emirates7 - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has designated 2025 as the *Year of the Ocean*, reinforcing its dedication to marine conservation, scientific research, and sustainability. This initiative aligns with the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025.
To inaugurate this significant year, SUAD hosted an exclusive screening of the acclaimed documentary *Ωcéans* on January 30 at the Germaine Tillion Garden on campus. The event served as a powerful reminder of the ocean’s crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, often described as the planet’s “lungs.”
As part of its mission to integrate scientific research with industry and policy, SUAD collaborates with numerous public and private entities, including the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, to advance ocean science and contribute to local research initiatives.
In December 2024, the newly established SUAD Ocean Institute conducted its first research mission in Abu Dhabi. This project employed cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and acoustic monitoring to study the UAE’s marine biodiversity, with a particular focus on marine mammals and cetaceans.
More recently, the institute launched its inaugural mangrove research mission to examine mangrove ecosystems. The study aims to assess biodiversity differences in mature and newly planted mangrove areas by measuring species richness, abundance, and biomass. These long-term research projects will generate essential insights into the UAE’s unique ecosystem, with a special focus on the conservation of endangered species.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, *"Declaring 2025 the Year of the Ocean underscores SUAD’s dedication to leveraging research and scientific expertise to inspire action for ocean conservation. The launch of the SUAD Ocean Institute marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to understand the UAE’s marine environment while establishing a leading center for marine science research and education."*
Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Director of the Ocean Institute at Sorbonne Université Alliance, highlighted the institute’s unique collaborative model, remarking, *"At Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, we are developing an innovative research partnership that unites leading scientists from Europe’s foremost marine university with Emirati experts. This synergy of knowledge and expertise enables us to drive groundbreaking discoveries in marine science."*
The SUAD Ocean Institute serves as an interdisciplinary research hub, specializing in molecular biology, biochemistry, marine acoustics, and artificial intelligence applications in ocean science. It works in close collaboration with SUAD’s Artificial Intelligence research center, SCAI.
A key distinguishing feature of the institute is its integration of ocean sciences with social sciences, particularly environmental and maritime law. This interdisciplinary approach fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, enriching research and expanding the frontiers of knowledge.
As part of the *Year of the Ocean* initiative, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will organize a series of cultural events and scientific conferences throughout the year, further promoting awareness and action for ocean conservation.
To inaugurate this significant year, SUAD hosted an exclusive screening of the acclaimed documentary *Ωcéans* on January 30 at the Germaine Tillion Garden on campus. The event served as a powerful reminder of the ocean’s crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, often described as the planet’s “lungs.”
As part of its mission to integrate scientific research with industry and policy, SUAD collaborates with numerous public and private entities, including the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, to advance ocean science and contribute to local research initiatives.
In December 2024, the newly established SUAD Ocean Institute conducted its first research mission in Abu Dhabi. This project employed cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and acoustic monitoring to study the UAE’s marine biodiversity, with a particular focus on marine mammals and cetaceans.
More recently, the institute launched its inaugural mangrove research mission to examine mangrove ecosystems. The study aims to assess biodiversity differences in mature and newly planted mangrove areas by measuring species richness, abundance, and biomass. These long-term research projects will generate essential insights into the UAE’s unique ecosystem, with a special focus on the conservation of endangered species.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, *"Declaring 2025 the Year of the Ocean underscores SUAD’s dedication to leveraging research and scientific expertise to inspire action for ocean conservation. The launch of the SUAD Ocean Institute marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to understand the UAE’s marine environment while establishing a leading center for marine science research and education."*
Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Director of the Ocean Institute at Sorbonne Université Alliance, highlighted the institute’s unique collaborative model, remarking, *"At Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, we are developing an innovative research partnership that unites leading scientists from Europe’s foremost marine university with Emirati experts. This synergy of knowledge and expertise enables us to drive groundbreaking discoveries in marine science."*
The SUAD Ocean Institute serves as an interdisciplinary research hub, specializing in molecular biology, biochemistry, marine acoustics, and artificial intelligence applications in ocean science. It works in close collaboration with SUAD’s Artificial Intelligence research center, SCAI.
A key distinguishing feature of the institute is its integration of ocean sciences with social sciences, particularly environmental and maritime law. This interdisciplinary approach fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, enriching research and expanding the frontiers of knowledge.
As part of the *Year of the Ocean* initiative, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will organize a series of cultural events and scientific conferences throughout the year, further promoting awareness and action for ocean conservation.