The Central Analytical and Applied Research Unit (CAARU) at the College of Science has obtained international accreditation in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard for testing laboratory services from the Gulf Accreditation Centre.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the University’s scientific and research journey, underscoring the Unit’s high level of technical competence and its ability to provide analytical and testing services in line with internationally recognised standards. It also reinforces SQU’s position as a leading academic and research institution at both the regional and international levels.

The Unit seeks to enhance its services through obtaining quality certifications in accordance with international standards, in addition to achieving full digital transformation of its service delivery system. This contributes to improving efficiency and facilitating access for beneficiaries. The Unit also provides sample analysis services through a range of applied and biological analyses, benefiting various sectors and supporting development and innovation both within and beyond the University.

In line with its vital role in supporting scientific research and providing advanced analytical services, the Unit continues its commitment to enhancing the quality of performance through the development of laboratory technologies and the strengthening of technical staff capabilities, ensuring the delivery of reliable services that meet the needs of researchers and beneficiary institutions.

The Central Analytical and Applied Research Unit is one of the divisions of the College of Science. The idea for its establishment dates back to 2004, when valuable analytical scientific instruments were distributed across several laboratories in different departments within the College. The concept emerged to consolidate these facilities into a centralised unit serving multiple disciplines.

With support from the University administration, the College worked to procure additional equipment to strengthen the Unit’s capabilities, while also training and qualifying technicians to become specialists in operating and using these instruments. In 2012, the Unit was officially approved within the organisational structure of the College of Science as an independent unit.

The Unit houses around fifteen specialised instruments, in addition to supporting and auxiliary equipment, with a total procurement value exceeding two million Omani rials. These were funded through the University’s budget, with some acquired through externally funded research projects.

The Unit employs 16 staff members, seven of whom hold PhD or Master’s degrees. Most are involved in providing research consultations and analytical services using the Unit’s instruments, each within their area of specialisation.

It is worth noting that, over recent years, the Unit’s team has successfully developed it into a central hub for analytical and applied research services within the College of Science and beyond, while also fostering collaborative relationships between the College and various sectors across the Sultanate of Oman.