S.H.E Webinar: Celebrating Women in Deep-Sea Science and Technological Innovation: Creating Lasting Impact through Knowledge Transfer
3 Dec 2025 - 3 Dec 2025
Celebrating Women in Deep-Sea Science and Technological Innovation: Creating Lasting Impact through Knowledge Transfer
Date: 3 December 2025
Duration: 90 minutes
Format: Virtual (Zoom)
Co-organized by: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) and the Republic of France
Register here: SHE Webinar
Context
This high-level webinar, co-organized by the International Seabed Authority and the Republic of France, marks the culmination of the See Her Exceed (S.H.E.) Mentorship Programme, a flagship initiative under ISA’s Women in Deep-Sea Research (WIDSR) Project. Building on the momentum of recent S.H.E. events held during the 30th session of the ISA in Kingston, the event will officially launch the S.H.E. knowledge outputs developed by the programme community.
It will also provide a platform for reflection on achievements and a forward-looking dialogue on women’s participation and leadership in deep-sea science and technology.
Objectives
- Launch the S.H.E. knowledge outputs capturing the findings, facts, and recommendations of the mentorship community.
- Celebrate the achievements of women in deep-sea science, technology, and innovation.
- Engage Member States, experts, and stakeholders in discussions on ensuring sustained support and knowledge transfer for women in marine scientific research.
- Strengthen networks and partnerships that promote gender equity and long-term collaboration in ocean science.
Draft Programme:
| Celebrating Women in Deep-Sea Science and Tech Innovation | |
| 8.00– 8.15am
Opening Session
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Welcome by the moderator (2’)
Dr. Gwenaelle Le Gurun, Legal Officer, International Seabed Authority Opening remarks (10’) H.E. Leticia Reis de Carvalho, Madam Secretary-General of ISA H.E. Marianne Ziss, Ambassador of France to Jamaica and Permanent Representative of France to ISA
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| 8.15-9.25am
Session 1
Expert analysis by the S.H.E. community
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Deep dive into the S.H.E Knowledge Outputs
Moderator: Dr. Noémie Wouters, Programme Coordinator Marine Scientific Research, International Seabed Authority I. Progress in deep-sea science and innovation (35’) · Geology (10’) o Ms. Oluymisi Oluwadare · Biology & oceanography (10’) o Prof. Randa Mejri & Ms. Nezha Mejjad · Engineering 5’ o Dr. Pierre Jean Valayer · Recommendations, scientific priorities, reflections (20’) o Panel discussion S.H.E mentors: · Dr. Rahul Sharma · Mr. John Mataro · Prof. Dr. Ann Vanreusel · Dr. Annemiek Vink · Prof. Dr. Pedro Madureira
II. Promotion of women’s participation in at-sea activities (35’) · Research results (10’) o Ms. Ijeoma Eunice Orji & Ms. Mpho Sehlabo · Best Practices for Gender Inclusivity (10’) o Ms. Tanesha Dixon · A future of inclusivity and knowledge transfer o Panel discussion (15’) · Dr. Marzia Rovere · Dr. François Charlet · Dr. Joshua Tuhumwire · Dr. Samantha Smith
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9.25-9.35am
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S.H.E Community engagement with audience
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9.35– 10.05am
Session 2
Testimonials
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The Journey of Two Experts Pioneering Deep-Sea Biodiversity and Technology
Their Identities, Challenges, and Messages to the Next Generation · Dr. Zhang Yi, Pilot Jiaolong Submersible, China (tbc) · Dr. Ranju Radhakrishnan, post-doctoral researcher, IFREMER, France · Ms. Lucy Njue SHE mentee and Award winning by France |
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10.05 – 10.15 am Closing Session |
Q&A followed by closing remarks Caroline Krakja, Head of the Law of the Sea, River Law and polar Law Department, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France |