Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region’s leading academic institutions, advancing the UAE Government’s National Agenda by offering internationally accredited academic programs and world-class research. Established in 2003, with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, the University serves over 10000 students representing more than 100 nationalities.
ADU is home to five colleges across diverse disciplines including arts, education, social sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, offering over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, ADU ranks in the top 250 globally. It also ranks second in the UAE and 75th worldwide for research quality. ADU is among the top three universities in the UAE and holds the number one position in the teaching pillar. THE further recognized ADU’s Business and Economics subject area as first in both the UAE and the Arab region.
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, ADU placed 391 globally, rising 110 spots and ranking 5th in the UAE, up two places from last year.
The University also maintains strong international collaborations and holds institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC).
Our esteemed partners for this year's Symposium include:
Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures
The Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures is an interdisciplinary platform that brings together students, researchers, and faculty to explore the intersection of environmental change and human health. The event places particular emphasis on cancer risk, microbiome science, translational research, and youth-led innovation, while creating a credible academic space for presentation, discussion, recognition, and future collaboration.
Key Highlights
- Student oral presentations and digital poster showcase
- Opening ceremony on Day 1 and main recognition ceremony on Day 2
- Expert keynote session and youth-faculty dialogue panel
- Re-presentation by selected winners during the final ceremony
- Certificates, awards, and academic visibility for participants
Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures
Students and early-career researchers are invited to submit abstracts of original work aligned with the symposium theme and approved submission tracks. Interdisciplinary submissions are strongly encouraged, especially where environmental science, cancer, microbiology, public health, and youth innovation intersect.
Eligibility
Undergraduate and postgraduate students
Recent graduates or early-career researchers, if permitted by the organizers
Individual and team submissions, subject to organizer approval
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Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures
Provide a professional platform for student and early-career research presentations.
Explore the relationship between climate change, environmental stressors, and cancer risk.
Create interdisciplinary dialogue between molecular, biomedical, public health, and social perspectives.
Encourage youth-led solutions, innovation, and scientific curiosity around emerging health challenges.
Recognize and showcase outstanding student work through awards and a final winner presentation ceremony.
Why This Symposium Matters?
Climate change is increasingly understood as a major modifier of global disease burden. Its effects are visible not only in environmental degradation but also in exposure pathways, infectious disease patterns, chronic disease progression, and public health vulnerability. A student symposium built around this theme allows young researchers to engage directly with one of the most urgent scientific and societal questions of our time, while connecting climate awareness to concrete themes such as cancer, microbiome science, prevention, and innovation.
Distinguished keynote speakers at the The 2nd International Conference on Global Sustainable Development 2025.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Pramod Kumar
Associate Director Research and HeadRHRTS-Sharbo and KVK Kinnaur district 172107 HP, India
Dr. Sadanand Sontakke
ScientistsNational Environmental Research Institute, Nagpur, India
Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures
Students should be invited to submit their work under clearly defined themes. Each theme below is broad enough to encourage participation while still keeping the symposium academically focused.
We welcome research papers, case studies, posters, and conceptual papers related to the following themes:
Themes:
1
- Climate Change and Cancer Risk
Research addressing environmental exposures, carcinogenesis, disease burden, climate-linked vulnerabilities, and changing cancer patterns.
2
- Environmental Health and Disease Pathways
Work exploring how pollution, ecological stress, heat, toxins, or other environmental factors influence human health and disease mechanisms.
3
- Microbiome and Human Health
Topics related to host-microbiome interactions, microbial dysbiosis, inflammation, immunity, and links between microbiota and disease.
4
- Natural Products and Therapeutics
Research on bioactive compounds, microbial-derived agents, natural products, or novel therapeutic strategies relevant to health and disease.
5
- Youth-Led Innovation in Health and Sustainability
Projects highlighting student-driven solutions, health innovation, advocacy initiatives, educational campaigns, or socially engaged science.
6
- Digital Health and Emerging Technologies
Work involving artificial intelligence, digital tools, data-driven health approaches, virtual awareness models, or technology-enabled communication.
Symposium Theme:
Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures
Date:
10 & 17 October 2026
Venue:
Dubai, UAE
Important Dates:
Abstract submission deadline
July 10, 2026
Decisions about abstract acceptance
August 15, 2026
Explore the path to a Hybrid Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures with the Program Schedule.
The event is intentionally designed as a two-day symposium. Day 1 is dedicated to the formal opening and presentation of student work. Day 2 serves as the main ceremonial and recognition event, where selected winners present again, awards are announced, and the programme concludes with a stronger sense of visibility and closure.
Duration | Session | Details |
|---|---|---|
DAY 1 - Saturday, 10 October 2026 | ||
15 mins | Opening Ceremony | Welcome by organizers, framing of the symposium theme, and introduction to ADU-CRI x POP Movement collaboration. |
60-75 mins | Student Oral Presentations | Selected students present their work; recommended format is 6 minutes presentation plus 2 minutes Q&A. |
30 mins | Digital Poster Showcase | Poster presenters engage with reviewers and participants in breakout rooms or assigned online presentation spaces. |
DAY 2 - Saturday, 17 October 2026 | ||
10 mins | Welcome | Opening of the final ceremony with a brief recap of Day 1 highlights and quality of submissions. |
25 min | Youth-Faculty Dialogue Panel | Panel conversation on climate change, cancer, community awareness, and the future of student-led research. |
20-25 mins | Winner Presentations | Top selected students re-present their work in front of the wider audience during the main ceremony. |
15 mins | Awards and Recognition | Announcement of best oral presentation, best poster, and other special recognitions as needed. |
10 mins | Closing Ceremony | Final remarks, acknowledgement of organizers and participants, and invitation to future initiatives. |
Authors are invited to submit original articles, review papers, case studies or conceptual papers.
Papers submitted to Symposium shall contain original work by the author(s). The author(s) are solely responsible for any plagiarized submission.
The Symposium's Committee will review all submissions and the authors of accepted papers will be invited to publish them in the Symposium proceedings.
Papers should be written in English and not exceed 5,000 words, including references, tables, and figures. The first page must include the title of the paper, author(s), affiliations, address , and text. Please do not include page numbers on submitted documents.
The authors are required to use the standard manuscript template provided for symposium .
The submitting authors may be required to create a Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit account before uploading the paper (if the submitting author does not have a Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit account). While uploading the paper, the authors should provide the paper's title, an abstract of no more than 250 words, and keywords in the respective text boxes on the paper submission page.
Mood of Participation
All papers will be subject to blind peer review.
All papers should meet the standards of scientific research.
Submitted papers should be no more than 10 pages in length.
All papers should be submitted via the online submission system.
All papers should include an abstract in English.
The topic of the research should be related to the conference themes.
The conference committee has the right to exclude any paper that does not match the submission guidelines.
All papers should be typed in Times New Roman style with the 12-point font for the body of the paper and 14-point font for the main headings and sub-headings.
Margins must be 1 inch (about 2.54 cm).
Font Face must be Times New Roman.
Font Size must be 10 points (except paper Title is 14 pt) in 1.5 times space, and justified.
One blank line should be left after the paper title. After the title, names of authors and affiliations should be provided.
All the authors of a paper should include their full names, affiliations, addresses, ORCID information, and email addresses on the first page of the paper.
An informative 10-point abstract (150 to 200 words) presenting the main points of the paper and conclusions.
Papers should include keywords. List up to five words regarding the essential elements of the paper content.
Tables and figures should be centered and not exceed the given page margins.
Table titles should be on top of the table and all words should be centered, and only the first letters capitalized.
Figures titles should be centered and only the first letters capitalized and located at the bottom of the figures.
One blank line should be allowed between the paragraphs.
References and citations within the text should be prepared in the latest APA format.
Do NOT include PAGE NUMBERS
Do NOT include HEADERS or FOOTNOTES
Oral presentations provide a platform for sharing research findings related to the conference themes.
Proposals for oral presentations should be submitted via the online submission system.
Oral presentation proposals should include an abstract in English, a description of the research, and the names and affiliations of the presenters.
The duration of the oral presentation should be no more than 10 minutes.
The conference committee has the right to exclude any oral presentation proposal that does not match the submission guidelines.
Dubai, UAE.
Dubai, a global metropolis, seamlessly blends modern innovation with rich heritage, making it one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Don’t forget your camera when exploring this vibrant destination, as it’s filled with iconic landmarks and breathtaking sights perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
In Dubai, you're surrounded by towering skyscrapers and stunning waterfronts interwoven with lively promenades to stroll along. You can wander through historic neighborhoods like Al Fahidi and explore fascinating museums that showcase the city’s cultural roots. If you have an eye for architecture, you'll be amazed by the grand mosques and traditional Arabian courtyards hidden amidst the modern skyline. There’s even a bustling Gold Souk and lively spice markets offering authentic Emirati treasures, from handcrafted jewelry and exotic spices to fine textiles and fragrances.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students
Early-career researchers and research assistants
Faculty mentors and academic reviewers
Public health, environmental science, and biomedical professionals
Youth leaders interested in science, sustainability, and health advocacy
The POP Movement is a youth-driven global initiative that empowers individuals to create meaningful social and environmental impact through leadership, innovation, and collaborative action. By connecting students, educators, and changemakers, the movement supports youth participation in awareness-building, community engagement, and solution-oriented programmes.
This symposium represents a shared commitment by ADU-CRI and the POP Movement to bridge academic research with youth-led action. The collaboration is intended to create a forum where scientific discussion, student development, and community-facing impact can intersect in a meaningful and future-oriented way.
Registration for the Symposium began on the 30th June, 2026.
Registration Benefits
Access to all symposium sessions
Certificate of participation
Opportunity to present research or poster, if accepted
Networking with faculty, peers, and youth leaders
Recognition through awards and final ceremony showcase
Opportunity to submit full manuscripts for consideration in a Scopus-indexed journal Collection (subject to peer review and journal acceptance)
Participation is open to eligible students, faculty mentors, invited speakers, and interested attendees. The registration page should include a short participation note, a simple registration link or button, and a concise list of benefits.
The accepted papers at the 2nd International Conference on Global Sustainable Development “Innovating Sustainability for Health, Business & Environmental Solutions” will be published in the conference proceedings.
Selected Papers will be publish in the Scifiniti Publishing: An Indexed Peer Reviewed Journals after reviews.
Papers/ abstract to be submitted online along with registration form and Registration fees details, if one has difficulty in online submission can email to adu_icgs@adu.ac.ae
Recognition should be framed as a central part of the symposium, not an afterthought. Because Day 2 includes the main ceremony, the awards section should clearly communicate that excellence will be visible and celebrated.
Relevance to symposium theme
Scientific or conceptual quality
Clarity of presentation
Innovation and originality
Potential impact or community relevance
Awards:
Best Oral
Presentation
Best Poster
Presentation
Special Recognition
Award
Certificates for all presenters and participants, as applicable
Criteria will be shared later.
Committee Members
Chief Patron:
Prof. Ghassan Aouad
Dr. Ash Pachauri
Patrons:
Prof. Montasir Qasymeh
Dr. Afsheen Raza
Dr. Saroj Pachauri
Organizing Chair:
Dr. Asiya Nazir
Coordinating Committee:
Ms. Komal Mittal
International Advisory:
Prof. Achraf Al Faraj
Prof. Nisreen Hassan Alwan
Prof. Amr Amin
Prof Haleama Al Sabbah
Prof. Nilesh Kumar Sharma
Dr. Touseef Aman
Dr. Nar Singh Chauhan
Prof. Pragati Chauhan
Dr. Antonio Sarmiento Gálan
Dr. Luis Tamayo Pérez
Dr. Alberto Zucconi
Dr. Norma Patricia Muñoz Sevilla
Prof (Dr.) Sarika Sharma
National Committee:
Dr. Rahaf Ajaj
Dr. Hatem Abushammala
Dr. Amel Hamdi
Dr. Nermin Eissa
Comfort and Convenience Near Abu Dhabi University.
For attendees of the ADU_ICEDU2024 conference at Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi Campus, the following accommodation options are recommended:
Information will be updated soon. Stay tuned!
Dubai Mall: A Shopper’s Paradise and Entertainment Haven
After the enriching experience at ADU_ICGSD_2025, we invite you to join us for an exclusive Post Conference Tour, exploring one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. This guided tour will take you on an exciting journey through Dubai Mall, where world-class shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences come together in one spectacular destination.
Dubai Mall: A Shopper’s Paradise and Entertainment Haven
Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, offering a captivating blend of luxury, culture, and adventure. Home to over 1,200 retail stores, it features everything from high-end fashion to local artisans, making it a global shopping paradise. Beyond retail, visitors can explore world-class attractions, including the stunning Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the enchanting VR Park, and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink.
A visit to Dubai Mall is incomplete without experiencing The Dubai Fountain’s mesmerizing water performances and indulging in a culinary journey across its 200+ dining outlets, serving flavors from around the world. With direct access to the Burj Khalifa, visitors can ascend to breathtaking heights for panoramic city views. Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping center—it’s a dynamic hub of entertainment, innovation, and cultural experiences, making it an unmissable destination for travelers of all interests.
