UAE University Professor receives Global IBM Faculty Award

Professor Rafic Z. Makki is Professor of Computer Systems Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAE-U), Dean of the UAE-U's IT College and the team leader for the University's microprocessor design and testing research. The IBM Faculty Award recognises the UAE-U's achievement and contributes to the funding of the microprocessor design and testing project, which is developing a new technology that allows microprocessors to self-test, detecting and diagnosing manufacturing defects. New technologies from the IBM supported projects have already been cited and used by researchers worldwide.

'This award recognises the high quality of UAE University's microprocessor design program and its importance to the IT industry,' said Pat Toole, VP, Intellectual Property & Standards, IBM Corporate Innovation & Technology, who is based in Armonk in the United States. 'The IBM Faculty Awards program is highly competitive, seeking out excellence in research and development at universities worldwide. It's a real pleasure to see world class R&D work being carried out in the UAE.'

The University's IT College has been developing new technology for microprocessor design that can be used to improve the detection and diagnosis of faults in microchips by incorporating certain unique SOC features. SOC or 'Systems-on-chip' refers to the integration of new microprocessor components, features and technologies onto a single microchip.

The UAE University has been developing new methods to utilize the dynamic power supply current (or IDDT) of the microchip to monitor the switching behaviour of the microprocessor circuit and so detect potential faults.

'We are indeed very honoured that IBM, a global giant in the IT industry, has selected the UAE University's Professor Makki for this prestigious award. This recognition underlines the University's deep commitment to put in place the necessary infrastructure and environment to produce new solutions and technologies through innovation,' said Dr. Hadef Al-Dhaheri, Vice Chancellor of UAE University.

By pioneering the first project to involve the physical design, fabrication and testing of SOC technologies in the region, the UAE University is positioning itself as a true leader in the kind of research and development that can lead to the development of new products.

Dr. Abdulla Al- Khanbashi, the Provost of the university stressed on the pivotal role that applied research plays in the IT market and confirmed that the UAE University is one of the first in the region to recognise the need to invest in such research and development in order to provide students with the right opportunities to gain the necessary skills to lead the future development of the country in IT.

The UAE University is also working on developing its Smart-Box project with IBM (an ambitious joint UAE University - CERT - IBM venture to design, develop and test a smart box that can be used as a platform to develop advanced telematics applications). The Smart-Box venture, announced in 2004, developed a so-called black box (similar to those found in aircraft) for use in automobiles equipped with embedded computing power and integration with GSM/GPRS for wireless communications, combined with GPS (global positioning system) and voice recognition systems. The IT College's first Smart-Box device monitored vehicle systems for better road safety.

'One of the UAE-U IT College's core objectives is to closely collaborate with industry giants such as IBM to contribute to the development of an innovation-based society in the UAE', said Professor Rafic Makki. 'We are very proud that the IBM Faculty Award acknowledges the success and global significance of the College's research. This award will truly help to highlight the role that this research plays in the IT industry and will encourage the new generation of computer system engineers studying at the university.'

Professor Makki explained how such research programs can be extremely beneficial for the students that acquire valuable experience in SOC design and testing. He believes that integrating IBM tools into College of IT curricula has broadened the students' way of thinking. Dr. Makki concluded that students are the future IT leaders of this nation and involving them in innovative projects like this helps to guarantee a better future for the UAE as a hub for research and development.

The IBM Faculty Awards program is designed to support research and development in areas essential to stimulating technology adoption and industry innovation. 'Working with universities and others to solve real-world problems has opened doors to a cooperative environment that brings IBM developers and students closer together,' said Takreem El Tohamy, General Manager, IBM Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. 'IBM continues to work with education institutions across the region on research and development projects to help local institutions drive global innovations. We're very proud of our collaboration with UAE University and the high quality R&D work being carried out by IT College.'