Hundreds Participate in International Scientific Conference in Ras Al Khaimah

The 11th International Workshop for Advanced Materials (IWAM) has come to a close in Ras Al Khaimah, with over 170 delegates from 19 countries taking part over three days.

The Workshop, organized by Ras Al Khaimah Centre for Advanced Materials (RAK CAM) and held at Al Hamra Convention Centre, saw the inaugural Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi International Prize for Materials Science presented by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the RAK Ruler, to internationally renowned scientist C. N. R. Rao, the Honorary President and Linus Pauling Research Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research in Bangalore, India, where RAK CAM’s Sheikh Saqr Laboratory is based.

There were 14 workshop sessions, 22 invited speakers from around the world presenting their research findings and almost 100 scientific posters presented over the three days. The President and CEO of GSI Creos, Tadaaki Yoshinaga, also presented the company’s global strategy, involving its affiliate in Ras Al Khaimah, Takenaka Middle East, which is currently utilizing advanced material science in specialist coatings for heavy industry.

About 60 students from Ras Al Khaimah schools also took part in a Workshop session on Monday that covered advances in applied energy technologies and career advice for those seeking to get involved in science or technology.

Professor Rao, who won the biennial US$100,000 Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi International Prize for Materials Science, has published more than 50 books, written more than 1,600 scientific papers and received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2014 for his contributions to science.

The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi International Prize is designed to both encourage the development of the field of materials science in the region and to reward those who have made a significant contribution to the discipline.

Professor Tony Cheetham, Chairman of RAK CAM, said:

“This year’s IWAM was another enlightening occasion, with hundreds of delegates, students and local school students taking part. The second Millie Dresselhaus Memorial Lecture, delivered by Emily A. Carter of Princeton University, was a highlight but His Highness Sheikh Saud presenting his eponymous Prize to Professor Rao was a very special moment.”