The sixth International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Optimisation (N–A–O 2026) commenced under the patronage of Professor Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Saqri, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences and member of the State Council. The opening ceremony was held at the Conference Hall.
The conference is organised by the Department of Mathematics at the College of Science and runs for three days. At the opening session, Professor Mohammed bin Abdulmajid Al-Lawati, Chair of the Organising Committee, delivered a keynote address in which he affirmed that the Department of Mathematics has a long-standing tradition of organising and hosting international academic conferences that enhance scientific exchange and build bridges of research collaboration. He noted that the N–A–O conference series has been held at Sultan Qaboos University once every three years since N–A–O 2008, followed by the 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020 editions. Over the years, the conference has established itself as a prestigious international scientific platform, with previous editions resulting in high-quality scientific publications, special issues in peer-reviewed journals, and sustained research collaborations.
He added that the sixth edition of the conference continues this distinguished scientific legacy through a rich three-day programme that includes more than 20 invited keynote lectures and around 60 scientific presentations. The conference brings together researchers of 25 nationalities from universities and research institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, the Gulf region, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. This wide diversity of participation reflects the growing international standing of the N–A–O conference series and its continued development.
Dr. Majda bint Talib Al-Hinai, from the Department of Mathematics and Chair of the National Committee of Mathematics at Sultan Qaboos University, also delivered a speech in which she highlighted the committee’s role as a national platform for promoting mathematical research and strengthening academic cooperation. She emphasised that mathematics is not merely a foundational discipline, but a strategic driver of innovation, technology transfer and sustainable development. She explained that, in line with Oman Vision 2040, the committee supports initiatives that enhance the quality of scientific research and link theory with practice, stressing that building the capacities of youth and early-career researchers is a central priority in preparing a new generation of mathematics research leaders capable of contributing to national progress and competitiveness.
Professor Michael Saunders, one of the conference’s keynote speakers and a professor at Stanford University, also shared reflections on his experience with previous conferences on numerical analysis and optimisation.
It is worth noting that the conference addresses a range of cutting-edge research developments in theory, algorithms and advanced applications in engineering, science and medicine, with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary research and fostering integration among research efforts across key sectors of both pure and applied sciences. Participants will present their innovative research findings and discuss recent advances in applicable methods and techniques within their fields of specialisation. The conference also provides an opportunity for regional researchers to showcase their latest scientific work.