UAE Research Program For Rain Enhancement Science Kicks Off Visit Of Its US Based Awardees During A Roadshow To The Americas

A delegation of the United Arab Emirates Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) visited the United States recently to assess the progress of the ground-breaking work currently being undertaken by UAEREP awardees Eric Frew and Paul Lawson.

Prof Eric Frew introduced the UAEREP team to the key members of his project at the Aerospace Department of Colorado University and discussed preparations for their next research objectives in the coming months. The University members praised the Program for its contribution to international collaboration and capacity building in the UAE and beyond.

The UAE team also toured the facilities of Droplet Measurement Technologies, a key component of Prof Frew’s project. Duncan Axisa, its ‎Director of Business Development presented some cutting-edge instruments and latest innovations of the company to better understand cloud microphysics and to ensure accuracy in measurements, and highlighted the importance of unmanned systems to improve the rain enhancement measurements as well as operations. He also commented on the role of artificial intelligence in meteorology, and what this new technology could bring to the field.

As for Dr Lawson, the team was updated on the weather measurement devices that will installed on the Spec Incorporated Learjet research aircraft. The aircraft will travel halfway around the planet, from Boulder, Colorado to Abu Dhabi, to conduct cutting edge experiments over the UAE in July.

His Excellency Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, Director of the NCM, said: “Our visit to Boulder is part of our commitment to ensure that our awardees receive the maximum support and provision of collaborative expertise for their ongoing projects. In working closely with our awardees, we are helping to fulfil our mission to advance global rain enhancement capacity and expertise.”

Following its Boulder meetings, the UAEREP team went on to visit the University of Chicago’s internationally-renowned Department of Geophysical Sciences to discuss ways of improving its worldwide outreach efforts with senior scientists and researchers in the department.

Reflecting its status as a leader in science and technology, the UAEREP team then held high-level meetings at the World Water Forum in Brasilia.

The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science delegation then concluded its roadshow in the Americas with a highly successful and productive participation at the 8th edition of the World Water Forum in Brazil.