Frederick University and Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RIT Dubai) have advanced their strategic collaboration in sustainable energy research and education through an Erasmus+ mobility initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to applied research and global energy transition priorities.

From 2–6 February 2026, Prof. Andreas Poullikkas from Frederick University’s School of Engineering visited RIT Dubai’s Sustainability and Energy Center, hosted by Prof. Ghalib Kahwaji, Director of the Sustainability and Energy Center, to engage on joint priorities in energy systems innovation. The visit built on existing academic ties and focused on establishing a structured, long-term partnership between the two institutions.

Discussions and activities addressed key themes shaping the future of energy, including renewable and sustainable energy systems, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, smart energy networks and grid modernization, the power–transportation and power–water nexus, carbon capture and storage, and energy policy and economics. As part of the program, Prof. Poullikkas delivered a research lecture, toured RIT Dubai’s advanced laboratories, and participated in technical exchanges with RIT Dubai researchers specializing in energy systems optimization, thermo-fluids, and applied renewable technologies.

“This visit marks a significant step in building a long-term strategic partnership between our institutions”, said Prof. Andreas Poullikkas. “The complementary expertise and shared commitment to energy transition research will advance our collaboration significantly.”

Building on the outcomes of the visit, both institutions agreed to pursue co-authored peer reviewed journal publications and jointly developed research proposals targeting international and European funding schemes.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Prof. Ghalib Kahwaji, Director of RIT Dubai’s Sustainability and Energy Center, said: “RIT Dubai welcomes this strengthened collaboration with Frederick University. It enhances our research capabilities, opens European funding avenues, and creates valuable mobility opportunities for our students and faculty.”

Discussions also covered postgraduate student exchanges, research internships, and hybrid teaching models in energy systems engineering, to be advanced within the broader Erasmus+ cooperation framework between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.

RIT Dubai faculty are expected to visit Frederick University in the coming period to advance joint research planning and deliver a specialized workshop on sustainability and energy systems. Preparations are also underway to launch the first graduate student exchange between the two institutions.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said: “As a university committed to sustainability and applied innovation, RIT Dubai views partnerships like this as essential to shaping the future of energy systems globally. Collaborations with institutions such as Frederick University empower us to translate research into impact, prepare globally minded engineers, and contribute meaningfully to the energy transition across regions.”

This mobility contributes to Frederick University’s strategy to expand its international research networks in energy engineering and sustainability, while supporting RIT Dubai’s engagement with European research frameworks and funding opportunities. The activity forms part of a three year Erasmus+ project coordinated by Frederick University, promoting student and staff mobility with partner institutions across the Middle East, Latin America, and North America.

The mobility was co funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under Key Action 1: International Credit Mobility, KA171 supported by External Policy Funds.