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Universities,  policymakers meet to reshape Oman’s research chairs

Monday, 16 February 2026 20:55

Muscat – The Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and in cooperation with Muscat University, held a national symposium on Monday to review the performance of research chairs and outline a framework to strengthen their role in scientific output and innovation. The event, titled ‘Engineering the Future […]

Muscat – The Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and in cooperation with Muscat University, held a national symposium on Monday to review the performance of research chairs and outline a framework to strengthen their role in scientific output and innovation.

The event, titled ‘Engineering the Future of Research Chairs in the Sultanate of Oman’, was held under the patronage of Dr Jokha bint Abdullah Al Shukaili, chairperson of the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA). Participants examined how research chairs can better support sustainable development and national priorities, including the shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

Organisers said the symposium aimed to reassess the current model of research chairs, promote the exchange of local and international expertise, and develop practical mechanisms to increase their contribution to scientific research and development planning in Oman. The discussions were aligned with the country’s long-term development agenda under Oman Vision 2040.

The meeting brought together representatives of public and private universities, research centre directors, heads of research chairs, funding bodies and researchers. It also marked the inauguration of a new research chair under Unesco at Muscat University. Officials said 10 research chairs in Oman operate under Unesco and two under Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

In remarks at the opening, Khamis bin Hamad Al Yahyaee, president of Muscat University, said research chairs help link academic work to national needs and expand cooperation with local and foreign institutions. He added that the university’s strategy focuses on supporting researchers and providing an enabling research environment.

Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Abri, secretary of the national commission, described the symposium as a step toward redesigning the research chairs system so it functions as a national platform for knowledge and innovation. He said the process would help identify challenges facing existing chairs and improve their long-term viability.

Sessions focused on governance standards, performance indicators, funding sustainability and partnerships with the private sector. Speakers also discussed the contribution of research chairs to economic diversification and priority sectors.

Presentations highlighted ongoing work in areas including marine biotechnology, traditional aflaj irrigation systems, earthquake risk, artificial intelligence and ethics, renewable energy and world heritage, alongside proposals for a unified national vision to guide future chairs.

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