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Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Hosts "Lumière of Knowledge – A gala for the future" Celebrating Knowledge, Innovation and Science-based Collaboration

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Hosts "Lumière of Knowledge – A gala for the future" Celebrating Knowledge, Innovation and Science-based Collaboration

Web Release02-03-2025
Under the esteemed patronage of Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi hosted the 'Lumière of Knowledge: A Gala for the Future' in the Germaine Tillion university garden.
The event reinforced Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's commitment to participating in building a sustainable, interconnected and flourishing ecosystem in which academic excellence, groundbreaking research and community engagement foster the spirit of innovation and collaboration.
The Gala welcomed over 35 strategic stakeholders from the UAE's public and private sectors, to engage in cross-sectoral discussions to advance the challenges of today and tomorrow's world in research, education and culture. In her opening remarks, Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of SUAD, emphasized the new ambitions of the university, highlighting the importance of excellence and rigor in research, and education, and strategic themes that guide the institution, as a key to success and the pioneering role the university can play in bridging the gap between academia and industries.
Professor Martial-Braz stated: 'Our journey goes beyond education. In a record time, we have established a thriving ecosystem for research and development. We are proud to bring to the region Europe's first marine university, pioneering research in AI since 2019 with the first advanced AI laboratory in the UAE.'
During the gala, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrated excellence by presenting several prestigious awards: the Pioneering Research Chair Award to the two industries holding the Chairs of Excellence at the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), The Empowering Future Leaders Award to its historic partner Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and the Excellence in Environmental Collaboration Award to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
She added: 'Our collaborations, our innovations, and our excellence are recognized globally, and we continue to strive for greater heights. The University and its key partnering institutions can make a difference in the ecosystem to build a better tomorrow.'
As Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi moves forward, it remains committed to foster the next generation of thinkers and decision makers through education, research, and community partnerships, fostering an environment where knowledge thrives and inspires positive change.
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