Latest news with #ResearchandInnovation
Observer
15 hours ago
- General
- Observer
Requests for admission modifications end on Thursday
MUSCAT: The Higher Education Admission Center (HEAC) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, continues to receive preference modification requests for undergraduate admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year, with this phase remaining open until Thursday evening. The centre reported that the number of successfully registered students as of Tuesday morning reached 42,907 (19,988 males and 22,919 females). Among them, 41,027 students have listed their programme preferences for government higher education institutions, domestic scholarships, private-sector-funded grants for private institutions, external scholarships, and grants from friendly nations for the 2025/2026 academic year. Within the same context, the HEAC announced the opening of registration for the Omani Cultural and Scientific Cooperation Program for the 2025/2026 academic year, starting from Thursday, August 21. Admission results will be announced on August 28. The programme offers tuition-free scholarships for students from Arab and friendly nations residing in Oman who have completed Grade 12 in Omani government or international schools. These scholarships are for studies at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), which has allocated seats for non-Omani children of its employees in recognition of their contributions and to support their children's higher education opportunities. — ONA
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Two Omani projects among top picks at London science forum
Muscat – Two research projects from Oman have been selected among the top 13 international entries to be showcased at the 66th London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) taking place till August 6. Oman participated in the forum with five innovative projects chosen from over 430 local submissions. Selection of two among the global top tier highlights the growing prominence of Omani youth in international scientific research and innovation. One of the selected projects – Tannova by Hala bint Ali al Zaabi – focuses on statistically optimised leachate treatment using date pit tannins and advanced oxidation technology. The project proposes a sustainable approach to industrial waste treatment using local natural resources. Hala bint Ali al Zaabi The second project, by Almuntaser Salim al Mamari, explores artificial intelligence- driven green hydrogen production using mesquite trees and industrial effluents. The research aims to harness AI for sustainable clean energy solutions. LIYSF is one of the world's leading scientific gatherings for young researchers, featuring participants from around the globe in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The forum fosters scientific collaboration, innovation and direct engagement with international experts. Oman's participation is organised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, which received 430 project submissions this year. Of these, 30 met the eligibility criteria, with the top five selected to represent the sultanate. Almuntaser Salim al Mamari Abeer al Jabri, Research Capacity Building Specialist at the ministry, informed that since 2016, Oman has recorded 817 applicants, 123 shortlisted projects and 43 representatives at the forum. She added that LIYSF, which began in 1959, has supported more than 22,000 students globally. Oman's growing presence at such forums reflects national efforts to build research capacity and equip young citizens to address pressing global challenges in environment, energy and emerging technologies.
Observer
21-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
You can change higher ed preference from today
MUSCAT: The preference modification phase for registration and admission for the 2025/2026 academic year will begin today and continue until July 31. The results of the initial sorting will be announced on August 19, while accepted students will have the opportunity to complete their procedures starting from August 19 until August 24. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Azri, Director-General of the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, stated that the number of available seats received from government higher education institutions, domestic scholarships, private sector grants for private higher education institutions, and external scholarships and grants from Arab countries for the 2025/2026 academic year has reached 29,252 seats. Of these, 16,884 seats are in various government higher education institutions, 607 are for external scholarships and grants, while the number of domestic scholarships and grants for study at private universities and colleges in the Sultanate of Oman stands at 11,761. He added that the preference modification phase is one of the most critical stages of registration, allowing students to finalise their programme choices in the system for the initial sorting competition. He noted that the updates this year focus on two main aspects, namely admission procedures and academic programmes. As for academic programme updates, he pointed out that higher education institutions (scholarship providers) have aligned programmes with labour market demands. New domestic scholarship programmes for bachelor's degrees include Emergency Medical Services Science, Environmental Management and Practices, and Human Medicine at Dhofar University. Domestic scholarships have also been introduced for students with learning difficulties to study at private higher education institutions. Al Azri further added that new external scholarships have been introduced for specialisations overseen by the External Scholarships Department at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, such as Healthcare, Health Planning, Health Risk Management, Therapeutic Nutrition, Law and Actuarial Studies. He said that the ministry, represented by the Domestic Scholarships Department, has also directed scholarships toward high-demand specialisations in the labour market, including Process Engineering, Production Operations, Occupational Health and Safety, Welding, Mining, Renewable Energy, Quality Control Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management and Legal Assistant Studies. Additionally, new professional diploma scholarships for Air Transport Pilot Licences have been introduced at the Oman Aviation Academy. He noted that government higher education institutions have expanded their programmes and specialisations. The Military Technological College has increased its capacity this year, opening admissions for female students alongside males in various engineering disciplines (bearing in mind that these are not coupled with employment). The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) has added a new engineering specialisation at its branch in Musandam Governorate. The university has also introduced an advantage for social security family students, allowing them to apply without allocated seats in engineering programmes; upon acceptance, they may choose the nearest branch of the university to their residence. The trial sorting results showed that 1,936 students with an 80 per cent grade or higher did not receive a preliminary programme offer. 76 per cent of them had listed too few preferences, focusing on highly competitive, limited specialisations. Additionally, 247 students with a 90 per cent grade or higher did not receive a preliminary offer, with 84 per cent of them listing fewer than 30 preferences. This highlights the need for students to include more programme options and diversify their choices across institutions and disciplines. Al Azri urged students to maximise their programme selections (meeting admission requirements) and prioritise them by preference to enhance their chances of securing a seat. He also stressed the importance of diversifying choices across institutions and specialisations and encouraged following the centre's website for updates on registration and admission stages.
Observer
21-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
6th phase of 'Eidaad' internship programme launched
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in partnership with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and various higher education institutions, launched the sixth phase of the national internship programme 'Eidaad'. The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. The agreements were signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, Executive Director of Corporate Support at PDO, and representatives of the industrial and private sector institutions concerned. Eidaad is a flagship initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by offering a full-year practical training opportunity with leading companies in Oman. The programme is designed to provide Omani university students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience aligned with their academic specialisations and labour market demands. Dr Mariam bint Belarab al Nabhaniyah, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges at the Ministry, in her speech emphasised the strategic significance of the initiative in achieving Oman Vision 2040. 'Empowering Omani youth and enhancing their skills to meet job market demands is one of the core objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This is evident in our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive education, lifelong learning and impactful scientific research to develop national capabilities and foster a knowledge-based society.' The launch ceremony saw the signing of 12 agreements (cooperation protocols) between industrial and academic sectors. Farid bin Khalfan al Harthy, stated: 'The Eidaad programme reflects PDO's institutional transformation and our redefined role in contributing to Oman's future. It equips Omani youth with skills that meet emerging market requirements and supports the development of a resilient, knowledge-based economy. This partnership reaffirms our long-term commitment to human capital development and creating lasting impact for future generations.' Eng Hamed bin Saif al Hadhrami, Manager of External Training and Development at PDO, also noted: 'We are proud to take part in this pioneering national initiative, which brings tangible value to the country and nurtures young talent. It is crucial that we continue to work closely with academic institutions to align educational outcomes with industry needs and to update curricula that reflect real-world challenges. This collaboration will open doors for students to enter the job market with strong foundational skills for long-term success.' Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the programme. In its current phase, more than 400 students from various institutions across Oman are expected to participate, with placements across more than 40 companies spanning multiple sectors. This phase of the programme introduces enhanced features, including the 'Specialisation Alignment Initiative' which helps students and academic advisers better understand career pathways related to specific fields of study. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their professional futures. Additionally, the programme's updated framework incorporates core competencies such as critical thinking, communication and professional ethics to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market. Among the participants, students Ma'ther Ali and Sheikha al Badi expressed pride in being part of the Eidaad experience. 'The programme gave us the freedom to choose meaningful projects, while also offering academic and emotional support along the way. It helped us gain practical insight into real-world environments that will serve us in our future careers.' Nisreen Abdullah, a student from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), shared a similar sentiment: 'Eidaad has been both academically and professionally enriching. I strongly encourage all university students to join, as it offers significant value to one's future career.' The Eidaad programme stands out as a practical model for effective collaboration between higher education and the private sector - enhancing graduate readiness, fostering innovation and supporting the national agenda for sustainable economic development.
Muscat Daily
21-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches new phase of industry-academia skills programme
Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched the sixth phase of the Eidaad programme – aimed at deepening collaboration between industry and academia – in cooperation with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and higher education institutions. Eidaad is a national internship initiative offering one-year placements for university students in leading companies across the sultanate. The programme focuses on applied learning in fields aligned with market needs, equipping participants with technical expertise, communication skills and professional competencies suited for Oman's evolving economy. The sixth phase was formalised on Monday with a signing ceremony at Arab Open University. The agreement was signed by representatives of MoHERI, PDO, academic institutions and private sector partners. Speaking at the event, H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, said the programme is part of efforts to align education with Oman Vision 2040 goals. 'Enabling Omani youth by nurturing their capabilities and skills to better prepare them for the rapidly changing job market is one of the strategic goals of Vision 2040.' Hamed al Hadhrami, External Learning and Development Manager at PDO, described the initiative as a national effort to align academic outcomes with real-world demands. 'It is key that we continue to work together to align academic outputs with industry needs and enhance curriculum development to address industry challenges,' he said. Since its inception in 2020, over 1,000 students have graduated from the Eidaad programme. In the current phase, more than 400 students from across Oman's higher education institutions are expected to be placed in over 40 companies spanning various sectors. Farid al Harthy, PDO's Executive Director of Business Support, said the initiative reflects the company's wider transformation strategy. 'Eidaad is a tangible example of PDO's Journey of Transformation, 'ForOman'. By equipping young Omanis with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a changing world, we're helping to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy.' To support ongoing development, the programme has also enhanced its mapping module, providing students and academic advisors with information on career options linked to their academic specialisations. The module is part of efforts to help students make informed career decisions while strengthening their readiness for the modern workforce.
