About the Conference
The Student Multidisciplinary Innovation and Research Conference (SMIRC) is an annual academic platform that highlights the creativity, innovation, and research excellence of undergraduate and graduate students across diverse disciplines.
The conference brings together students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the intersections between Computing and Information Systems, Engineering, Business, Law, and Education. Each edition of SMIRC includes two sessions per year, organized at the end of each academic semester (Fall and Spring), offering continuous opportunities for students to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.
This year, under the theme "Innovating Across Disciplines for a Smarter Future," SMIRC promotes cross-disciplinary research, applied innovation, and problem-solving that address contemporary societal and technological challenges. Through poster sessions and live demonstrations, participants will showcase projects that reflect emerging trends in artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making.
The conference also features expert panels and innovation challenges led by academic and industry leaders. These sessions aim to nurture a culture of creativity, strengthen university-industry partnerships, and align student research with national priorities in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and smart development.
Sponsored by the Research Office, in collaboration with the IEEE UAE Section and participating colleges, SMIRC seeks to inspire a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning across all academic disciplines.
SMIRC 2026 will be held in a hybrid format. Authors who are unable to attend in person are welcome to present their work remotely via online presentation.
Organization Committee
Conference Chairs
Prof. Hussain Al Ahmad, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Dubai, UAE
Prof. Wathiq Mansoor, Dean, College of Engineering & IT, University of Dubai, UAE
Prof. Fatma Taher, Zayed University, UAE
Prof. Amin Beheshti, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
Program Committee Chairs
Prof. Shadi Atalla, Director, University of Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Prof. Amjad Gawanmeh, Professor, University of Dubai
Dr. Husameldin Mukhtar, Director of Research, University of Dubai, UAE
Committee Members
Dr. Muneer Jahwash, Faculty of Business Management, Emirates Aviation University, UAE
Dr. Kahtan Aziz, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Dr. Rasool Asal, University of Dubai, UAE
Dr. Abigail Casten Copiaco, University of Dubai, UAE
Dr. Ghulam Amjad Hussain, University of Dubai, UAE
Eng. Muna Darweesh, University of Dubai, UAE
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Paper Submission | May 10, 2026 |
| Paper Notification | May 20, 2026 |
| Camera Ready | May 31, 2026 |
| Registration Final | May 31, 2026 |
| Conference Date | June 13-14, 2026 |
Call for Papers
Submissions are invited from undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Computing and Information Systems: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, and Smart Applications
- Engineering and Technology: Robotics, Renewable Energy, Embedded Systems, Smart Cities, and Sustainable Design
- Business and Management: Innovation Management, Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship, and FinTech
- Law and Policy: Cyber Law, Digital Governance, Data Privacy, and Legal Aspects of Emerging Technologies
- Education and Social Sciences: Technology-Enhanced Learning, Educational Innovation, and Social Impact Research
Program Overview
A detailed agenda will be published closer to the conference date.
The program will include:
- Research paper presentations
- Poster sessions
- Live demonstrations
- Expert panels
- Innovation challenges
Technical Program Committee
Prof. Shadi Atalla, Director, University of Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Prof. Amjad Gawanmeh, Professor, University of Dubai
Dr. Husameldin Mukhtar, Director of Research, University of Dubai, UAE
Dr. Muneer Jahwash, Faculty of Business Management, Emirates Aviation University, UAE
Dr. Kahtan Aziz, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Dr. Rasool Asal, University of Dubai, UAE
Dr. Abigail Casten Copiaco, University of Dubai, UAE
Dr. Ghulam Amjad Hussain, University of Dubai, UAE
Eng. Muna Darweesh, University of Dubai, UAE
Submission Instructions
Submission Link
Submit your papers and abstracts using the online form: SMIRC 2026 Submission Portal
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions can include research papers, posters, innovation projects, or demonstrations.
- All papers must be original and unpublished work by students (faculty co-authorship is allowed for guidance).
- Papers should follow the IEEE conference format (4 pages).
- Each submission will undergo peer review by the conference committee.
- All submissions must be written in English.
- Only PDF files will be accepted for the review process.
- All submissions must be made through EDAS.
Authorship & Presenter Policy
- The first author must be a student (undergraduate or graduate).
- The registered presenter must also be a student.
- Non-student attendees (e.g., faculty, industry guests) are welcome but must register at the non-student rate.
Note: Students can enroll as IEEE members for $28 (approximately 100 AED) and claim free registration. This means IEEE membership + free conference registration costs less than the non-member registration fee!
Publication and Indexing
Accepted papers will be submitted for possible inclusion into IEEE Xplore subject to meeting IEEE Xplore's scope and quality requirements, and to be indexed in Scopus and Clarivate SCI indexing (IEEE LoA#69786).
LOA Under approval, Link to LOA to be added
Accepted papers, posters, and demonstrations will be showcased during SMIRC 2026 as part of the poster and demonstration sessions.
Selected works may be considered for publication in the University of Dubai's Research Repository.
Formatting and Requirements
- All submissions must be written in English.
- The maximum paper length is four to six (4-6) printed pages (10-point font) in the standard IEEE two-column conference format.
- Two extra pages are allowed at an additional cost of $100 per page.
- Papers exceeding (6+2) pages or less than four pages will not be accepted on EDAS.
Templates
Standard IEEE conference templates for LaTeX formats are found at: IEEE Templates
You may also use one of the following templates for Microsoft Word: A4, US letter.
Submission Process
- Only PDF files will be accepted for the review process.
- All submissions must be made through EDAS.
- If you have any questions regarding the submission of manuscripts, please contact the conference chairs via email.
Plagiarism and AI Policy
Similarity in the submitted paper must be less than 30%. Submissions exceeding this threshold will be rejected.
Authors must declare the use of AI in the preparation of their manuscript, including the role of AI in generating content, analysis, or any other contributions. For more details, please refer to the IEEE policy for AI usage.
Award & Support Program
Awards and Recognition
Outstanding student presentations will be recognized during the conference.
- Best Paper Award: To be announced
- Best Poster Award: To be announced
- Best Demonstration Award: To be announced
Award details and prizes will be announced closer to the conference date.
Venue
Location: University of Dubai, Academic City Campus, Dubai, UAE
SMIRC 2026 will be held in a hybrid format. Authors who are unable to attend in person are welcome to present their work remotely via online presentation.
Registration
Registration Fees
- IEEE Student Members: 100 AED
- Non-IEEE Student Members: 200 AED
- Non-Student (non-author attendee): 200 AED — attending guests who are not registered student authors
Note: Students can enroll as IEEE members for $28 (approximately 100 AED) and claim free registration. This means IEEE membership + free conference registration costs less than the non-member registration fee!
Reminder: The registered presenter must be a student. Non-student co-authors or guests must register at the non-student rate.