Dr. Rana Abualhaija is a marine ecologist and Managing Director of Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services (CSCS), a company specializing in marine technology, autonomous systems, and ocean monitoring. Her work sits at the interface of science and industry, focusing on the deployment and integration of advanced subsea technologies to support environmental monitoring, operational decision-making, and policy.
She holds an MSc in Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Cyprus and a PhD in Environmental, Energy and Atmospheric Science from the Cyprus Institute. Dr. Abualhaija has led and contributed to numerous national and European projects, acting as Principal Investigator, Work Package Leader, and Project Coordinator. Her experience spans long-term ocean observation, biodiversity assessment, and the application of innovative tools, including autonomous platforms and acoustic systems.
She has played a key role in establishing marine monitoring initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the region’s first open-sea, long-term plankton monitoring efforts, and has contributed to advancing best practices in data management and FAIR data principles. Through her work at CSCS, she leads the commercialization and operational deployment of marine technologies, bridging the gap between research, industry, and end-users.
Dr. Abualhaija works closely with public authorities, research institutions, and private stakeholders, contributing to science-based solutions that support ocean health, maritime safety, and sustainable blue growth. Her current focus includes strengthening regional collaboration and advancing the transition from ocean research to scalable, real-world applications aligned with the EU Ocean Pact.