Dhofar 3rd scientific forum kicks off in Salalah

Salalah: Dhofar 3rd Scientific Forum began today at the premises of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Salalah.

As many as 275 students, academics, researchers, innovators and people interested in research fields are taking part in the 5-day event.

The forum is jointly organized by the UTAS and the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA) to facilitate the exchange of expertise and the development of scholarly research skills.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Hamad Al Rubai'ee, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.

The forum targets individuals aged 18 to 35 years, including students and jobseekers wishing to enhance their research skills and apply modern scientific methodologies.

During the opening ceremony, the RIA signed two memoranda of cooperation (MoC), the first of which was inked with the UTAS to ensure the sustained implementation of the forum over a period of three years, starting in 2026. The second MoC was signed with the Chair of Technical Strategic Studies to provide academic support and guidance to teams in the research studies track.

These efforts seek to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, protect intellectual property and convert the outcomes of research into sustainable economic projects that align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

The forum focuses on a number of themes, including the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) to the integrity of research, the impact of COPE guidelines on research retraction and the role of marketing research in enhancing global university rankings.

The forum reflects a keenness to groom national talents, develop research capabilities and foster an interactive environment for the exchange of expertise among researchers, students and academic institutions.