The University announced today the winning research projects under the Royal Grant for Strategic Research Projects, on the occasion of the University Day’s 26th anniversary. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al-Shaibani, Minister of Education, and in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor.
The winning projects are as follows:
First: Multi-Omics Signature and Artificial Intelligence Characterization of Omani Familial Hypercholesterolemia (MOSAIC FH)
Prof. Khalid bin Humaid Al-Rasadi
Medical Research Centre
Second: Quantum-FinTech: The Next Generation Financial Technologies Powered by Quantum Computing
Dr. Hafiz Mohammed Asif
College of Engineering
Third: Designing Public Procurement Policies for Sustainable Economic Development and Diversification: AI-based Multidisciplinary Analysis of Procurement Notices
Dr. Bedri Kamil Onur
College of Economics and Political Science
Fourth: A Digitally-Integrated Framework for Nanoparticle-Enhanced CO₂-EOR and Sequestration in Omani Carbonate Reservoirs
Dr. Usman Habu Taura
Oil and Gas Research Centre
Fifth: A Machine Learning-Assisted Method for the Concurrent Detection of Multiple Heavy Metals in Food Samples Utilising Nanoparticles and Paper-Based Lab-on-a-Chip Technology: Rice and Honey as Model Systems
Prof. Haider bin Ahmed Al-Lawati
College of Science
Sixth: Skyrmions Generation by Plasmonic effect for Low Energy and High Capacity Neuromorphic Computing Devices
Prof. Rachid Sbiaa
College of Science
Seventh: Multiscale and Science-based Investigations Towards Sustainable Management of Mesquite Invasive Plant in Oman (MESQ)
Dr. Saleh Jellali
Centre for Environmental Studies and Research
Eighth: Waste to Fuel: An Innovative Combined Heat-Integrated Hydrogen Production and Cryo-Compressed Storage from Date Palm and Agricultural Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Transition Pathway Aligned with Oman Vision 2040
Dr. Ashish Madhukar Gujrathi
Sustainable Energy Research Centre
Ninth: The Cognitive and Neurological Impact of Digital Overload: Assessing the Effects of Low-Quality Social Media Content on Adolescent Brain Health and Mental Resilience in the Sultanate of Oman
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Fahmy Yousef
College of Education
The ceremony commenced with a speech on behalf of the University, delivered by Prof. Amer bin Saif Al-Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research. He stated: “The projects awarded under the 2026 Royal Grant for Strategic Research Projects represent a pioneering national model in directing scientific research towards development priorities with sustainable impact. They reflect the Royal attention given to scientific research as a key driver of development, a catalyst for innovation, and a bridge to the future.”
He added: “On this occasion, we recall a defining moment in the University’s history, the Royal visit of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may he rest in peace, on 2 May 2000. This visit marked a transformative turning point in the trajectory of scientific research in Oman and laid the foundations for a sustainable scientific renaissance.”
He continued: “These Royal directives have resulted in the establishment of an integrated research ecosystem, in which scientific research has become a cornerstone in supporting the national economy and a key driver in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, under the continued patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may Allah protect him.”
He emphasised: “Today’s celebration is not merely a historic milestone; it is also a reaffirmation of our commitment to sustained excellence and to consolidating the scientific and research achievements that have enhanced Oman’s standing regionally and internationally in knowledge and innovation.”
He further noted that scientific research is one of the most critical enablers of comprehensive development, serving as a vital tool for understanding national challenges, proposing scientific solutions, and transforming knowledge into added value that contributes to economic growth, quality of life, and institutional and societal competitiveness.
The ceremony featured a film on scientific research, as well as another highlighting key achievements during 2025. Qais bin Saud Al-Zakwani, Chief Executive Officer of Nama Water Services, also delivered a statement on integrating scientific research and the service sector towards sustainable solutions for national development. He stated: “At Nama Water Services, we firmly believe that scientific research is fundamental to enhancing the water sector. On this occasion, as we celebrate University Day, we are pleased to announce the launch of The Nama Water Services Postgraduate Scholarship and The Nama Water Services Award for Research and Innovation.
Among the most notable outcomes of this approach is our support for more than seven research studies, including advancing the use of treated water (Manhal Nama) in agriculture. The Al-Shakhakhit project stands as a direct result of five years of collaborative research with SQU, demonstrating the quality and safety of treated water for agricultural use. This project has evolved into a leading applied model that enhances food security and reduces pressure on groundwater resources, embodying the principles of sustainability.”
He added that, within the framework of research and development, Nama Water Services continues to pursue qualitative improvements based on research and studies, including the application of aquifer storage and recovery technology. This approach enhances strategic water reserves, ensures supply continuity during emergencies, and reflects a shift towards a more resilient and sustainable system. The project is one of the outcomes of collaborative research with SQU’s Water Research Centre.
He further emphasised that innovation begins with empowering youth, highlighting the company’s support for initiatives such as hackathons, which enable students to engage in real-world challenges and transform their ideas into practical, applicable solutions. He also noted emerging student-led enterprises that are evolving from academic projects into entrepreneurial ventures, citing support for the Upgrade programme in collaboration with the Research and Innovation Authority, with outputs adopted by the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre to develop and commercialise ideas.
In addition, during the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between SQU and Occidental Oman, covering areas of scientific research, training, and capacity development. This step further strengthens collaboration between academia and industry.
The University Day celebration, observed annually on 2 May, reaffirms SQU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its academic and research role and enhancing its position as a leading institution that contributes to developing national talent and fostering innovation in line with the requirements of sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman.