Research & Innovation

RIC2D is committed to establishing Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, and UAE as a global hub for advanced materials research and innovation. We strive to foster a collaborative ecosystem where pan-disciplinary research is translated into practical solutions for the UAE’s most pressing challenges in energy, water, materials and emerging technologies.

By driving research addressing critical challenges for humanity and aligned with national priorities, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and nurturing talent, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of groundbreaking discoveries. Moreover, we strengthen UAE’s national economy and contribute to a sustainable future.

Focus Areas

Energy

Highly innovative research and near-commercial technologies that exploit the potential of Graphene and Related Materials (GRMs) for greener, more cost-efficient energy conversion and/or storage.

Challenge:

The UAE report on the future energy needs estimates power demand to increase by 30% by 2029 and 42000 electric automobile units on the roads by 2030. The UAE has one of the highest charging stations / vehicles ratios worldwide, with 325 stations currently

Water

Novel membranes and other relevant materials’ systems for water desalination, waste-water treatment.

Challenge:

According to the Water Resources Institute, the UAE is among the 17 countries facing “extremely high water stress”, with 80% of available surface and groundwater consumed per year. With the UAE accounting for 14% of world’s total production of desalinated water and world’s second highest desalination capacity.

Materials

Lighter weight and/or functionally enhanced materials for infrastructure, automotive and aerospace, personal protection and other applications.

Challenge:

The UAE is projected to have the highest growth rate in aerospace composites in the Middle East and Africa markets. 2nd largest cement sector in the GCC after Saudi Arabia, with an installed capacity of around 40 million tonnes per year. Recent reports estimate that the cement industry in the UAE is expected to grow by 3.2% on an annual basis to US$1,845.8 million in 2023.

Healthcare

2D materials accelerate healthcare innovation by enabling faster diagnostics, smarter therapeutics, and more efficient medical technologies.

Challenge:

UAE Vision 2030 prioritizes world-class healthcare, by prioritizing preventive care, precision medicine, and advanced digital health systems to ensure a high quality of life, support economic sustainability, and underpin the UN Good Health and Wellbeing Goals.