Muscat: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation announced the distinguished winners of the 12th National Award for Scientific Research, crowning thirteen published scientific papers. The awards were conferred during the Twelfth Annual Researchers’ Forum, themed “Research Published… Visions Realized.” The ceremony, held under the patronage of HH Sayyedah Mayan bint Shihab Al Said at Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat, was attended by ministers, officials and dignitaries.
According to Oman News Agency, the 2025 edition of the award attracted 284 participants, comprising 175 holders of a doctorate or equivalent degree and 109 emerging researchers. In her keynote address, Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, affirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s steadfast commitment to building a robust research and innovation ecosystem that underpins sustainable national development. She highlighted Oman’s ascension to 69th place in the Global Innovation Index, the inclusion of five Omani universities in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and eleven institutions featured in regional rankings.
Detailing the Ministry’s strategic initiatives, the minister noted that 22 priority research areas addressing governmental challenges were identified in 2025. Furthermore, 39 research projects across seven government institutions received over RO 1 million in funding. The Competency-Based Institutional Funding program received 1,045 proposals, leading to the allocation of more than RO 2.6 million to support 29 academic institutions.
Dr. Rahma underscored ongoing efforts to elevate research quality through flagship programs, including the “Scientific Publishing Support” program launched in 2023 and collaborative research initiatives with the Sultan Qaboos Academic Chairs. She also emphasized the critical role of the “Ejad” platform in bridging industrial challenges with academic solutions.
Regarding foundational infrastructure, the minister outlined significant achievements, such as the Oman Research and Education Network (OMREN) offering over 26 digital services, the “Masader” virtual science library, the national repository ‘Shuaa’ and the expansion of specialized research centers and postgraduate programs.
In innovation support, she highlighted programs like “Support for the Creation and Enablement of Innovation and Technology Transfer Centers”-benefiting five institutions-and the “Upgrade” program for transforming graduation projects into startups.
Dr. Abdel Majeed Benamara, Secretary-General of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, emphasized the vital importance of pan-Arab cooperation in advancing scientific research. He commended Oman’s unwavering support for the Federation’s initiatives, noting the alignment of these efforts with the Oman Vision 2040. This year’s forum coincided with Oman hosting the Federation’s 47th session.
The forum featured the signing of multiple strategic research contracts with various ministries and government bodies, alongside institutional funding agreements with 29 public and private educational institutions and contracts for the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centers Support program.
Event activities included a presentation on research and publishing support programs, a panel discussion on scientific publishing quality, a showcase of a researcher’s success story, and an exhibition of award-winning projects.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the new visual identity for the “Oman Innovates” platform. The design, inspired by a “Vision Icon” concept, symbolizes the platform’s mission to foster an integrated national innovation landscape and translate ideas into tangible outcomes.
The ceremony honoured the winners across six research sectors. In the Ph.D. category, six papers were awarded, including research on the “ApMove” system in communications, an analytical device for phenol extraction, applications of generative AI in education, a 3D-bioprinted wound dressing, efficiency in natural gas liquefaction cycles, and motivations for fintech adoption.
Seven papers from emerging researchers were also recognized across the sectors, featuring work on enhanced lithium-ion battery models, nanocomposites for pollutant removal, qualitative research-based training programs, 3D scaffolds for wound healing, improved hydrogen liquefaction efficiency, and specialized studies in molecular synthesis.
The National Award for Scientific Research aims to strengthen the connection between research outputs and end-users while promoting scientific publishing as a key metric for quality and global innovation rankings. The event also honoured the winners of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils’ Award for Arab Food Security.