Forum in Muscat trains students in advanced research methods

Muscat Daily

6 days ago

Muscat – The fourth edition of the Research Skills Forum began on Sunday at Arab Open University Muscat bringing together chosen postgraduate students from across Oman for two weeks of training in advanced research methods.
Organised by Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, in cooperation with Arab Open University, the event will run till August 21. It is aimed at enhancing the research capacity of students from universities and science colleges.
Haitham bin Saleh al Yarubi, Research and Innovation Capacity Building Specialist at the ministry, said the forum is part of ongoing efforts 'to develop the research skills of graduate students and empower them with modern scientific research tools and methods, in line with Oman's efforts to enhance the research and innovation environment'.
He said this year's programme focuses on 'mixed research', an approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. 'We received 220 applications from researchers in various institutions,' he said. 'After screening according to specific criteria, 80 participants were selected and divided into two groups of 40 each.'
The ministry plans to expand the scope of the forum in future editions to include broader fields and a larger pool of researchers.
Dr Hamad bin Hilal al Yahmadi, Dean of the College of Education at the Arab Open University, said hosting the event was part of the university's commitment 'to create a stimulating environment for researchers and provide the academic support necessary for the success of such events, in partnership with the ministry'.
Over the two weeks, participants will attend seminars and interactive sessions on the applied aspects of hybrid research, including study design, research management, data collection and analysis, and the publication of scientific results.