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SQU researcher honoured with Unesco Young Talents award

Saturday, 6 December 2025 19:31

Muscat –  Omani researcher Ohood Mohammed Said al Ghadani, a PhD fellow at Sultan Qaboos University, has brought national pride after securing the 2025 L’Oréal-Unesco Young Talents in the Middle East award, for her research on reducing post-harvest losses through innovative packaging design. The L’Oréal-Unesco Young Talents programme supports women researchers from GCC states and […]

Muscat –  Omani researcher Ohood Mohammed Said al Ghadani, a PhD fellow at Sultan Qaboos University, has brought national pride after securing the 2025 L’Oréal-Unesco Young Talents in the Middle East award, for her research on reducing post-harvest losses through innovative packaging design.

The L’Oréal-Unesco Young Talents programme supports women researchers from GCC states and Yemen. The award recognises early-career female scientists in the Life and Physical Sciences.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ohood said her work focuses on one of the key challenges facing food supply chains in Oman and the region. Her research looks at how improved packaging can reduce damage to agricultural produce during transport and storage.

“This award is a source of pride for me and for every female researcher who believes in the role of science in development,” she said. “It also motivates me to continue my research with greater determination and to inspire young Arab women to pursue science and innovation.”

She said the idea for her research came from Oman Vision 2040, which places strong emphasis on sustainability and food security. She noted that post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector remain high due to the use of traditional packaging materials that cannot absorb shocks and vibrations during transport.

Her study uses finite element modelling to simulate how produce and packaging respond to pressure and vibration. This helps identify weaknesses in packaging and allows new designs to be tested virtually before being used in the field.

According to Ohood, improved packaging could help preserve the quality of produce, extend shelf life, and reduce waste along the supply chain – contributing to a more sustainable food system in Oman.

She added that she aims to turn her research findings into a practical model in collaboration with stakeholders in the agricultural sector, and eventually develop a commercially viable product that benefits farmers.

“Omani women today are active contributors in science and innovation thanks to government support and a national vision that values their role,” she said. “This award reflects the capabilities and potential of Omani women in scientific research.”

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