Tuesday, 17 November, 2015

Some of the University of Wollongong in Dubai’s most innovative research, student projects and activities was recently exhibited during a showcase event held at the University. With projects ranging from PhD research on Emiratisation, creativity and leadership development to Arabic language initiatives and inspiring pedagogy practices, UOWD staff and students from the faculties of business, engineering and information sciences, student services and the Language Studies Centre were encouraged to informally interact with other staff, students and UOWD board members over the course of the event to demonstrate their best-practice projects. Amongst the engineering projects on show was a home automation and smart lighting system designed by a team of second year students. As project leaders Aoun Lutif and Abigail Copiaco explained, the Wifi driven invention, which enables users to control their home’s temperature, lighting, alarm system and window and door security from a smartphone app, is entirely unique. Inspired by the uptake of smartphones in the UAE and the importance that the consumer market places on convenience in the region, the system is also designed to lower energy usage. Commenting on the showcase event, Professor Paul Wellings, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong Australia said: “UOW is proud to be a research intensive institution across the globe. The range of projects on show has shown how we are linking excellence in teaching with research excellence. Our students and faculty are successfully able to conceptualise ideas that are relevant to both the local population and have an impact on the wider world.”