Curtin University Dubai proudly hosted the first International Conference on Innovation, Sustainability, and Applied Sciences (ICISAS 2023) on 9 and 10 December 2023. The two-day event marked a significant milestone in the University’s dedication to research excellence and its commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and interdisciplinary research.
The conference brought together researchers, scholars, and industry leaders from 17 countries across five continents. Closely aligned with the themes of COP28, ICISAS 2023 provided a vibrant platform for dialogue on environmental sustainability and the development of real-world solutions. More than 250 papers were submitted, with over 160 accepted for presentation following a rigorous double-blind peer-review process conducted by international experts.
Across 18 parallel sessions, presentations spanned diverse fields, from sustainability and advanced manufacturing to psychology, education, and computing. This breadth reflected the multidisciplinary nature of the conference and its inclusive approach to solving interconnected challenges. Selected papers will be published in collaboration with Springer, MDPI, and Taylor & Francis, further amplifying the global reach and impact of the research presented.
The conference was inaugurated in the presence of several distinguished guests, including His Excellency Dr Juma Madani, Chairman and CEO of the Al Matiya Group; Mr Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Advisor in the Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; and The Honourable Minister Reece Whitby, Western Australian Minister for Environment and Climate Action, who delivered the welcome address. Their presence underscored the importance of public–private collaboration in advancing academic and environmental goals.
Keynotes were delivered by senior leaders from Etihad Aviation Group, the Trust with Trade Group, and NYU Abu Dhabi, who shared insights on sustainability, leadership, and psychology.
During the closing ceremony, Mr Ghanim Al Falasi, Senior Vice President of Technology and Entrepreneurship at Dubai Silicon Oasis, presented the Best Presenter Awards, recognising excellence among the participating researchers.
Following the main conference, a Research Pitch Competition was organised for senior school students across the UAE. The competition encouraged young minds to explore solutions related to innovation and sustainability. The winning team, Maryam Khan and Pujan Barot from JSS Private School, impressed the judges with their idea on Intelligent Bacterial Cellulose Wound Patches (Cellosolve). They will receive further mentoring from Curtin Dubai’s Incubation Centre to help develop their concept into a viable project.
The ICISAS 2023 initiative was awarded the Global Curtin Award, an annual recognition celebrating impactful sustainability initiatives across Curtin University’s campuses in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. This honour reflects the conference’s contribution to meaningful change in both academic and practical contexts.
The success of ICISAS 2023 represents a significant step toward establishing Curtin University Dubai as a regional leader in interdisciplinary and impactful research. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaborative progress, the conference is expected to grow in scale and influence, positioning itself as a flagship academic event in the years to come.
At Curtin Dubai, our commitment to research-led education is mirrored in the postgraduate and undergraduate programs we offer, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address global challenges. Whether through the Master of Artificial Intelligence, Master of Cyber Security, or our Engineering programs, students are prepared to drive innovation, advance sustainability, and create real-world impact.
For more information about future sessions, conference.curtindubai.ac.ae.
