actively engaging with key stakeholders in the UAE with the specific aim of transferring the outcomes from the RISF to developing nation partners.

The goals of the Institute

The RISF seeks to develop inter-disciplinary research programs to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives.

The overarching goals of the Institute are:

Global Collaboration Catalyst

To mobilize ADU faculty and our international networks to support the formation of global interdisciplinary research teams.
Sustainability Exchange Hub

To be a conduit for knowledge sharing and technology transfer on sustainability activities in the UAE.
Bridging Boundaries

To connect UAE sustainability organizations with the international policy and research agendas of strategic importance.

Bridging Sustainable Impact

To facilitate the transfer of sustainability impact within the UAE and to developing nations.
Empowering Policy

To support policy formulation and implementation within the UAE.
Sustainable Horizons

To develop research themes and undertake research projects that contribute to sustainability.

Sustainable Future

Inter Disciplinary

Technology Transfer

Real-world Solutions

Research Institute for Sustainable Futures

Research centers are established to integrate the university research activities, foster interdisciplinary projects across Abu Dhabi University, and intensify collaboration with regional and international research institutes.