IROE PhD candidate Cedric Muscat takes part in SMMI delegation contributing to EU Ocean Pact conference in Cyprus

IROE PhD candidate Cedric Muscat joined a team of multidisciplinary researchers across the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) to represent the University of Southampton at the international conference “Riding the Wave: Advancing the EU Ocean Pact through Science, Innovation and cooperation”, held in Ayia Napa Cyprus.

The event “ Riding the Wave: Advancing the EU Ocean Pact through Science, Innovation and cooperation ” formed part of activities organised by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 and brought together over 300 participants from academia, policy, industry and innovation sectors to discuss the future of ocean governance and the blue economy.

The University of Southampton delegation included Professor Fraser Sturt (Director of SMMI), Professor Yannis Ieropoulos (Head of Department for the Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering), Professor Dominic Hudson (Shell Professor of Ship Safety and head of Centre for Maritime Futures), Dr Felix Pedrotti (Maritime Archaeologist and Senior Research Assistant), Dr Emma Curtis , Dr Katherine Theobald (Research Fellows in Maritime and Aerial Transport Autonomy) and Cedric Muscat (IROE PhD Student).

Co-organised by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) , the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy , the conference explored how scientific research, innovation and international cooperation can support healthier and more resilient oceans. Discussions focused on the implementation of the EU Ocean Pact, marine spatial planning, sustainable maritime innovation and strengthening collaboration across the Mediterranean region.

Prof Fraser Sturt moderated the workshop “The Mediterranean at a Crossroads: Science, Heritage and Regional Cooperation for a Sustainable Sea Basin”, which examined the role of science-policy cooperation in addressing interconnected challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and competing maritime uses. The session brought together speakers from organisations including PRIMA, CNR-ISMAR, the Union for the Mediterranean and CMMI.

On the 12 ^th May, Prof Yannis Ieopoulos also contributed to discussion on Europe’s blue innovation ecosystem highlighting the importance of collaboration between research institutions, policymakers and industry in translating marine research into impactful and scalable solutions.

Alongside conference participation and networking, SMMI hosted an exhibition stand showcasing a range of ongoing marine and maritime research initiatives at the University of Southampton. The stand featured projects linked to green maritime innovation, autonomous systems, drone technologies, maritime archaeology, offshore renewable energy and public engagement tools designed to support discussion around future maritime, coastal and ocean use challenges. The exhibition provided opportunities to strengthen international partnerships and highlight Southampton’s interdisciplinary approach to marine research and innovation.

The conference featured contributions from European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis , alongside representatives from European research initiatives, maritime organisations and innovation networks. Discussions throughout the event emphasised the growing importance of evidence-based policymaking, innovation and cross-border cooperation in supporting a sustainable and competitive blue economy.