Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Announces 2025 As Year Of Ocean To Promote Marine Conservation And Research

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has declared 2025 as the Year of Ocean, highlighting its dedication to marine conservation and sustainability. This initiative aligns with the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, from 9-13 June 2025. To commemorate this significant year, SUAD hosted a special screening of the award-winning documentary "Ωcéans" on 30th January at the Germaine Tillion Garden on campus.

In December 2024, SUAD's ocean institute conducted its first research mission in Abu Dhabi. This mission utilised advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques and acoustics to study the UAE’s marine biodiversity, focusing on marine mammals and cetaceans. These efforts aim to bridge research with industry and policy while advancing science.

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, stated, "Declaring 2025 the Year of Ocean reflects Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leveraging research and science to drive action for the ocean. The recent launch of the SUAD Ocean Institute represents a transformative step in understanding the UAE’s marine ecosystem and developing a research and teaching hub of excellence in marine science."

The SUAD Ocean Institute serves as an interdisciplinary research hub, focusing on molecular biology, biochemistry, marine acoustics, and AI techniques for ocean science. It collaborates closely with SCAI, SUAD’s Artificial Intelligence research centre. This centre is notable for integrating ocean sciences with social sciences like environmental and maritime law.

Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Director of the Ocean Institute of Sorbonne Université Alliance, remarked, "What we are developing at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi is a unique model of collaboration, bringing together the top researchers from Europe’s first marine university and Emirati specialists, combining their expertise to push the boundaries of research and drive groundbreaking discoveries."

A few days ago, SUAD initiated its first Mangrove research mission. This project aims to evaluate mangrove ecosystems by examining animal species richness, abundance, and biomass. The goal is to monitor biodiversity progress in both mature and newly planted mangroves.

Throughout 2025, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will host various cultural events and scientific conferences as part of the Year of Ocean initiative. These activities aim to enhance understanding and appreciation of oceanic importance while fostering community engagement.

These long-term projects will offer crucial insights into the UAE's unique biodiversity. A particular focus will be placed on monitoring endangered species to ensure their preservation.

With inputs from WAM