UAE Rain Enhancement Programme explores new research collaborations in the US

ABU DHABI: The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has just wrapped up its Roadshow in the United States. The roadshow aimed to explore new opportunities for innovative research collaborations in weather enhancement, particularly through rain enhancement technologies. During this event, they officially launched a research project led by Professor Will Cantrell from Michigan Technological University (MTU), who received the 5th UAEREP grant.

The roadshow included visits to key research centres in Michigan and New York. These visits included Michigan Technological University and its Great Lakes Research Center, NASA, IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Columbia University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and The City College of New York.

This tour came as the programme prepares to announce its new grant cycle, starting in January 2025. This cycle will focus on five main areas: enhanced seeding materials, rain enhancement systems, autonomous aerial systems, localised climate intervention, and advanced models, software, and data. They will also build on the outcomes of the 14 research projects that have previously received programme grants.

The UAEREP delegation also participated in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. This participation allowed the team to learn about the latest global trends related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This helps the programme continue supporting water sustainability through innovative rain enhancement technologies.

The roadshow strengthened cooperation with key stakeholders, leading scientists, and experts in weather modification and rain enhancement research. The programme shared expertise with researchers in water security and environmental sustainability from the institutions they visited.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stated, “In line with the UAE’s commitment to groundbreaking research and international partnerships, we aim to find effective solutions to water scarcity and improve global weather conditions.”

Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, added, “We launched Professor Cantrell’s innovative project at MTU, focusing on determining the suitability of clouds for hygroscopic seeding. We look forward to further collaboration with his team.”

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Professor Cantrell’s project, “Laboratory and Modeling Studies of Cloud Susceptibility to Hygroscopic Seeding,” aims to identify clouds that can be modified for enhanced precipitation. Using a unique cloud chamber at MTU, the team will collect high-resolution data on cloud properties to identify suitable clouds for seeding.

Professor Cantrell, Associate Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School at MTU, said, “We are excited to share our project with the programme team. We believe this research will significantly contribute to the field of rain enhancement science.”

The project team includes researchers from the University of Utah, Mesa Photonics Laboratory, and Weather Modification International. The project aligns with the programme’s vision of supporting initiatives that foster capacity building and knowledge exchange in rain enhancement science.