Business & Finance Group - Education - Abu Dhabi: Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research's (KUSTAR) today hosted UAE's fourth Forum in Information and Communication Technology Research (ICTRF2010) at its Abu Dhabi campus under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Deputy Chairman of KUSTAR's Board of Trustees.

The ICTRF, which was held for the first time by Khalifa University in 2006, focuses on advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including research and educational networks, funding opportunities and mechanism, as well as emerging research areas in the sector. The forum includes eight sessions, such as "Lessons from a New NREN", "Frontiers in Research and Education in Computing: A view from the National Science Foundation", "Building Research and Education Networks Through Collaboration" and "Achieving Advances in Information and Communication Technologies through Collaboration".

KUSTAR's Interim President, Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi said: "Khalifa University holds this annual conference to bring together global experts specialize in building online educational networks, to discuss the latest developments in educational and research applications related to these networks.

"One of the main objectives of this forum is to discuss the current condition of the UAE's research and education network in terms of infrastructure, applications and funding. We sincerely hope that such nation-wide initiatives can encourage public-private partnerships in the ICT field, which can effectively enhance services currently being provided to users. The ETISALAT-BT Innovation Centre, which is headquartered at Khalifa University, is a great example of this important partnership between the private and public sectors, which supports research in the ICT area" he added.

The ICTRF 2010 was attended by a number of officials and representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as university chancellors, deans and media representatives. The forum was open to UAE-based academics, researchers, as well as industry professionals in the ICT sectors.