Connecting Climate, Health, Research and Youth Innovation

The POP Movement, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the ADU Cancer Research Institute (ADU-CRI), is contributing to the Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures 2026, taking place on 10 and 16 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This collaboration brings together the POP Movement’s international experience in climate action and youth empowerment with ADU-CRI’s expertise in cancer research, health sciences, education, and student engagement. Together, the partners aim to create a platform where scientific research, climate and health awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and youth-led innovation can come together.

The symposium will bring together students, researchers, faculty members, health professionals, environmental experts, and youth leaders to examine the connections among climate change, environmental health, cancer, microbiome science, emerging technologies, and sustainable health solutions.

The POP Movement works to empower young people to take meaningful action in response to climate change and related global challenges. Through education, mentorship, capacity building, and international collaboration, it helps young people develop their ideas, communicate their work, and contribute to sustainable solutions. Its involvement strengthens the symposium’s international and youth-focused dimensions by connecting students and early-career researchers with an international network of academic, environmental, health, and youth leaders.

Dr. Ash Pachauri, Founder and Senior Mentor of the POP Movement, serves as Chief Patron of the symposium. Dr. Saroj Pachauri, Director and Climate-Health Mentor at the POP Movement, is among the Patrons. Dr. Norma Patricia Muñoz Sevilla serves on the International Advisory Committee, while Ms. Komal Mittal is a member of the Coordination Committee.

Their involvement reflects the POP Movement’s commitment to climate and health education, scientific engagement, youth capacity building, and international academic partnerships.

Dr. Ash Pachauri to Participate in-Person

Dr. Ash Pachauri will participate in person at Abu Dhabi University on 16 October 2026.

His participation will strengthen the dialogue among academic research, climate and health action, cancer awareness, and youth engagement. It will also provide students and early-career researchers with an opportunity to engage with an international leader committed to empowering young people to create a healthier and more sustainable future.

Abu Dhabi University and ADU Cancer Research Institute

Abu Dhabi University is committed to advancing research, innovation, and education that respond to important societal and global challenges. Through the ADU Cancer Research Institute, the university promotes interdisciplinary cancer research, student participation, scientific collaboration, and the translation of research into meaningful health and community outcomes.

The symposium is being organized under the patronage of Dr. Afsheen Raza, Director of the ADU Cancer Research Institute, with Dr. Asiya Nazir serving as Organizing Chair. They are supported by an international network of faculty members, researchers, students, advisers, and collaborating organizations.

Through this initiative, ADU-CRI is broadening discussions around cancer by examining how climate-related changes, environmental exposures, microbial communities, natural products, emerging technologies, and social factors may influence cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The collaboration with the POP Movement further supports ADU-CRI’s commitment to providing students and early-career researchers with opportunities to communicate their research, engage with international experts, and contribute to important scientific and community discussions.

About the Symposium

The Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures 2026 will be held in two stages.

Student research presentations will take place virtually on 10 October 2026, followed by the main hybrid symposium at Abu Dhabi University on 16 October 2026.

Designed particularly for undergraduate and postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and young innovators, the symposium will provide opportunities to:

• Present original research through oral presentations and digital posters
• Receive feedback from academic and professional experts
• Engage in interdisciplinary scientific discussions
• Connect with researchers and students from different institutions and countries
• Explore how research can contribute to prevention, innovation, awareness, and community action

From Climate Change to Human Health

Climate change is increasingly recognized as an important public-health challenge. Changes in temperature, air quality, food and water systems, environmental exposures, and biodiversity can affect human health and may contribute to the development and progression of chronic diseases, including cancer.

The symposium will explore these complex connections through the following thematic areas:

• Environmental exposures and cancer
• Climate change and the global cancer burden
• Sustainable environments and cancer prevention
• Microbiome, immunity, and human health
• Natural products and cancer therapeutics
• Nanotechnology and targeted therapeutic approaches
• Digital health and emerging technologies in cancer prevention and management
• Youth-led innovation and community action for sustainable health

These themes will encourage participants to consider the biological, environmental, technological, preventive, and community-based approaches needed to address emerging health challenges.

Youth at the Centre of Future Health Solutions

A central focus of the symposium is to recognize young people not only as learners, but also as researchers, innovators, and contributors to future health solutions.

The program will include student research presentations, a digital poster showcase, expert keynote sessions, and a Youth–Faculty Dialogue Panel addressing climate change, cancer, community awareness, scientific innovation, and the future of student-led research.

The dialogue will provide a space for students and faculty members to exchange perspectives and discuss how universities and international organizations can support young people in translating scientific knowledge into meaningful action.

Moving Research Beyond the Classroom

Through the collaboration between the POP Movement, Abu Dhabi University, and the ADU Cancer Research Institute, the symposium seeks to create a space where research can move beyond the classroom and contribute to awareness, prevention, innovation, and community action.

By connecting climate science, cancer research, microbiome studies, technology, sustainability, and youth leadership, the symposium will encourage participants to approach complex health challenges from multiple perspectives.

The Student Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures 2026 is more than an academic event. It is an opportunity to strengthen young voices, build international connections, and encourage research that responds to the health and environmental challenges shaping our shared future.

Key Dates

• 10 October 2026: Virtual student research presentations
• 16 October 2026: Main hybrid symposium at Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Explore the Symposium: Abu Dhabi University – Symposium on Climate, Cancer, and Youth Futures