The 21st edition of the annual Scientific Festival, organised by the College of Science Students Society (CSSS), was inaugurated this morning at the Grand Hall of the University Cultural Centre, under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Muna bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation.
This pioneering festival serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing students' scientific innovations and projects. This year’s edition is aligned with national priorities, spotlighting the contributions of College of Science students in tackling Oman’s environmental and developmental challenges, while cultivating a vibrant atmosphere for scientific inquiry and creative thinking.
In the opening speech, Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Balushi, Supervisor of the CSSS, praised the festival’s vital role in empowering student potential. He emphasised how the festival has evolved into a key hub for nurturing scientific projects from across higher education institutions and transforming them into tangible outcomes for national development. Highlighting this year’s focus, he noted that this edition places a special emphasis on artificial intelligence, in line with global advancements. He concluded with heartfelt thanks to the guest of honour, sponsoring companies, and the audience.
Student Rawan Al-Salami, President of the CSSS, also addressed the audience, reaffirming the festival’s significance as a milestone in student innovation and a testament to the group’s commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and purpose-driven projects that benefit society.
She remarked that the event aims to harness the energy of youth and awaken creative minds, ultimately crafting practical solutions for today’s challenges while envisioning a brighter, more prosperous future, echoing the ambitions of the Oman Vision 2040.
The opening ceremony also included recognition of the festival’s sponsors and supporters, followed by the launch of the accompanying exhibition, which this year features 35 student-led projects from various higher education institutions across the Sultanate of Oman. The projects span a diverse range of fields including environment, energy, advanced technologies, healthcare, industry, agriculture, and fisheries, reflecting the breadth of student innovation and their responsiveness to national challenges.
The festival brings together the seven groups within the CSSS, alongside participants from both public and private higher education institutions in Oman, as well as representatives from organisations engaged in innovation and scientific research.