Universities of Exeter and Khorfakkan sign new agreement to increase marine biology research and education

The University of Exeter has signed a significant new agreement with the University of Khorfakkan, designed to increase research and education in the crucial field of marine biology.

The agreement was signed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member And Ruler of Sharjah, and the University of Exeter President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lisa Roberts, during a special ceremony held on 15th October.

The partnership will help strengthen the relationship between Exeter’s world leading the Centre for Ecology and Conservation and the College of Marine Science and Aquatic Biology (CMSAB) at Khorfakkan.

This includes collaboration on a new Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology course, which provides a pathway for Khorfakkan students to study at Exeter in their final year, and opens up the potential to continue their studies through the Exeter MSc programme.

The accord was signed in the presence of the British Deputy Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Alison Hall.

Speaking at the signing, Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “We are thrilled by our latest collaboration with Sharjah. Our agreement with the University of Khorfakkan will be deep and long-standing.

“It enables both universities to make a positive difference to regional blue environments, and it forms a central element of Exeter’s strategy to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.

“In particular, we are extremely excited to welcome students from Sharjah to Exeter in the near future as we work in partnership with Khorfakkan to train a new generation of Emirati marine biologists.”

The agreement is the latest development in a multi-decade education partnership between Sharjah and Exeter fostered by His Highness, who graduated with a PhD from the University of Exeter in 1985.

Academics from Exeter and Khorfakkan have been collaborating closely to shape the academic curriculum and marine research strategy, ahead of the opening of a state-of-the-art Marine Research Institute in Khorfakkan next year. It is anticipated that the signing of the agreement heralds a deeper collaboration with the two institutions in the years ahead, leading to the establishment of dual Masters programmes and PhD collaboration.

Brendan Godley, Professor of Conservation Science at the University of Exeter, said: “Khorfakkan has a rich maritime history and hosts important marine biodiversity which is relatively understudied and would greatly benefit from enhanced protection. We very much hope to support research that will underpin future marine conservation in Sharjah, and the wider region.

“Our initial surveys have revealed some clear priority sites and species in need of research capacity and conservation. With this in mind, we are excited to engage with staff, regional partners, and Khorfakkan’s enthusiastic students, who are themselves the future of marine conservation in the region, so that we can enhance the understanding and protection of Sharjah’s marine biodiversity.”

The University of Exeter is a world leader in Marine Science, ranked 40th in the world in the QS Subject Rankings. In the THE Impact Rankings, published in June 2024, it was ranked as sixth globally for its work on UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water.