Ocean Innovation and Sustainable Maritime Solutions
Ocean Innovation and Sustainable Maritime Solutions
The International University of Monaco (IUM) proudly welcomed the second edition of the Académie de la Mer summer session, Promotion Rainier Ier Grimaldi, from June 30 to July 12, 2025.
Held in the heart of the Principality, this distinguished program stands as a symbol of IUM’s growing partnership with the Académie de la Mer, both committed to addressing global ocean challenges through academic excellence and practical engagement.
A Royal Commitment to Ocean Protections
The program received a powerful endorsement from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose presence highlighted the Principality’s deep-rooted commitment to ocean protection. On Monday, July 7th, the Prince visited IUM, reaffirming Monaco’s leadership in marine sustainability and support for academic initiatives in this field. His attendance at the closing Colloque on July 11th further emphasized the importance of fostering high-level international collaboration to address global maritime challenges.
As Mr. Laurent Anselmi, Executive President of the Académie de la Mer, noted, “La mer fait partie de l’ADN de la principauté” (the sea is part of the Principality’s DNA), reflecting Monaco’s deep-rooted connection to maritime affairs.
Uniting Purpose and Action
Building on the success of our inaugural 2024 partnership, the two-week program continues to deliver a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to marine and oceanic studies, encompassing scientific research, maritime law, economic and geopolitical perspectives. The curriculum combined rigorous academic content with immersive field experiences, equipping participants with practical insights into pressing marine issues.
Program Highlights and Expert Speakers
A distinguished lineup of experts and international institutions contributed to the session:
- Ocean Health and Marine Biodiversity: Richard Sempéré (Aix-Marseille University) laid a scientific foundation with ocean health assessments, while Bastien Mérigot (University of Montpellier) explored biodiversity and conservation in the Mediterranean.
- Maritime Security and Geopolitics: Jean-Vincent Holeindre (Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas) and Adrien Proal (French Navy) addressed maritime power dynamics and security in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
- Legal Frameworks and Humanitarian Dimensions: Niki Aloupi (Université Paris II), Erik Franckx (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), and Joëlle Casanova (École Nationale de la Magistrature) guided participants through evolving maritime law, crisis response, and legal innovation.
- The Mediterranean in All Its States: A central theme explored regional border issues, coral reef regeneration, and pollution challenges with speakers such as Vasilka Sancin, Pirro Vengu, Stéphanie Reynaud, and Sébastien Mabile.
- Blue Economy and Marine Innovation: A closing symposium on “Mer et Énergies” explored renewable marine energy, featuring voices like Jessica-Joyce Njaboum and Mohamed Amine Balambo.
Immersive Onsite Experiences
This second edition marks a deepening collaboration between IUM and the Académie de la Mer, with both institutions aligning their missions to combine education, diplomacy, and sustainability. Under the leadership of Jean-Philippe Muller, Director of IUM, the university continues to grow its international reach, offering a uniquely multicultural environment with over 75 nationalities represented among students and faculty.
Founded in 1986 and part of Groupe OMNES, IUM continues to position itself at the intersection of business, innovation, and global impact, making it an ideal host for this ambitious and globally relevant program.
Looking Ahead
As the “Promotion Rainier Ier Grimaldi” draws to a close, the momentum continues. This second edition reinforces the strong partnership between the International University of Monaco and the Académie de la Mer de Monaco, demonstrating our continued dedication to excellence and our shared mission to protect and preserve marine ecosystems for future generations.
The International University of Monaco is honoured to have hosted the second cohort of passionate ocean advocates and wishes great success to all participants!