Hume Outlines Vigorous Blueprint For Intensifying Research Infrastructure In The UAE

The Provost of United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Professor Wyatt R. Hume, has called for a fresh approach to learning if we are to achieve a home-grown robust and world-class research capability within the UAE. Based on extensive experience in other countries and building on existing accomplishments in the UAE, Hume’s vision was set out in his key-note address earlier today at the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research’s fifth annual ’Partners in Research’ conference.

Professor Hume said: “Research is absolutely critical to the development of any society. There is enormous potential in the UAE and much excellent research is being undertaken but we are not yet punching above our weight. We need to look very closely at every stage of education to ensure the pathway to top-class global scholars is supportive from the very beginning. This requires a productive environment for building research capability and some key investments. If we are brave we can achieve this.”

In his address today Professor Hume set out the following nine ‘Productive environments for building research capability’:

1. Encourage curiosity in the young; problem solving, issues analysis in schools, social sciences prizes and science fairs
2. A broad environment of active, high quality research, highly connected with the world’s research communities
3. High ICT human capability, and robust connectivity
4. Personal inducements and rewards for research quality, productivity and integrity
5. Involvement of motivated undergraduate students in such research
6. Involvement of high-capability graduate students at the Doctoral level
7. Involvement of postdoctoral research fellows
8. Competitively funded research using international quality standards by peer review
9. Free access to clinical settings, care outcomes data and patients in health care research

Professor Hume then listed the four immediate priorities as he sees them for developing the research infrastructure in the UAE:

1. Enhance primary and secondary education as quickly as possible
2. Support the development of a truly diverse higher education sector
3. Fund the National Research Foundation and similar agencies as soon as possible
4. Encourage public and private organisations to consider, trust and commission universities to provide research solutions
 

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