Dr Shifa Mathbout is a climatologist and environmental scientist bridging academia and international policy. Currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Senior Researcher Fellow at CERIDES (European University Cyprus), she leads research on climate extremes, droughts, and water security. She holds a PhD cum laude from the University of Barcelona, where she notably published a landmark Nature (2025) paper on Mediterranean precipitation dynamics. Her career reflects a strong commitment to the science–policy interface. Previously, Dr. Mathbout served as a Senior Consultant for the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) on climate security, a Climate Change Officer at United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), and a researcher for the League of Arab States (ACSAD). She has conducted research visits across Europe and China, enhancing her expertise in arid zones and atmospheric circulation. A frequent international speaker and media contributor, Dr Mathbout was named one of the most influential Arabic women in Europe (2021) and selected for the EU Women4Future campaign, recognising her contributions to environmental resilience and sustainable development.