To shed light on the activities SQU Research Chairs in a wide range of strategic research within their fields and across disciplines, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) organized a panel discussion on its Research Chairs on Wednesday, 11 December 2019. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Azza Al Ismaili, Minister of Technology & Communications.

In her welcome address, Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, said that the Research Chairs at SQU engage in focused research and innovation activity, in addition to various forms of teaching and community service, in their specializations. “This research is often applied in nature. As a result, the research projects conducted by the university’s Research Chairs makes a direct and important contribution to issues of national, regional, and international importance. In this way, the research work SQU’s Research Chairs perform not only supports the strategic direction and goals of Vision 2040, but also helps address issues of national, regional, and international importance”, she said.

SQU currently has seven Research Chairs. These are: the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free Zones, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Research Chair in Economic Studies, the UNESCO Research Chair on Ophiolite Studies, the UNESCO Chair in Marine Biotechnology, the WTO Chair, the Shell Chair in Carbonate Geosciences, and, the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Academic Chair. These Chairs offer research, innovation, and community service across a wide range of strategic fields, while also helping the university solidify strong formal ties with a range of local and international organizations who are stakeholders in the sultanate’s development.

The panel discussion brought together all of SQU’s Research Chair holders in a discussion of their development and specializations, current and future projects, services, consultancies and collaborations, achievements and so on. “By coming together today for the SQU Research Chairs Panel Discussion, we hope to learn more about the impact that they have in their fields and the ways in which their research and innovation initiatives contribute to Oman’s sustainable socio-economic development”, the Deputy Vice Chancellor noted.