Al Ain: Dubai Researchers and scientists on Sunday welcomed the formation of the National Authority for Scientific Research, saying it would help promote the country's scientific research culture.
The initiative has been viewed as a consolidated opportunity for increased research activities by researchers and scientists, who said it would help find solution to new challenges.
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced the National Authority for Scientific Research (NASR) on Saturday with an annual budget of Dh100 million.
It will help promote scientific research through private and public universities, colleges, companies and individual researchers.
Dr Abdul Wehab Zaid, Director of Date Palm Research and Development Programme and the United Nations Office for Project Services, said it was an excellent opportunity to strengthen research activities. "It will help in taking academic knowledge to an industrial level," he said, adding the authority will also set up teams of high calibre researchers to tackle new challenges.
Dr Abdullah Al Najjar, President of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation, said even though the new scientific body is greatly anticipated further improvements must be made for the benefit of the community.
Dr Al Najjar said the amount needs to be multiplied and needs to be distributed wisely.
'Right direction'
Dr Hasan Al Nashash, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, said having a national body to support scientific research is an indication that the country is moving in the right direction.
By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief / Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter