Muscat: The Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) today announced the launch of the second edition of the 'Programme of Cooperation with Sultan Qaboos Scientific Chairs'. The programme highlights national efforts to maximize gains from the Sultan Qaboos Scientific Chairs and to enhance international research cooperation.
According to Oman News Agency, the programme aims to promote international research partnerships, enable researchers and innovators to acquire global expertise and skills, and support the generation of quality research that contributes to pragmatic solutions to challenges. The programme also seeks to consolidate the Sultanate of Oman's position in the global scientific research and innovation system.
Dr. Atika Yahya Al Husseini, member of the RIA's Programmes Department, told Oman News Agency that the first edition of the programme saw a large turnout of researchers and academic and research institutions. The first edition of the programme drew 46 research proposals from 9 research institutions from Oman, said Dr. Atika, noting that the first edition of the programme was implemented in cooperation with 12 scientific chairs from among Sultan Qaboos Chairs in prestigious international universities and academic institutions. She added that the outcome of evaluation of the entries to the first edition of the programme resulted in the approval of funding for 8 research projects. The funded projects cover the domains of humanities, social sciences, and applied sciences, she said.
Dr. Atika explained that the diversity of the projects reflects the programme's success in developing sustainable research relations that serve domestic priorities and contribute to upgrading national research capabilities. She explained that the RIA serves as a link between heads of scientific chairs and researchers, within the context of a drive to support joint research cooperation, exchange expertise and devise innovative solutions to national, regional and international challenges.
'The second edition of the programme stems from efforts to establish international scientific partnerships and support the system of research and innovation in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,' said Dr. Atika. Sultan Qaboos Scientific Chairs, Professorships, and Fellowships serve as initiatives that embody the role of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting human knowledge and enhancing global dialogue and cultural rapprochement between the Arab world and other countries of the world.