Currently a board member of the UAE Space Agency, Amal Alhammadi has been pivotal in advancing science and technology policies in the UAE. As Director of Science and Technology Policies and Programs at the Ministry of Advanced Industry and Technology. She oversaw the development of essential policies, and strategies for research and development. From 2021 to 2023, particularly working on the selection of the national priorities for research, development, and advanced technology. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in handling the general secretariat tasks for the National Research and Development Council and managed various initiatives associated with it.
Before this, between the end of 2018 to mid 2021, she served as the Head of the Scientific Communication section at the Advanced Science Office in the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. Under her leadership, the team managed the Emirates Scientists Council and Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists. Her vision was not only to uplift the role of scientists within the government's decision-making processes but also leading science communication and outreach programs.
At the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) from 2012-2018, she held multiple roles, including Head of Education and Outreach (2016-2018), member of the Mars Mission Strategic Planning Team (2016-2021), and Deputy Head of the Astronaut Training Program (2017-2018).
Key Achievements:
- Established the National Research and Development Council
- Managed the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Scientific distinguishments.
- Led education and outreach programs for the Emirates Mars Mission.
- Assisted in the selection of UAE's first astronauts’ batch.
- Contributed to the test flight of UAE's first stratospheric UAV with DS Airbus