Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz on Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Academic Transformation

TBY talks to Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), about a wide range of academic subjects on offer at the institution, the ‘Year of the Ocean’, and preparing students for employment.

"What have been the most significant milestones in SUAD’s development in the last few years?

Since 2019, SUAD has undergone a remarkable transformation, both structurally and academically. The pandemic catalyzed a rapid shift to digital education, compelling our faculty and staff to upskill almost overnight. This necessity became an opportunity, accelerating our digital transformation and pedagogical innovation. One of the most impactful changes was our evolution into a fully-fledged research institution. In 2020, we established the region’s first Center for AI (SCAI) equipped with high-performance computing systems to support cutting-edge, application-driven research. Initially focused on security and energy, the center is now expanding into healthcare, digital humanities, and ocean science applications. For instance, we are supervising a PhD project focused on using AI to diagnose cardiometabolic diseases. This shift also led to a structural overhaul of our research ecosystem. We moved from relying heavily on visiting professors to building a strong resident faculty base. In just two years, we have doubled the number of full-time researchers based in the UAE. We also adopted a holistic, object-centered approach to research. For example, when exploring topics like AI or oceanography, we integrate expertise from multiple disciplines including law, ethics, geography, history, and data science. Our interdisciplinary methodology is supported by our compact size, which fosters daily collaboration and intellectual cross-pollination among departments that, in larger institutions, often operate in silos. Another major shift would be the development of strategic public private partnerships to foster employability and emiratization, research and life-long learning.

SUAD declared 2025 as the Year of the Ocean. What initiatives were held to align with this theme?

This initiative builds on our momentum from COP28, where we organized numerous ocean-related events. This theme aligns with global efforts culminating in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. The UAE, with its extensive coastline and maritime heritage, is a key stakeholder in these discussions. Our initiatives span education, community engagement, and scientific research. We kicked off the Year of the Ocean with a public screening of the documentary Oceans, in which our Ocean Institute Director served as a scientific consultant. This event set the tone for a year-long cultural agenda that includes exhibitions, performances, and public lectures, all incorporating educational elements. One highlight has been our exhibition on plankton, developed in collaboration with a renowned marine biologist and his son, a documentary filmmaker. The exhibit combined science and art to foster public understanding of marine biodiversity. On the research front, we launched three out of seven scientific missions in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. These include acoustic studies on environmental dna and marine biodiversity; cetaceans and dugongs—the UAE hosts the largest population in the region— andenvironmental research on mangroves. Our students also drive the Ocean agenda, from participating in fieldwork to engaging in community-driven activities such as underwater cleanups and mangrove planting. We aim to not only advance scientific knowledge but also raise awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of our oceans.

What sets SUAD apart from other universities in the UAE and the region?

What truly differentiates us is our binational and multicultural DNA. We are a collaborative institution established by both the UAE and France, making us simultaneously a local and an international university. Around 70% of our students are Emirati, and our Board of Trustees and leadership team are composed of both French and Emirati members. This model ensures that we are not a foreign university operating in isolation but an integrated part of the local ecosystem. Culturally, we blend the rigorous academic traditions of Europe with the dynamic, community-oriented spirit of the UAE. Our students benefit from a multicultural campus life that offers a broader perspective and prepares them to operate effectively in a globalized workforce. We also maintain deep ties with our Paris campus, providing our students access to a network of over 14,000 researchers and resources that amplify our local capabilities. SUAD students are very lucky to benefit from the best of both worlds: they are awarded a French degree while having the chance to study in exceptional conditions offered by the UAE. This unique model ensures they are poised for excellence.

How does SUAD prepare its graduates for local and regional job markets?

We are committed to equipping our students for the demands of an increasingly complex and evolving job market. While Sorbonne is globally renowned for humanities, it is important to highlight that we also have a great Science and Engineering department, inherited from the Pierre and Marie Curie University legacy, which is one of the universities which merged to become the new Sorbonne University. Our university ranks highly in mathematics and other scientific disciplines, and we emphasize digital fluency, particularly in AI. In addition to our rigorous academic programs, we work closely with industry partners through advisory boards, job fairs, and guest lectures to align our offerings with market needs. This collaboration ensures that our students are exposed to current industry trends and expectations. We are currently reforming our curriculum to include interdisciplinary minors—for example, combining a major in law with a minor in sustainability or integrating digital tools into humanities programs. We also offer tailored executive education programs, especially in AI. These cater to a diverse range of professionals, from engineers seeking advanced knowledge to HR and marketing professionals who need a working understanding of generative AI tools. Our strength lies in our ability to tap into a vast network of experts from our main campuses in Pariswhen needed, allowing us to deliver high-impact programs regardless of the scale. Furthermore, we believe that the future belongs to those who can think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt quickly. Our Career Center plays a vital role in developing these soft skills through coaching sessions and targeted workshops. We also reimagined the UAE-mandated General Education curriculum as a vehicle for soft skills development. In their second year, students focus on critical thinking, while the third year centers on entrepreneurship and sustainability. These modules are project-based, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem solving. Third-year students are tasked with pitching entrepreneurial projects to external evaluators. These cross-disciplinary teams must learn to communicate effectively across fields like science, law, and economics—a vital skill in today’s workplace. Moreover, these seminars are led by industry professionals, not academics, providing students with real-world insights and expectations."

This article was published on The Business Year.