IOC Ocean Science Section [Intergovernmental]

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO is the UN’s lead body for ocean science, promoting international cooperation to strengthen the management, sustainable use, and resilience of the ocean. Bringing together 153 Member States, the IOC coordinates global efforts in ocean observations and services, tsunami warning systems, ocean science, capacity development, and ocean literacy, ensuring that science effectively informs policy, society, and sustainable ocean governance. Through its work, the IOC contributes to UNESCO’s mission to advance scientific knowledge and build capacity as foundations for peace, societal progress, and sustainable development. As the coordinator of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the IOC leads global efforts to transform ocean knowledge into action for the benefit of people and the planet.

Havforskningsinstituttet [Norway]

Havforskningsinstituttet (The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research) is one of the largest national research institutes of its kind in Europe. Our main activities are monitoring, research, and advisory work. Our institute has 1030 employees and receives around 1.8 billion NOK in funding, which is about 55 % from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. We provide insight and advice in four areas: 1) ecosystem and impacts, 2) sustainable harvesting, 3) sustainable aquaculture, and 4) safe and healthy seafood. We conduct research on marine ecosystems, species function, and interactions. Different models are increasingly playing a role in our research. We examine the impacts of human activity in various areas such as aquaculture, fisheries, mining, offshore wind, climate change, hazardous substances, and inputs of nutrients. We conduct research on nutrition and food safety and develop environmentally friendly catch and aquaculture technology that also promotes animal welfare. We also provide catch advice on 80 fish stocks – directly and through ICES or other international organisations. We publish an annual report on the risk assessment of Norwegian aquaculture. We examine several thousand farmed fish for undesirable substances every year. Our main office is in Bergen, Norway, but we have research stations with laboratories in Tromsø, Flødevigen, Austevoll, and Matre, and field stations in Porsanger, Rosendal, and Etne. We have a fleet of vessels to assist in our research – Kronprins Haakon, Dr. Fridtkof Nansen, G.O. Sars, Johan Hjort, Prinsesse Ingrid Alexandra, G.M. Dannevig, and Hans Brattström – which are at sea approximately 1600 cruise days per year.

Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) [Ecuador]

ESPOL is Ecuador’s leading public university and consistently ranked among the top higher education institutions in Latin America. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, applied research, and social impact, it drives innovation and sustainable development. Through a robust ecosystem that bridges academia and industry, ESPOL develops leaders equipped to address local and global challenges in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a sustainable and inclusive approach.

Faculty of Life Sciences at ESPOL (FLS)

The Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) at ESPOL is a premier hub for biological research and social impact in the region. FLS integrates rigorous scientific inquiry in Biology, Nutrition, and sustainable Agricultural to develop practical solutions for local and global challenges. By leveraging Ecuador’s unique biodiversity, the faculty fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in food security, public health and conservation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, empowering professionals to adapt in an ever-evolving world.

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) [Bangladesh]

icddr,b was established in Dhaka in 1960s as the South-East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Cholera Research Laboratory. The Cholera Research Laboratory (CRL) soon developed an international reputation in diarrhoeal disease research. Among its notable early achievements was a key role in the development, testing and implementation of oral rehydration solution (ORS) – a treatment estimated to have saved tens of millions of lives worldwide. During the 1960s, the CRL also established a large-scale health and demographic surveillance site at Matlab in Chandpur district – now the longest-running such site in the global South and an inspiration for many similar sites worldwide.

In 1962, the CRL established the Dhaka Hospital, still run by icddr,b, to meet the urgent need to treat patients, particularly young children, with severe diarrhoeal disease. The Dhaka Hospital has developed into a nationally important treatment centre and provides an infrastructure for an extensive programme of clinical research. Clinical services were also introduced at MatlabHospital. As many other factors affect the risk of diarrhoeal diseases or recovery from them – including nutritional status, income, education of mothers, access to clean water, sanitation habits and efficacy of vaccines – research at CRL expanded into new areas of public health. However, it retained its primary focus on evidence-based solutions able to deliver significant public health benefits at low cost to those living in poverty.

In 1978, the CRL received fresh impetus and a new name – the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. In recent years, we have been known simply as icddr,b. At present, icddr,b operates under the icddr,b Act 2022 of the Government of Bangladesh as an autonomous, international, philanthropic, and non-profit centre for research, clinical services, education, and training.

Our research continued to expand, to address the major public health threats facing Bangladesh and other countries of the global South. Extensive research programmes were implemented in areas such as malnutrition, respiratory disease, vaccine testing, maternal, neonatal and child health, and health systems. We have maintained a strong and productive relationship with the Government of Bangladesh, and played an influential role in informing and evaluating national health policies and practice.

icddr,b is recognised as a national asset, and has contributed to the significant improvements in health achieved by Bangladesh in recent decades, despite the challenges posed by limited resources. In 2001, we received the first Gates Award for Global Health in recognition of our development of ORS. In 2005, we received the Independence Day Award, Bangladesh’s most prestigious national award.

We have also been committed to sharing our expertise, for example through an extensive training programme used by thousands of public health professionals, researchers and others from Bangladesh and other countries of the global South.

In addition, our researchers and clinicians have played major roles in international responses to global humanitarian crises, particularly to prevent and control outbreaks of infectious disease. Over the past 30 years, our staff have supported multiple relief efforts across Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa.

Looking forward, our goal is to continue generating the evidence to underpin further improvements in public health in Bangladesh, while also ensuring that our research benefits those living in other countries of the global South.

The Aga Khan University (AKU) [Pakistan]

The Aga Khan University (AKU), established in 1983, is a not-for-profit institution that exemplifies an integrated model of higher education, research, and healthcare delivery aimed at addressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With a presence across Asia, Africa, and Europe, AKU’s mission is to improve quality of life through the generation and application of knowledge while developing leaders who contribute to policy and societal advancement.

A key strength of AKU lies in its alignment of academic programs with service delivery. Its university hospitals function as centers for patient care, teaching, and research, enabling the production of contextually relevant evidence that informs healthcare practices and public policy. This integration ensures that research is both practical and impactful.

Over time, AKU has expanded beyond health sciences into disciplines such as education, public policy, and the humanities, reflecting its evolution into a comprehensive university. Its interdisciplinary approach promotes critical thinking, innovation, and ethical leadership, preparing graduates to address complex global challenges.

The University emphasizes principles of impact, quality, relevance, and access, with a strong commitment to underserved populations and gender equity. Its research focuses on priority areas including maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and early childhood development.

In conclusion, AKU represents a transformative model that bridges education, research, and service. Its global presence and commitment to equity position it as a key contributor to sustainable development and improved health and education outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Universiti Malaya (UM) [Malaysia]

Universiti Malaya (UM) is the first university established in Malaya. Founded on 28 September 1905 in Singapore as the King Edward VII College of Medicine, the University was formed following the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College (founded in 1928) on 8th October 1949. Its establishment had helped to accelerate the advancement of education in Malaya at the time and eventually led to the founding of two autonomous branches in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in 1959. In efforts to strengthen higher education in both countries, there was a need to upgrade the branches to public university status. With the passing of the Universiti Malaya Act in 1961 by the Parliament, UM has since been recognised as a public university in Malaysia. UM as it is known today, was officiated as a public university in the Federation of Malaya on the 1st of January 1962. Its initial objective in providing tertiary education to the people of Malaya had successfully produced numerous renowned leaders and intellectuals in various fields. At a time when Malaysia was undergoing a variety of transformational processes in its education arena, UM continued to boost its efforts to be a global university impacting the world. In fulfilling its vision to become a world-class university in education, research and service to society, the University of Malaya (UM) is supported by two academies, fourteen faculties, three institutes, and two academic centres that encompass a wide range of disciplines — from medicine, science and technology to the social sciences and humanities. This diversity strengthens UM’s position as a comprehensive research university founded on intellectual excellence and high-impact scholarship. UM is also home to the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), the first and largest teaching hospital in Malaysia, which serves as the cornerstone for clinical education, medical research and healthcare services to the community. In strengthening governance and research efficiency, UM’s research and innovation functions are driven by a more strategic, integrated and impact-oriented approach to enhance the effectiveness of its research ecosystem. This approach reflects the University’s commitment to remain at the forefront of transdisciplinary research and impact-driven innovation, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, national development and global well-being. With its enduring strengths in teaching, research, publication, innovation and commercialisation, the University of Malaya continues to uphold its role as a leading institution that not only educates the mind but also shapes the spirit and enriches the values of humanity. In steadfast alignment with national aspirations, the University of Malaya (UM) continues to strengthen and solidify its position in the academic world, both nationally and internationally. UM has successfully placed itself among the world’s top universities, achieving the 58th position in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, UM is ranked 12th. Furthermore, UM is listed among the Top 150 universities globally across all five Broad Subject Areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, namely Social Sciences & Management (71), Engineering & Technology (79), Arts & Humanities (98), Life Sciences & Medicine (118), Natural Sciences (134). Four UM subjects are also ranked among the Top 50 in the world, namely English Language & Literature, Education, Library & Information Management, and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. UM also ranked 115th globally, 9th in Asia, and 1st in Malaysia in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025.

Never complacent with its achievements, UM continues to fortify its position through various international recognitions, among which are:

• Ranked within the 201–250 band in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, and 64th in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025.

• Making history by being named Joint 1st in the world for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and 25th overall globally in the THE Impact Rankings 2025. UM also excelled in other SDGs, ranking 4th globally for SDG 1: No Poverty, 7th for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 12th for SDG 15: Life on Land.

• For the first time ever, all 11 UM subject areas were listed in the THE World University Rankings by Subject, covering all evaluated disciplines. A new milestone was achieved when Law was ranked for the first time.

• Ranked 46th in the world and 13th in Asia on the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024 based on green campus initiatives and sustainability (environment, social and economy) intervention efforts; and

• Ranked 292nd globally, 61st in Asia, and 1st in Malaysia in the WEBOMETRICS Global Web Rankings for Universities 2025 (July Edition).

• Categorized as a “Competitive” university in the SETARA rating, which is the highest classification within the assessment.

All these accomplishments and recognitions clearly affirm UM’s standing as the best university in Malaysia and one of the leading universities in the world. Building on the traditions and practices of universities around the world, UM is committed and has excelled in promoting collaborations with leading research institutions and universities from 70 countries. Among the world's leading institutions that actively collaborate with UM are:

• Peking University

• University of Manchester

• Chinese University of Hong Kong

• King's College London

• University of Glasglow

• University of Leeds

• Duke University

• University of Melbourne

• Kyoto University

• University of Tokyo

• The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

• McGill University

• Shanghai Jiao Tong University

• Technical University of Munich

• KU Leuven

• Sorbonne University

• Freie Universitaet Berlin

• Seoul National University

• University of New South Wales

• Durham University

• Tsinghua University

To ensure that its academic curriculum remains relevant and aligned with both national and international standards, the University of Malaya (UM) has successfully attained accreditations from a wide range of prestigious international institutions and professional bodies. At the national level, all of UM’s academic programmes comply with the standards set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and other local professional bodies. Internationally, UM’s programmes have been accredited by renowned institutions and professional organisations such as the Washington Accord, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Association of Building Engineers, Royal Institute of British Architects, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia, SMBG-Eduniversal France, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, Association of MBAs, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Royal Society of Chemistry, among others. These recognitions demonstrate that UM’s academic programmes are not only relevant locally but also globally respected. UM has also earned regional recognition through institutional assessments conducted by the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), serving as a strong testament to UM’s quality and prestige as a world-class institution. In addition, UM actively participates in AUN-QA Tier 2 and Tier 3 training programmes and has several certified AUN-QA assessors. This active involvement reflects UM’s steadfast commitment to strengthening regional academic quality assurance, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting best practice sharing among ASEAN universities — further cementing its reputation as a leader in higher education quality assurance regionally and globally. As the most prestigious university in the country, UM will continue to strive for greater heights, further sealing its position as a renowned institution of higher learning that is respected and highly regarded globally. UM is committed to continue providing world-class education and quality research in line with our efforts to be a global university impacting the world.

Western Philippines University (WPU) [Philippines]

Western Philippines University is a State University located in Aborlan, Palawan mandated to "provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction, and training in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, engineering, environment, education, arts and sciences, rural development and other relevant fields of study, promote research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization (Section 2, R.A. 9260). Established in 1910 as a farm settlement school for the Tagbanuas, it has grown into a recognized SUC Level III institution.

With a current student population of approximately 14,000 on its 8 campuses across Palawan, WPU offers a wide range of AACCUP-accredited and CHED COPC-compliant programs in fields such as agriculture and environmental sciences, fisheries and aquatic sciences, engineering and information systems, social work and education, public administration and business, and criminology. Annually, WPU produces an average of 2,000 graduates—the next shapers and movers of Palawan, the Philippines, and the world.

Now a leading State University in the MIMAROPA region, it is at the forefront of various key endeavors it carries out its trifold function: Guided by its strong mandate for excellence, service, and innovation, WPU harbors holistic development through the interwoven efforts of instruction, research, and extension-serving its growing student population from north to south, east to west, and ensuring it remains "A strong partner for sustainable development" in Western Philippines and beyond.

WPU is nationally recognized for its quality education, as a National University for Agriculture and a Center of Excellence in Fisheries; WPU is the most prolific producer of international quality research in MIMAROPA, being awarded as the sole winner of the Global Health Focus's Top-Performing MIMAROPA Universities in Research Production in 2024, for being the only state university in the Region of MIMAROPA with Scopus-indexed publications; WPU is nationally and internationally recognized for its extension services, being a recipient of the "Pro Patria Award" and the "Ramon Magsaysay Award" for the “Bayanihan” School Program. It is also designated by the Commission on Human Rights as the Provincial Center for Human Rights Education. WPU leads MIMAROPA in internationalization and sustainability, being the first MIMAROPA SUC to be internationally ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. It is also recognized in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, ranking 22nd in Industrial Application, 22nd in Crisis Management, and 36th in SDG-Based Responses to Global Challenges. WPU is a hallmark of international quality, with the entire University being certified to ISO 9001:2015 in 2024.