Technology

 The second day of the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), organized by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) through the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP), focused on key advancements in autonomous aerial systems, cloud seeding materials, and youth engagement in scientific research. The forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, continues to serve as a premier platform for global experts to collaborate on rainfall enhancement solutions.

Discussions on the second day began with a session on “Advances in Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Weather Modification Applications,” where experts examined how emerging UAS technologies contribute to cloud seeding and rain enhancement. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), delivered the keynote address. Panelists, including Jan Henneberger from ETH Zurich, Vasile Istrate from Active Interventions in Atmosphere SA, Roelof Burger from North-West University, and Deon Terblanche, a member of UAEREP’s Strategic Direction Committee (SDC), explored the technological, regulatory, and economic challenges of deploying autonomous systems in weather modification.

Technical presentations covered groundbreaking research, including insights from the Glaciogenic Cloud Seeding Using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) – CloudLab project, innovations in Fixed-Wing UAVs for Cloud Seeding, and evaluations of Unmanned Aerial Systems in cloud seeding operations.

The forum also hosted a session titled “Opportunities and Challenges for the Design, Development, and Testing of Novel Cloud Seeding Materials,” moderated by Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud, CEO of the Climate and Water Initiative. Featuring insights from James Sweeney, President of Weather Modification International (WMI), and researchers from Khalifa University, the National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the discussion centered on the development of advanced cloud seeding agents, breakthroughs in material science and particle technology, and the transition of lab research into real-world applications. Presentations explored topics such as K-CPEC laboratory analysis of cloud seeding materials, the use of new cloud simulation chambers, and the complex relationship between material science and cloud physics.

The day concluded with a student and early-career scientist poster presentation, showcasing the work of young researchers contributing to rain enhancement science. Participants from local and international institutions presented their findings, reinforcing UAEREP’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists and researchers.

This year’s forum coincides with UAEREP’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of scientific progress in rain enhancement research. The program has invested AED 82.6 million in 11 innovative projects, leading to eight patents, with three more pending registration. Currently, three additional research projects are underway, reflecting UAE’s dedication to advancing water sustainability and climate innovation.

By integrating artificial intelligence into weather enhancement, IREF serves as a global hub for scientific collaboration, fostering breakthroughs in rain enhancement technologies to address water security challenges worldwide.

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