Latest news with #ASPIRE
Scoop
a day ago
- Science
- Scoop
Nominate Next-Gen Scientists Driving AI And Biotech Innovation
The search is underway for outstanding young scientists whose cross-border research in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is addressing some of the Asia-Pacific's most pressing social and environmental challenges. Nominations are now open for the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, or ASPIRE, under the theme 'Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges.' In line with APEC 2025's focus on digital innovation and inclusive growth, this year's theme highlights the potential of AI-powered biotechnology to improve health equity, food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience across the region. 'This year's ASPIRE theme reflects the growing need for policy-relevant science that bridges disciplines and borders,' said Rahima Kandahari, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI). 'By highlighting the convergence of AI and biotechnology, we aim to draw attention to innovations that can deliver practical, inclusive solutions to complex regional challenges, and also reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation and innovation in advancing shared APEC goals.' Each APEC economy may nominate one scientist under the age of 40 for the annual prize. Nominees will be evaluated for their excellence in scientific research, evidenced by scholarly publications, and their dedication to cross-economy collaboration, particularly on interdisciplinary projects aligned with the year's theme. 'Korea places great importance on empowering young researchers to develop innovative solutions to address complex global challenges. That is why we are proud to support this year's ASPIRE, which recognizes excellence in cross-border, interdisciplinary science,' said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. 'AI-bio convergence is a key emerging technology with the potential to transform how economies address longstanding issues such as aging populations, health inequities and sustainable agriculture,' Hwang added. Now in its 15th year, the prize supports APEC's broader goals of enhancing science and technology cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Past winners have contributed to advancements in fields such as nutrition, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and public health. Recent awardees include Dr Zheng Liu of Singapore, who won the 2023 ASPIRE for his pioneering work on two-dimensional materials for sustainable energy and advanced electronics; and Dr Jingzheng Ren of Hong Kong, China, who received the 2022 prize for developing new models that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Both exemplify the power of cross-border scientific collaboration to solve regional and global challenges. The winner of this year's prize will receive USD 25,000, with prize funding provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, and will be recognized during the upcoming meeting in Korea on 13 August 2025. Nominations must be submitted by 1 July 2025 at 17:30 Singapore time. For eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, please visit the ASPIRE 2025 web page or contact your economy's PPSTI representative.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
From lab to market: ATRC entities turn breakthrough research into real-world technologies
20 June 2025 02:27 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Fuelling the UAE's push for innovation and a knowledge-based future are local labs and institutions that transform cutting-edge research into homegrown Advanced Technology Research Council's (ATRC) key entities - TII, ASPIRE, and SteerAI - are translating advanced science into real-world solutions that serve communities and national priorities, from AI to robotics and automation. "We are helping the UAE shift from adopting technologies to building them - delivering real economic and strategic value," said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, in an interview with Aletihad . "Whether it is AI, quantum, robotics, or advanced materials, we are working on scalable, secure systems that support industrial resilience and self-reliance."Radar systems, edge AI tools, and impact-responsive body armour are some of the technologies that are moving "steadily from lab to market", supported by TII's commercialisation partner VentureOne, Dr. Aaraj ProjectsTII has been working with major government entities to advance next-generation technologies across sectors, from aerial systems and quantum-secure space communications to AI-enabled healthcare."Our robotics centre worked with the GCAA on autonomous aerial corridors. In quantum, we are partnering with the UAE Space Agency on secure communications for space infrastructure," Dr. Aaraj said."In AI, we enable edge-based models for healthcare and government, while in autonomous robotics, we are advancing GPS-free navigation for logistics and inspections."TII also invests in local talent. "Programmes like NexTech embed top Emirati STEM students in international universities and bring them back to our research centres to build the next generation of UAE scientists," she with Real-World ImpactATRC's ASPIRE also seeks to "bridge the gap between breakthrough research and tangible, real-world impact", turning lab ideas into deployable tech across key sectors. Speaking to Aletihad , Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and A2RL, said: "From tackling carbon storage monitoring to shaping air corridors for autonomous mobility, our work ensures that emerging technologies meet real industrial and societal needs." ASPIRE focuses on "dual-use, high-impact technologies", including AI, robotics, and advanced materials."We are proving high-performance systems can be designed and built in the UAE," Timpano said, highlighting projects like A2RL's EAV-24 autonomous lab-to-market process starts by identifying real-world challenges in priority sectors, he said."Then, we invite global and local innovators to solve (these challenges) through competitive, milestone-driven programmes. Once a solution proves viable, we help de-risk and scale it."The goal, Timpano added, is to "forge new collaborations and show how the UAE is not just buying innovation but building it"."Everything we do is designed to grow the UAE's intellectual capital," he SolutionsSteerAI, on the other hand, seeks to drive the UAE's shift from tech importer to innovator through sovereign autonomous mobility Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of SteerAI, told Aletihad that the company is helping drive the UAE's shift from tech importer to innovator through sovereign autonomous mobility solutions."SteerAI is a direct product of the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing and AI innovation," said Michael Sonderby, Acting CEO of an instance, its autonomous GPS-free system, CoreX, was developed at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and is now being deployed with partners like A2RL and Milrem Robotics."CoreX allows our vehicles to navigate unmapped terrain in real time without relying on GPS or maps," Sonderby said. "It has huge implications for defence, ISR, search and rescue, and more." SteerAI's CoreX system is designed to keep humans out of danger zones, he said. "It does not tire, get distracted, or miss signals. We detect and avoid obstacles faster than human drivers." By supporting the country's autonomous tech ecosystem, SteerAI's "goal is to contribute to the UAE's vision of becoming a global tech hub", Sonderby said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan warns ‘a lie can't live forever' and would ‘ask people to tell the truth'
The Duchess of Sussex has said she would 'ask people to tell the truth' if she was able to rewrite her public narrative from scratch. Meghan referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago, saying 'a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever', in a new podcast interview. Eight years ago, in 2017, former actress Meghan was dating and became engaged to the now-Duke of Sussex, and began preparing for life as a member of the royal family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) The year also included Meghan's first meeting with the now-Princess of Wales and the beginnings of the Prince of Wales's fall out with Harry after William urged his brother not to rush into the relationship. Enterpreneur Emma Grede asked Meghan on her Aspire podcast: 'I want to say this to you in the best way, because I wonder if you could rewrite your public narrative from scratch, is there anything that you would do differently?' Meghan replied calmly: 'Yes, I would ask people to tell the truth.' The duchess gave no specifics about to whom who she was referring, but later referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago. Grede, a founding partner of Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims, said: 'You're very measured about it. I would just get so angry if I felt like everyone was lying about me all the time …' View this post on Instagram A post shared by ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE (@aspirewithemmagrede) Meghan said: 'Peaks and valleys… Of course, I've gone through those chapters and you do a lot of work, you do a lot of self work and go, what's the why? It's happening for a reason.' She added that her 'dear friend' tennis champion Serena Williams told her 'a lie can't live forever'. The duchess said: 'She told me years ago, a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever.' In her 2021 Oprah interview, Meghan said she could not be expected to stay silent if 'the Firm' 'is playing a part in perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Harry. She also publicly singled out Kate as having made her cry in the run-up to her wedding and said it was important for people to 'understand the truth'. It was a disagreement over flower girl dresses, but according to Harry's memoir this happened in 2018 in four days before the wedding, with Meghan saying the Palace failed to correct reports which said she left Kate in tears. In the YouTube footage of the podcast, which was peppered with numerous ad breaks fronted by Grede, Meghan acknowleded her life now was 'very different' from when she was an actress. She also addressed her recent twerking video, which showed her dancing to the Baby Mama song in a bid to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet, describing it as a reminder of a 'real authentic fun life.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) The duchess said it felt liberating to back on social media where she can share things on her own terms. 'That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes,' Meghan said. 'I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.' She added: 'It feels liberating.' Grede asked Meghan: 'Would you ever do something just for the money?' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) Meghan replied: 'I have turned down a lot of opportunities that do not feel value-aligned. 'It's very easy to say no, no matter the price, if you aren't gonna be able to sleep well at night.' The duchess was also asked whether she any sense of imposter syndrome, but she said she had no fear of failure. 'I don't feel imposter syndrome. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right now,' Meghan said. She added: 'I don't see the possibility of failure, not when you can learn from everything you've done.' Meghan also said she wanted to speak to Grede, who co-founded the denim company Good American, about diversifying her own brand into fashion at some stage. The duchess said: 'I think there'll certainly be a time for fashion. You and I can talk about that later.' Her As Ever brand is due to restock and launch new products on Friday.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Meghan warns ‘a lie can't live forever' and would ‘ask people to tell the truth'
Meghan referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago, saying 'a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever', in a new podcast interview. Eight years ago, in 2017, former actress Meghan was dating and became engaged to the now-Duke of Sussex, and began preparing for life as a member of the royal family. A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) The year also included Meghan's first meeting with the now-Princess of Wales and the beginnings of the Prince of Wales's fall out with Harry after William urged his brother not to rush into the relationship. Enterpreneur Emma Grede asked Meghan on her Aspire podcast: 'I want to say this to you in the best way, because I wonder if you could rewrite your public narrative from scratch, is there anything that you would do differently?' Meghan replied calmly: 'Yes, I would ask people to tell the truth.' The duchess gave no specifics about to whom who she was referring, but later referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago. Grede, a founding partner of Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims, said: 'You're very measured about it. I would just get so angry if I felt like everyone was lying about me all the time …' A post shared by ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE (@aspirewithemmagrede) Meghan said: 'Peaks and valleys… Of course, I've gone through those chapters and you do a lot of work, you do a lot of self work and go, what's the why? It's happening for a reason.' She added that her 'dear friend' tennis champion Serena Williams told her 'a lie can't live forever'. The duchess said: 'She told me years ago, a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever.' In her 2021 Oprah interview, Meghan said she could not be expected to stay silent if 'the Firm' 'is playing a part in perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Harry. She also publicly singled out Kate as having made her cry in the run-up to her wedding and said it was important for people to 'understand the truth'. It was a disagreement over flower girl dresses, but according to Harry's memoir this happened in 2018 in four days before the wedding, with Meghan saying the Palace failed to correct reports which said she left Kate in tears. In the YouTube footage of the podcast, which was peppered with numerous ad breaks fronted by Grede, Meghan acknowleded her life now was 'very different' from when she was an actress. She also addressed her recent twerking video, which showed her dancing to the Baby Mama song in a bid to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet, describing it as a reminder of a 'real authentic fun life.' A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) The duchess said it felt liberating to back on social media where she can share things on her own terms. 'That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes,' Meghan said. 'I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.' She added: 'It feels liberating.' Grede asked Meghan: 'Would you ever do something just for the money?' A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) Meghan replied: 'I have turned down a lot of opportunities that do not feel value-aligned. 'It's very easy to say no, no matter the price, if you aren't gonna be able to sleep well at night.' The duchess was also asked whether she any sense of imposter syndrome, but she said she had no fear of failure. 'I don't feel imposter syndrome. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right now,' Meghan said. She added: 'I don't see the possibility of failure, not when you can learn from everything you've done.' Meghan also said she wanted to speak to Grede, who co-founded the denim company Good American, about diversifying her own brand into fashion at some stage. The duchess said: 'I think there'll certainly be a time for fashion. You and I can talk about that later.' Her As Ever brand is due to restock and launch new products on Friday.
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Meghan warns ‘a lie can't live forever' and would ‘ask people to tell the truth'
Meghan referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago, saying 'a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever', in a new podcast interview. Eight years ago, in 2017, former actress Meghan was dating and became engaged to the now-Duke of Sussex, and began preparing for life as a member of the royal family. A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) The year also included Meghan's first meeting with the now-Princess of Wales and the beginnings of the Prince of Wales's fall out with Harry after William urged his brother not to rush into the relationship. Enterpreneur Emma Grede asked Meghan on her Aspire podcast: 'I want to say this to you in the best way, because I wonder if you could rewrite your public narrative from scratch, is there anything that you would do differently?' Meghan replied calmly: 'Yes, I would ask people to tell the truth.' The duchess gave no specifics about to whom who she was referring, but later referred to a 'lie' told eight years ago. Grede, a founding partner of Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand Skims, said: 'You're very measured about it. I would just get so angry if I felt like everyone was lying about me all the time …' A post shared by ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE (@aspirewithemmagrede) Meghan said: 'Peaks and valleys… Of course, I've gone through those chapters and you do a lot of work, you do a lot of self work and go, what's the why? It's happening for a reason.' She added that her 'dear friend' tennis champion Serena Williams told her 'a lie can't live forever'. The duchess said: 'She told me years ago, a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever.' In her 2021 Oprah interview, Meghan said she could not be expected to stay silent if 'the Firm' 'is playing a part in perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Harry. She also publicly singled out Kate as having made her cry in the run-up to her wedding and said it was important for people to 'understand the truth'. It was a disagreement over flower girl dresses, but according to Harry's memoir this happened in 2018 in four days before the wedding, with Meghan saying the Palace failed to correct reports which said she left Kate in tears. In the YouTube footage of the podcast, which was peppered with numerous ad breaks fronted by Grede, Meghan acknowleded her life now was 'very different' from when she was an actress. She also addressed her recent twerking video, which showed her dancing to the Baby Mama song in a bid to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet, describing it as a reminder of a 'real authentic fun life.' A post shared by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (@meghan) The duchess said it felt liberating to back on social media where she can share things on her own terms. 'That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes,' Meghan said. 'I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.' She added: 'It feels liberating.' Grede asked Meghan: 'Would you ever do something just for the money?' A post shared by Emma Grede (@emmagrede) Meghan replied: 'I have turned down a lot of opportunities that do not feel value-aligned. 'It's very easy to say no, no matter the price, if you aren't gonna be able to sleep well at night.' The duchess was also asked whether she any sense of imposter syndrome, but she said she had no fear of failure. 'I don't feel imposter syndrome. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right now,' Meghan said. She added: 'I don't see the possibility of failure, not when you can learn from everything you've done.' Meghan also said she wanted to speak to Grede, who co-founded the denim company Good American, about diversifying her own brand into fashion at some stage. The duchess said: 'I think there'll certainly be a time for fashion. You and I can talk about that later.' Her As Ever brand is due to restock and launch new products on Friday.
