Coinciding with the 25th University Day celebrations, the international conference “Scientific Research and Sustainability: A Vision for Change” continues to engage participants in a series of rich scientific sessions and discussions. The event brings together a distinguished group of local and international academics, researchers, and experts from various sectors, expanding the horizons of dialogue on sustainability and research.
On its second day, the conference featured three main sessions, each offering unique perspectives on advancing sustainable research both within and beyond academia. Participants represented both public and private sectors, as well as universities from across the region and beyond, enabling a fruitful and diverse exchange of ideas.
The day began with a session on research sustainability, moderated by Prof. Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Balushi, Director of the Quality Assurance Office. Dr. Faisal Al-Anezi, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia, discussed the long-term impact of sustainable research strategies on future generations. Dr. Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Abri, Vice President for Sustainability at Sohar Port and Freezone, offered a practical perspective through a real-world case study on how industry can support sustainable research efforts.
The second session focused on research impact. Prof. Yogesh Dwivedi, a researcher at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, outlined methods for measuring the influence of academic work. Dr. Saeed Almeer, Director of Grant and Contract Research Support at Qatar University, delivered a comprehensive analysis of the university’s research output from 2020 to 2024. His presentation used both quantitative and qualitative indicators to highlight the alignment of this output with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session was moderated by Dr. Adil bin Said Al-Busaidi, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at SQU.
The third and final session, organised by the Academic Network for Development Dialogue (ANDD), centred on enhancing sustainable research systems in Arab universities. Moderated by Prof. Elham Kateeb, Dean of Scientific Research at Al-Quds University, the panel featured academics from SQU and other institutions across the Arab world. They explored both the challenges and opportunities facing research ecosystems in the region.
The conference second day concludes with a workshop presented by Dr. Sukaina Al-Nasrawi of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and Dr. Evren Tok, Chair of ANDD from Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The session aims to equip participants with practical strategies for writing effective, impactful policy papers. Key topics include structuring policy documents, tailoring messages to specific audiences, and adopting evidence-based writing to engage decision-makers.
As the conference draws to a close, participants can look forward to further scientific sessions that promise to sustain the momentum of dialogue, discovery, and the drive toward meaningful, sustainable transformation.