The Deep Ocean Forum 2025, co-hosted by KAUST and OceanQuest on September 7, highlighted the Kingdom’s growing role in deep-ocean science and innovation. Hosted at KAUST, the forum convened scientists, students, and partners from the National Wildlife Center (NCW), KAU and NEOM (OSSARI).
During the event, Dr. Ian W. Campbell, Senior Vice President at KAUST, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change challenges, noting the Kingdom’s unique advantage with the Red Sea on its doorstep. OceanQuest CEO Dr. Martin Visbeck praised the collaboration, highlighting ambitions for new expeditions, the role of advanced robotics and vessels, and the ecological richness of Red Sea seamounts.
Speakers included Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, and KAUST faculty such as Professor Raquel Peixoto, who introduced the Blue KAUST initiative. Prof. Osman M. Bakr, Prof. Froukje M. van der Zwan, and Dr. Martin Kirk explored, together with Dr. Visbeck, opportunities for interdisciplinary research to advance Red Sea science in KAUST. The session also introduced new marine technologies and KAUST’s new research vessel, RV Thuwal II. Outreach and engagement also played an equally important role, with a dedicated plenary where early-career researchers reported on their experiences and shared their perspectives for future Red Sea expeditions. The program further highlighted strong research themes to guide the next phase of Red Sea exploration, underscoring the importance of linking fundamental science with applied research to build a comprehensive understanding of the Red Sea’s unique environment, spanning ecosystems, geology, and oceanographic processes.
The forum aimed to build Saudi Arabia’s capacity in deep-ocean research, with both KAUST and OceanQuest reaffirming their commitment to equip the next generation of scientists and strengthen institutional collaboration. The strategic partners intend to continue their cooperation through new expeditions and initiatives that will drive meaningful discoveries and sustainable ocean solutions.