WSU helps Egypt with its environmental challenges
Wayne State University is one of three distinguished international research institutions slated to present technology breakthroughs in an international conference on energy and the environment in Luxor, , March 11-15, 2007.
As one of the original founders and co-sponsors of the bi-annual Cairo International Conference on Energy and Environment, Wayne State University will present in concert with The Supreme Council for Research Centers and Institutes in and the University of Califiornia (UCLA) to promote the adoption of international policies and technologies that further worldwide energy conservation goals.
"The latest report by the UN Commission on Global Warming tells us we are dealing with life and death stakes with a dwindling timeline to turn around harrowing prospects like rising ocean levels, draughts, heat waves, tsunamis and tornadoes and fierce hurricanes," notes Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid, who is presenting at this year's conference. "The most recent scientific evidence is the most conclusive to date that warming of the world climate is unequivocal and accelerating."
Wayne State initiatives Reid is expected to discuss include:
· The first M.A. degree in alternative energy technology, which began in January of 2004;
· Expansion of WSU's Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Clean Room; and,
· A growing relationship with NextEnergy of Michigan, a non-profit created by the state to promote economic development and diversification by facilitating alternative energy research, design, manufacturing and commercialization for stationary, potable power and automotive use.
In addition, WSU's National Biofuels Energy Lab, soon to be headquartered in Wayne State 's TechTown technology park, will serve as a catalyst to facilitate technology transfer to Michigan 's growing alternative energy industry. In fact, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm chose WSU's College of Engineering as the site to announce the first $100 million distribution of her 21st century jobs fund initiative, which includes five Wayne State projects totaling more than $7 million in grants.
Reid will present at the conference alongside Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Hani Helal, and Egyptian Minister of Electricity And Energy, Dr. Hassan Younis. According to Reid, the close collaboration between and Wayne State and the government of has led , in particular, to implement policies that reflect research presented at the conference in past years.
WSU College of Engineering Dean Ralph Kummler established the link with , and ultimately, established the Cairo conference via two students who attended WSU more than twenty years ago. Since that time the conference has become a world renowned forum on global energy and environmental issues.
"We believe in the importance of retaining and recruiting top talent in Michigan ," added Reid. "Close collaborative relationships with universities all over the globe, including the University of Alexandria in , bring some of the world's top scientists and researchers to Wayne State 's campus. These relationships augment our existing resources and distinguish Wayne State as a diverse and internationally prestigious academic institution that meets global needs."