The students are part of a two-year Master’s program at the world’s first academic institution dedicated to the research of alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. The non-profit Masdar Institute has been developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which has assisted with the recruitment of over 20 leading academics from 11 countries.
The student body is expected to increase to at least 600 over the next five years, with Doctoral-level degrees to be introduced by 2011.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, ceo of Masdar said, “with the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to be located at Masdar City as well, there could be no better place to study, research or develop a career in alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability.”
Although currently based in Abu Dhabi, Masdar City will be the site of new facilities for the Institute, providing students with the opportunity to learn within one of the world’s foremost sustainable cities. Masdar City will also be testing the technology researched by the Institute, informing the subsequent phases of the city’s development, according to Masdar.
Dr Sultan added: “As identified by the Government of Abu Dhabi, world-class education is undoubtedly a core pillar in developing a sustainable economy, and the Masdar Institute is set to play an integral role in Abu Dhabi’s future growth.”