Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 13, 2025 – Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi recently concluded an inspiring exhibition titled ‘An Ocean of Plankton,’ celebrating the beauty and diversity of marine plankton and seascapes. The exhibition was launched alongside a conference hosted in partnership with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the region’s largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility, bringing together leading experts in marine science, art and conservation.

The conference featured Dr. Elise Marquis, Director of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, alongside renowned biologist, explorer, plankton pioneer and artist Christian Sardet as well as filmmaker Noé Sardet. The speakers guided attendees through a thought-provoking journey into the world of plankton, blending science, art and environmental awareness.

The event culminated in the unveiling of a stunning photo exhibition in the Atrium, where large-format photographic prints showcased the extraordinary diversity of marine plankton. Through a fusion of imagery and storytelling, father-son duo Christian and Noé Sardet conveyed a powerful message on ocean conservation, urging action to protect marine ecosystems.

Dr. Elise Marquis emphasized the importance of public engagement in marine sciences, saying:
“At the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, we are deeply committed to educating the public about marine biodiversity, sciences and conservation. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of the ocean and highlights the importance of every form of life, especially the invisible plankton.”

“Despite their microscopic size, plankton organisms are the foundation of ocean ecosystems, influencing everything from fish populations to global carbon cycles. I hope this creative initiative inspires future generations to stay committed to protecting our ocean, remain curious about their environment—even the unseen parts of it—and safeguard all forms of life.” She continued.
“We look forward to collaborating further with great academic institutions such as the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and develop many more impactful initiatives like this one.” Dr. Marquis concluded.

Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi added: "2025 is the Year of Ocean at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and as such, our scientific and cultural program is designed to promote awareness about the wonders of the marine environment and the challenges it faces, as well as to encourage our community to be active in its protection and conservation.  It is important for us to be this hub where researchers, artists, professionals, and the ocean community can connect to create a global interconnected dialogue. The exhibition 'An Ocean of Plankton' is at the crossroad of research in science, education and art, and has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center and fulfill a common goal of contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE's ambitions for ocean and marine species conservation".

The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center also hosted engaging workshops for children that provided hands-on experience and detailed insights on the world of plankton and their crucial role in marine ecosystems. 

For more information and media enquiries: 
Plus 1 Communications | yara@plus1comms.com |+971 52 285 7669 

About Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD)
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was established in May 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, and is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The French Emirati university draws on 760 years of academic excellence from the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. Featuring a state-of-the-art campus that spans 93,000 square metres and located on Al Reem Island, the university provides an inspiring and enriching environment for both students and faculty.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi adheres to the French education system, with degrees awarded by Sorbonne Université and Université Paris Cité. SUAD programmes are evaluated by the Higher Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) and accredited by the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Innovation (MESR) in France. Furthermore, all programmes are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA). To date, more than 2800 students from more than 90 different nationalities have graduated from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

Sorbonne Université is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world, holding 41st position in the Shanghai ranking, 4th position for mathematics and 17th for physics in the same ranking. Its law programs are ranked 19th by the Young University ranking. The School of Arts and Humanities at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is recognized as the 1st Humanities Education University by the Forbes Middle East Higher Education Awards 2019.
For more information about Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: http://www.sorbonne.ae

About the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi:

The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is the largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, serving as an advanced knowledge hub for marine science. Building on SeaWorld’s legacy of being one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center aims to bring over 60 years of experience and knowledge in marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the UAE and wider region.

The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is a world-class facility that is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for its exceptional standards of animal care and welfare and is led by marine scientists, veterinarians, animal care professionals, marine animal rescue experts and educators who collaborate with peers, environmental organizations, regulators and academic institutions to impact long-term conservation efforts in the region.

The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is a dedicated marine science facility outfitted with specialized equipment for research, rescue, rehabilitation and education operations. The Center brings together state-of-the-art research laboratories equipped with an aquaculture facility, a veterinary hospital, access to a shared necropsy facility, rescue pools with a rescue clinic as well as a wide-ranging rescue fleet to provide specialized care to rescued animals and advance marine conservation efforts. The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center is also equipped with a high-tech auditorium and classrooms to facilitate knowledge transfer and inspire the next generation of marine scientists.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi aims to inspire the next generation of marine life advocates as it champions the “Admission with a Mission” initiative, where every ticket purchased to the park supports the ongoing conservation efforts of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center.

Located on Yas Island, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center was developed by Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences and United Parks & Resorts. Now operational, the Center is managed and operated by Miral Experiences, a subsidiary of Miral and a leading operator of the world-class theme parks, entertainment experiences, cultural attractions and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.