International scientists convene at AUS for physics conference to discuss Mars mission and nanotechnology

The physics of stars and galaxies, elementary particle physics, materials science, lasers and nanophysics, and nanotechnology were some of the matters discussed at the Frontiers in Theoretical and Applied Physics conference (FTAPS 2017) inaugurated today, February 22, at American University of Sharjah (AUS). Organized by the Department of Physics, the international conference is in partnership with the Emirates Mars Mission and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

FTAPS 2017 is the first conference in the region to be endorsed by the American Physical Society (APS), the Material Research Society (MRS), the Institute of Physics in the UK (IOP), and the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

During his welcome address, Dr. Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of AUS, said, "Today's conference has gathered more than 300 delegates from 45 countries. We are pleased to welcome all of you, leading experts from an array of international institutions, from Harvard University, University of Cambridge, and Max Planck Institutes to the National Science Foundation in the US, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and Chinese Academy of Science, among others."

"AUS has recently been mandated to become a research university with a focus on science and technology, and innovation features prominently in the planned course for the future," said Dr. Kjerfve. "Only last week (on February 15), we celebrated a major milestone with the launch of Nayif-1, the UAE's first satellite, a nanosatellite developed by seven Emirati engineering students from AUS, guided by faculty members from our College of Engineering, along with a team of engineers and specialists from MBRSC," he added.

Also welcoming the delegates was Dr. Ali Sami Alnaser, Head of the Department of Physics. "We are thrilled to host such a truly international, interdisciplinary gathering of renowned physicists, astronomers, and space and material scientists, who are here to present the latest achievements in their exciting areas of research," Dr. Alnaser said. "We are very pleased to see worldwide experts and promising young scientists meet at AUS to explore means of collaboration and discuss novel ideas covering almost the entire spectrum of the field of physics."

"Organizing such a high-caliber international conference with this quality of speakers and participants is one of many examples that we are committed to fulfilling the enlightened vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, that science and education must regain their rightful place in the advancement of our society and for AUS to be a center of research in an emirate that is devoted to the making of history in academic excellence," he added.

Presentations at FTAPS 2017 included a new method to achieve light trapping in thin-film devices based on metallic nanostructures, data storage, and the technology of lasers and their applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Also addressed were the physics of stars and galaxies, and lead scientists from the European, American, Asian and Indian space missions shared their findings and discuss the opportunities and challenges of future space missions in relevance to the Emirates Mars mission in 2021.

FTAPS 2017 will continue until Friday, February 24.