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Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) played a vital role at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October. The university contributed to a rich programme bringing together global scientists, policy experts, academics, artists and students dedicated to marine conservation and environmental sustainability. Through official panel sessions, workshops, exhibitions and student volunteer initiatives, SUAD highlighted its leadership in ocean science, innovation and higher education.

Launch of the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Ocean Institute

The academic contribution opened with a presentation by Dr Clio Chaveneau, Head of the SAFIR Research Institute and Associate Professor at SUAD. Dr Chaveneau introduced the new Ocean Institute, an interdisciplinary centre for marine research and education. The presentation explored the development of marine studies in the UAE and emphasised collaboration between academia and industry to address regional and global ocean challenges.

Empowering Future Leaders in Marine Conservation

One of the featured panels, ‘Marine Conservation in the Arabian Region – Nurturing the Next Generation’, focused on inspiring young scientists to pursue careers in marine research. Dr Giulia De Masi, Associate Professor in the Department of Sciences and Engineering and Principal Investigator at the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), joined experts from Khorfakkan University, Miral Experiences and the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre. The discussion explored ways to create educational pathways and professional opportunities that empower future sustainability leaders.

Collaborative Research and Climate Action through the Archipel Pavilion

In partnership with the Archipel Pavilion, a flagship cultural and sustainability initiative by the ELYX Foundation, Dr Giulia De Masi led a townhall titled ‘Marine Biosystem Preservation: Challenges and Technological Pathways’. The session examined seagrass and coral reef ecosystems in the UAE and presented innovative technologies for ecosystem restoration and monitoring.

Dr De Masi was joined by representatives from ELYX Foundation, Future Culture, Zayed University, the UAE Dolphin Project and M42 Health Environmental Sciences.

Exploring Mangroves as Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Dr De Masi also participated in the interactive fishbowl session ‘Exploring Nature-Based Solutions at the Science–Policy Interface: Can Mangroves Be a Climate Saviour?’, alongside Dr Beatriz Garcia, Associate Professor in the Department of Law, Economics and Management.

Selected as part of the official IUCN Congress Main Programme, the session examined the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration, their ecological links to open-sea systems, and the governance challenges in managing shared coastal habitats. Experts highlighted blue-carbon research from Abu Dhabi, where the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Ocean Institute is advancing conservation through integrated science and policy.

Art and Environmental Awareness through SYMBIOSIS

Adding a creative element to its participation, SUAD presented SYMBIOSIS, an exhibition by postgraduate student Miles Critchley Hope, who is pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Engineering and Law. His photographic collages depicted iconic UAE species such as the Arabian Oryx, Gyr Falcon and spiny-tailed lizard. Each piece was created using reclaimed materials and aimed to raise awareness about environmental threats facing local wildlife.

Student Volunteers Engage in Global Sustainability Efforts

A team of SUAD student volunteers played an active role at the IUCN Archipel Pavilion throughout the event, assisting with guest liaison, cultural mediation and media coordination. Their contribution reflected the university’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement in sustainability initiatives.

Student Volunteers Engage in Global Sustainability Efforts

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said:

“The IUCN Congress was a global stage for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s participation reflected our responsibility as a multidisciplinary institution to help shape a sustainable future for the planet’s oceans. Through research, art and student engagement, we demonstrated how collaboration can turn ideas into real impact. Our efforts align with our global strategy for oceans and our involvement in the French NEPTUNE mission and the launch of the Ocean Cluster.”

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