On Monday, April 6, 2026, the College of Law at the University of Mosul witnessed the discussion of a PhD thesis titled “Exploitation of the Seabed in Light of Scientific Developments,” submitted by student Shaimaa Ahmed Hussein Ahmed.

The thesis addressed the legal challenges associated with the 1982 Convention (UNCLOS), which is considered the constitution of the law of the sea and oceans, in light of the modern technological revolution. The thesis focused on the following essential points:

• Technological Development: The impact of the use of artificial intelligence in mining and exploration operations, and the use of autonomous vehicles to explore resources in the international seabed area (the Area).

• International Hegemony: The pursuit of major industrialized nations to dominate this area, which is considered the common heritage of humanity, without adhering to the principles of fair distribution of benefits and peaceful exploitation.

• Legal Deficiency: Diagnosing the shortcomings in current legal frameworks to keep pace with scientific developments, determining international liability for damages, and mechanisms for dispute settlement in the Seabed Disputes Chamber.

The thesis aimed to establish an advanced legal system for the exploration and exploitation of the resources of the international area beyond national jurisdiction, ensuring optimal economic investment in light of modern technological advancements.

The discussion committee consisted of a distinguished group of professors:

• Prof. Dr. Khalaf Ramadan Mohammed (Chair)

• Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz Ramadan Ali (Member)

• Prof. Dr. Ahmed Tariq Yassin (Member)

• Prof. Dr. Bashir Subhan Ahmed (Member)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Fathi Mohammed Fathi (Member)

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Suhad Abdul Jamal Abdul Karim (Member and Supervisor)