Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Marks World Environment Day by Advancing Sustainability Through Research and Innovation

SUAD wins the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award Advancing sustainability through research and innovation

SUAD-led research maps 1,500 recycling and donation sites across Abu Dhabi to drive sustainable behaviours

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 5 June 2026: On World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) is highlighting its commitment to sustainability through research, innovation, community engagement, and practical action that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Over the past year, the University has strengthened its contribution to environmental research and sustainable development, addressing challenges ranging from waste management and sustainable consumption to marine biodiversity and environmental governance. Through its interdisciplinary approach, SUAD continues to connect academic excellence with real-world impact.

SUAD was awarded first place in the Environmental Research Institute category of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award in February 2026, recognizing its exceptional contributions to environmental research and innovation and its role in driving environmental impact. This achievement aligns with SUAD's Sustainability Strategy 2030 which advances sustainability across campus operations, education, research, partnerships, and community engagement.

Dr Beatriz Garcia, Associate Professor and Sustainability Officer at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said: "World Environment Day reminds us that sustainability is measured by impact, not intention. At Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, we are committed to turning knowledge into action through research, education, and collaboration. From informing environmental policy to empowering students to address real-world challenges, our efforts are focused on creating lasting change. Receiving the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award reflects this commitment and reinforces our responsibility to help build a more sustainable future for generations to come."

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi's growing research impact is reflected in both the volume and quality of its sustainability-focused output. Between 2020 and 2024, SUAD produced 123 sustainability-related publications, while the proportion of research published in Scopus Q1 journals increased from 22.2% to 63.4%. Beyond academic excellence, its research is helping shape policy and practice across UAE and the wider Gulf region.

This includes a household waste management study commissioned by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) which informed the Abu Dhabi Waste Habits Campaign and supported efforts to encourage more sustainable behaviours. The project produced an interactive map of 1,500 recycling and donation sites across Abu Dhabi and a behavioural intervention plan that supported a national public awareness campaign.

SUAD research explores a range of sustainability challenges, including sustainable consumption, digital records management, and marine ecosystem health. Recent studies also highlight how sustainable digital transformation can support environmental goals.

SUAD actively engages in international sustainability platforms, such as the UN Ocean Conference and the Youth COP. In October 2025, a student team won a national award during Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi for 'Hayat Garden', a project linking food security and urban agriculture, alongside broader efforts such as mangrove planting to restore and protect coastal ecosystems.

Across its campus operations, SUAD actively translates sustainability commitments into practice by reducing single-use plastic consumption and expanding food waste composting initiatives. In March 2026, SUAD's participation in Earth Hour resulted in energy savings of 637 kWh and the avoidance of approximately 275 kilograms of carbon emissions.

SUAD embeds sustainability across its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including its newly launched Bachelor in Coastal and Oceanographic Applied Sciences and Technologies, equipping students with interdisciplinary skills in environmental science, law, and urban planning. On World Environment Day, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainability through education, research, and innovation contributing to the UAE's environmental ambitions and global sustainability efforts.