ABU DHABI, 28th May 2025 (WAM) — The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), overseen by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), has chosen 16 pioneering preliminary proposals out of the 140 applications submitted during its sixth round.
The final list was established after an extensive assessment carried out by the programme’s International Technical Review Committee. This committee consists of a varied group of experts and specialists who convened online from May 20th to 21st, 2025, to reach consensus on the ultimate choices.
Entries were evaluated according to how well they aligned with the program’s main research fields, demonstrated high-quality science, had significant potential effects, showcased the competencies of those submitting, and indicated substantial interdisciplinary cooperation.
The submitted proposals encompass all five key focus areas of the program: Optimized Seed Materials, Innovative Techniques for Cloud Generation and/or Precipitation Enhancement, Self-Guided Drones, Regional Weather Modification Strategies, and Enhanced Models, Software, and Data Systems.
Researchers who have made it through the initial selection process for their preliminary proposals are now asked to submit complete applications by August 28, 2025. Those selected as grant recipients will be revealed in January 2026 after undergoing further evaluation based on merit.
In its sixth round, UAEREP provides a funding opportunity worth up to US$1.5 million (AED5.511 million) for every successful project submission. This financial support will be allocated across as many as three pioneering research initiatives spanning three years, with an upper limit of $550,000 per year.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, who serves as both the president of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the director-general of the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in the UAE, stated, "With the support of the National Center of Meteorology, the UAE remains at the forefront of global initiatives aimed at enhancing rainfall research, aligning with our leaders' goals to tackle water shortages and boost climate resilience. The selection process for pre-proposals under the sixth round of the UAEREP highlights this steadfast dedication through backing ambitious ventures showcasing exceptional scientific rigor and innovative approaches within the key focus areas of the project. Through cutting-edge research endeavors and collaborative partnerships worldwide, NCM plays an instrumental role in devising effective strategies that solidify the UAE’s standing as a leading center for advancements in rain enhancement technology."
Alya Al Mazrouei, Director of UAEREP, said, “The shortlisting of pre-proposals in this sixth cycle reflects UAEREP’s strategic focus on identifying high-quality scientific research that aligns with the program’s evolving research priorities. I extend my sincere appreciation to each member of our esteemed technical review committee for their dedication and expertise in ensuring a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the pre-proposals. Over the past month, the Committee’s discussions emphasised the importance of scientific merit, technical feasibility, and operational scalability in identifying solutions that support international efforts to ensure water security. As we move into the next stage, I look forward to seeing these proposals evolve into impactful projects with real-world applications, further reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in addressing water security challenges through scientific research.”
Earlier, NCM announced that the UAEREP’s sixth cycle attracted 140 pre-proposals, marking a 47% increase compared to the Fifth Cycle. These submissions were received from 96 research teams and 44 individual researchers representing 48 countries across five continents.
Researchers were invited to submit innovative research proposals aligned with the program’s five priority research areas, underpinning the program’s 10-year roadmap, namely, Optimised Seeding Materials, Novel Cloud Formation and/or Rain Enhancement Systems, Autonomous UAS, Limited-Area Climate Interventions, and Advanced Models, Software, and Data.
Candidates who did not make it to the shortlist will receive feedback from the panel along with their review scores, serving as motivation for applying in subsequent rounds.
The sixth round attracted submissions from numerous prominent industry, academic, and research organizations both inside the UAE and globally, featuring entities such as the University of California (at Irvine and Los Angeles campuses), Columbia University, Princeton University, Victoria University, ETH Zurich, Stockholm University, Kyoto University, Tsinghua University, Politecnico di Milano, Khalifa University, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the American University of Sharjah, and GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics).
Proposals were also submitted by prominent government entities such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the Chinese Meteorological Administration’s Weather Modification Centre, the South Korean National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
UAEREP’s sixth cycle was officially launched at the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), held from 28th to 30th January 2025. This cycle builds upon the programme’s renewed vision that aims to establish UAEREP as the global hub for research, development, demonstration, and deployment of rain enhancement technologies and operations that contribute to global water security.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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