Abu dhabi: The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), managed by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), is set to announce three new awardees for its Sixth Cycle grants during a press conference on 21 January at the National Centre of Meteorology in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the newly awarded projects reflect UAEREP's priority research areas, which form the foundation of the programme's 10-year roadmap. These areas include Optimised Seeding Materials, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and Data. During the press conference, each awardee will deliver an overview presentation of their winning proposal, outlining their scientific approach, expected outcomes, and potential impact on global water security.
Dr. Abdullah Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology, emphasized the importance of the programme by stating, "Through the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, we continue to support cutting-edge research that strengthens resilience against climate challenges and supports sustainable water resources worldwide. Since its launch during the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), the Sixth Cycle has attracted significant interest from leading scientists and research institutions globally, reflecting the growing importance of this award in promoting innovative solutions to address water scarcity."
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP and Director of the Research and Weather Enhancement Department at NCM, expressed enthusiasm about the new projects, saying, "We are excited to announce three new awardees whose projects reflect our strategic priorities and commitment to innovation. Each selected project brings unique expertise and innovative approaches that will help us push the boundaries of science and technology in this crucial field.'
The strategic areas addressed by the winning proposals are central to advancing next-generation rain enhancement technologies and tackling the evolving global water security challenges. Research on optimised seeding materials focuses on developing advanced cloud seeding substances and innovative delivery techniques to improve rainfall stimulation. Limited-area climate interventions investigate localised approaches such as solar radiation management and leveraging regional atmospheric conditions to enhance cloud formation and precipitation. Advanced models, software, and data involve the development of sophisticated forecasting tools and decision-support systems, integrating data assimilation and machine learning techniques to improve cloud dynamics modeling and operational efficiency.