Faculty and Students Drive Green Innovation with Award-Winning Projects in Recycling, Clean Energy, and Marine Restoration
A total of three research teams from Khalifa University have won top prizes across three research categories at the 13th edition of the for the 2024–2025 academic year. The winning projects and participants from various categories were honored during the Environment and Protected Areas Authority’s (EPAA) final awards ceremony in Sharjah.
Held under the patronage of the Government of Sharjah’s EPAA, the national competition recognizes innovative projects that advance environmental protection and sustainable development in the UAE. This edition included 235 projects submitted from schools, universities, government and private entities, alongside 248 university students and 115 academic members.
Nineteen jury members evaluated the submissions based on rigorous scientific criteria and the Khalifa University teams were recognized with top prizes after progressing through several competitive rounds, including public showcases and jury assessments of their prototypes. Their award-winning projects addressed critical environmental issues, ranging from sustainable resource recovery to the restoration of marine ecosystems.
A team led by Dr. Nahla Al Amoodi, from the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, took first place in the Environmental Resources Conservation and Protection category for the project ‘Utilization of Steel Slag for Coral Reef Restoration.’ Undergraduate researchers Fatima Alketbi, Sumayya Alshehhi, Zahra Alameri, and Bakheeta Alqubaisi presented an innovative solution to restore coral reefs using steel slag, which is an industrial byproduct promoting marine biodiversity and circular resource use.
Associate Professor Dr. Dinesh Shetty from the Department of Chemistry led a team that won first place in the Human & Environmental Health Protection category for the project ‘Materials for sustainable recovery of gold from e-waste and their reuse.’ Along with PhD students Najat Aldaqqa and Nada ElMerhi, the team developed new materials to recover gold from electronic waste, offering a more sustainable approach to managing one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.
Khalifa University Graduate Student achievements were recognized in the Research in Sustainability category, where PhD student Mohammed A. Abujayyab, claimed second place for the project on ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Lithium Industry: Sustainable Extraction Solutions with Keratin.’ Led by Dr. Fawzi Banat, Center Director, Food Security & Technology Center, the project proposes a greener pathway for meeting the rising global demand for lithium, critical for batteries and renewable energy storage.
Dr. David Sheehan, Chair, Chemistry, Khalifa University, said: “It is rewarding to see fundamental chemistry applied in such practical, forward-looking ways, whether through recycling critical materials or supporting more sustainable industries. This kind of work represents the best of what research and education can achieve together. Moreover, such awards are a testament to the creativity and commitment of our students and faculty, especially in tackling urgent environmental challenges.”
Dr. Ali Elkamel, Chair, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa University, said: “The top prizes in different research domains reflect Khalifa University’s diverse research capabilities and its growing impact on environmental innovation in the UAE. It especially PվƵ how our faculty and students are actively contributing to national sustainability goals through innovative, science-based solutions.”
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
