SMSRC Strategy 2026-2030: leading marine research, education, and conservation to support measurable outcomes for people and nature.
SMSRC Strategy 2026-2030
As human beings, we are all fundamentally a part of our planet’s ecosystem, and all of our actions, no matter how small, will have consequences on the health, functioning and well-being of this ecosystem, and ultimately ourselves. For our future prosperity and survival, we must develop more responsible, equitable, ethical and respectful relationships between each other, with nature, and with the environment that supports us all.
Over two thirds of our planet is Ocean. It provides us with food, regulates our climate, processes our waste, inspires our cultures, underpins our economies, and is home to millions of different species of animals, plants, algae and microbes. Without the ocean, there would be no life on Earth, yet parts of it are as unfamiliar to us as outer space.
At the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre (SMSRC), we conduct the marine research that is needed to understand how marine species and ecosystems work, and the consequences that our actions have on them. We do this so we can support the management, protection and restoration of the marine environment to the mutual benefit of both people and nature.
SMSRC will embed the concept of solution-orientated research at the heart of our ambition to generate knowledge that will support meaningful change, driving impact that results in better outcomes and delivers measurable benefits to people and nature.
Purpose Gallery
From field evidence to policy-ready action.
The SMSRC purpose framework aligns science delivery with measurable coastal outcomes.
Mission
Conduct marine research needed to understand marine species and ecosystems, and the consequences of human actions, to support management, protection, and restoration of the marine environment for both people and nature.
Vision
Leading global marine research, education and conservation initiatives to empower future ocean stewards.
Approach
Embed solution-orientated research, strengthen Ocean Literacy, and build strategic partnerships to turn complex science into usable knowledge and measurable impact.
Our work empowers society to respond to urgent ocean pressures through applied research and action.
Challenge 1
Identifying and reducing the sources and impacts of marine pollution to improve Ocean and human health.
Challenge 2
Quantifying, mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, and on the human communities that depend upon the Ocean.
Challenge 3
Understanding, managing and reducing the drivers of marine species and habitat loss to protect and restore marine ecosystems and biodiversity for the benefit of people and nature.
Knowledge creates impact when it is accessible to those who can drive beneficial change across individuals, communities, and institutions.
Knowledge and understanding only becomes powerful when it is made available and accessible for those with the ability to implement positive and beneficial change, either through changing the behaviours of individuals, or the behaviours of whole communities or societies.
To do this we will harness the power that comes from telling the Ocean’s story. At SMSRC we will seek and adopt new and transformative ways to translate and communicate our marine knowledge, making it available to all who need it. Our focus will be on creating high levels of Ocean Literacy across all sectors of society.
Through our strategic priority for Ocean Literacy, Impacts and Partnerships, we will grow the skills and collaborations we need to translate and communicate complex scientific concepts and findings into usable knowledge for those who need it to make decisions and take action.
We will measure our success not only through the quality and quantity of scientific outputs and products we produce, but also through examples where our discoveries have led to meaningful and positive change.
As an active part of the University of Khorfakkan, we share a passion for training and education. In partnership with the College of Marine Sciences and Aquatic Biology, we will train the marine experts needed to manage, protect and restore ocean ecosystems and resources long into the future.
Through undergraduate and postgraduate courses and projects, we will provide real-world experiences to students seeking careers in marine research, conservation, communication and governance.
Making best use of our world class facilities, access to diverse marine environments, and strong transport connectivity, SMSRC will grow strategic partnerships with organisations and networks that share our ambition and mission.
Awareness to Stewardship
Our strategic objectives define the outcomes we are accountable for.
Execution Lens
Translating strategy into measurable outcomes.
Purpose Gallery
Strategic Enablers
Technology and Methods
01We will continuously adopt advanced tools and workflows to increase impact and efficiency.
Cutting across all objectives, we will develop and adopt the latest technologies and methodologies.
We will embed artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation into our activities and processes to increase both capability and efficiency.
We will develop the ability to collect, handle and interpret big data.
Culture
02Interdisciplinary teamwork and shared learning are central to how SMSRC operates.
At the heart of SMSRC will be a culture of collaboration and respect. We will celebrate and share successes and learn constructively from failures.
By bringing together interdisciplinary teams and diverse perspectives under shared goals, we will address and solve complex environmental problems from initial scientific question to delivered outcomes and benefits.
University Contribution
03Our strategy directly contributes to institutional goals in research, learning, partnerships, and operational excellence.
In delivering this strategy we contribute to the goals of the University of Khorfakkan by undertaking advanced research and innovation, providing an enriching student experience supported by academic excellence, working with key stakeholders, and striving for growth and efficiency in our activities and processes.
We will use the knowledge we generate to drive meaningful change that benefits both people and nature. We will deliver our mission by coupling strong internal growth with effective collaborations and strategic partners who share our mission and ambition.
Visual Highlights
Leading global marine research, education and conservation initiatives to empower future ocean stewards.
See how SMSRC purpose is delivered through active research programs and integrated facilities.