Winners of the 10th Undergraduate Research Competition – Abu Dhabi University

The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) has emerged victorious at the 10th Undergraduate Research Competition (URC), held at Abu Dhabi University. The competition, sponsored by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, drew participation from an impressive 64 universities with nearly 400 research projects across the GCC and MENA region.

Under the Chemical & Petroleum Engineering category, GUtech excelled with their project, “Utilizing Nanoclay and Nanoparticles for Sustainable Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Green Solution”, taking the 1st place. The university was represented by a group of talented students (Fatma Al Kamzari and Ethar Al Kindi) who competed against 400 other students in fields as diverse as basic sciences, biomedical engineering, architecture and urban planning, and accounting, and etc..

URC, now in its 10th year, is integral to Abu Dhabi University’s commitment to fostering a spirit of creativity, enquiry, and innovation within undergraduate students. The competition aims to nurture the next generation of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs that will contribute to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.

The winning project from GUtech presents a sustainable, green solution for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

The team developed a nanocomposite utilizing zinc and silica nanoparticles and natural bentonite clay, demonstrating the potential of nanotechnology in revolutionizing EOR processes. Their groundbreaking research showed how the nanocomposite improves the stability of nanofluids, reduces interfacial tension, and lowers the contact angle, yielding more efficient and environmentally friendly oil extraction techniques. The project was successful in not only demonstrating the potential of nanotechnology for sustainable and green EOR solutions, but also the overall quality of undergraduate research conducted under the supervision of esteemed academics such as Dr. Yathrib Ajaj.

GUtech extends its congratulations to all participants, particularly the winning teams, for their dedication to expanding knowledge and innovating solutions for a better future. The event has proven the increasing quality of research conducted by undergraduates and signals a promising future for the knowledge-based economy in the Oman and beyond.