The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation announced on Monday that 13 scholarly papers have been awarded in the 11th edition of the National Research Award. The award ceremony was held at the Oman Across the Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, located in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah.
This announcement was made during the 11th Annual Researchers Forum, themed "Innovation and Entrepreneurship," which is currently being conducted under the patronage of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
A total of 274 participants competed for the award, including 167 individuals holding PhDs or equivalent qualifications, as well as senior specialists and physicians. Additionally, 107 emerging researchers participated in the contest, with 207 research papers advancing to the final stage of evaluation.
In her address at the event, Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, emphasized that this year's Annual Researchers Forum is centered on the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship in fostering a knowledge-based economy. The aim is to strengthen the connection between research, innovation, and the economic sectors within society.
Dr. Rahma further elaborated that the Ministry is committed to enhancing this role through various programs and projects outlined in the tenth five-year plan (2021-2025).
The minister addressed the recent initiation and implementation of a "Programme to Support the Establishment and Operation of Innovation and Technology Transfer Centres" within higher education institutions. She emphasized that this programme aims to assist innovators and entrepreneurs in transforming their research findings and technological advancements into viable commercial ventures.
She elaborated that the programme is structured around three primary service packages: "business incubators and accelerators," "modelling laboratories," and "technology transfer and development offices." Additionally, it highlights the significance of educating stakeholders on the registration of intellectual property rights and the advantages of leveraging these rights.
During the forum, several contracts related to the Strategic Research Projects Programme were finalized. This programme is designed to benefit government institutions, with agreements established with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Dhofar Municipality.
Furthermore, 29 protocols were signed with various government and private universities, colleges, research centers, and the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) as part of the "Institutional Funding Programme," which offers support based on expertise.
The forum also featured a visual presentation on the National Research Award, two discussion panels focused on the role of institutions in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and an exhibition showcasing research projects and prototypes of innovative initiatives.
The ceremony honored the recipients of the National Research Award, recognizing achievements across six distinct sectors. Additionally, it celebrated the winners of the “Best Published Research Award for Emerging Researchers” (non-PhD holders), with six published papers being acknowledged as winners.
