Abstract:
Where can curiosity, courage and a willingness to chase a dream take you?
From growing up beside the ocean in New Zealand to exploring all seven continents, working in marine conservation across Arabia, making wildlife documentaries and writing books, Winston Cowie's journey has been anything but conventional.
In this inspirational talk, Winston shares the experiences, decisions and unexpected opportunities that took him from studying law in New Zealand to pursuing environmental policy and conservation at Oxford, and ultimately to a career protecting some of the world's most extraordinary marine environments in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Through stories of exploration, scientific discovery, adventure, professional achievements and personal setbacks, Winston reflects on the lessons he has learnt along the way: dream big, embrace challenges, remain curious, persevere through adversity and never be afraid to change direction.
Drawing on experiences ranging from the nature and cultures of the Arabian Peninsula and the remote wilderness of Antarctica to encounters with whale sharks and leading major marine conservation programmes, he shows how science, curiosity and a ‘can-do’ attitude can open doors to adventure, leadership and meaningful impact.
For KAUST's next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators, the message is simple: your degree is only the beginning. The opportunities ahead are extraordinary, and the choices you make, the challenges you embrace and the stories you create will help shape your future.
Carpe diem — seize the day. Always forwards.

Bio:
Winston Cowie is a New Zealand-born marine conservationist, author, travel writer, and adventurer. A former lawyer turned conservation leader, he has worked internationally across New Zealand, the Arabian Peninsula, and Antarctica on marine conservation, wildlife protection, environmental policy, and sustainability, including expeditions to some of the most remote regions of New Zealand and Arabia. Educated at the University of Oxford, Winston currently works on large-scale conservation initiatives across the Arabian Peninsula. He is the author of New Zealand non-fiction, historical fiction, and adventure writing, including the autobiographical travel memoir Kiwi to the Kingdoms: New Zealand to Blue Arabia. A high-performance sportsman, Winston has represented the United Arab Emirates internationally in rugby union and triathlon, played in the Oxford-Cambridge Varsity Match at Twickenham, completed a full Ironman, and crossed the Sahara in the legendary Marathon des Sables. His travel writing and storytelling weave exploration, purpose, and the call of the wild, inspiring others to live adventurously while protecting the natural world.