Academic research, industry connect get a big boost
PLANS: SQU signs pacts with universities, domestic firms
MUSCAT: Part of its efforts to pursue collaboration with reputed institutions to promote and strengthen teaching, research, and enrich the experiences of its staff and students, Sultan Qaboos University recently signed a number of agreements with a several top institutions in Oman and abroad.
A letter of agreement was signed in October between SQU and University Brunei Darussalam seeking to establish cooperation between the two universities to implement a university-wide student exchange programme.
The agreement foresees onefor-one exchange of students from each university and each university may send up to three students per semester. The agreement was signed by HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, SQU Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation and Dr Joyce Teo Siwe Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Affairs) of the University of Brunei Darussalam.
Meanwhile, SQU’s College of Science also signed a letter of agreement with the Regents of the University of Colorado on behalf of the University of Colorado Boulder and its Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) to promote collaboration in research and education. According to the agreement, the SQU and LASP will involve in joint research and educational collaboration including faculty exchange and fellowships.
The two parties will organise joint courses, graduate and undergraduate student mobility such as internships, study abroad, exchange and fellowships.
In order to extend the effective and mutually beneficial cooperation and develop academic and cultural exchange in education, research and other areas, SQU and Freie University Berlin signed a letter of understanding. As per the agreement, the two universities will cooperate towards the internationalisation of higher education, through research and study furtherance of the advancement of learning.
The agreement foresees joint research and educational collaborations including faculty exchange and fellowships; joint courses, graduate and undergraduate student mobility such as internships, study abroad, exchange and fellowships; and, participation and co-hosting of lectures, meetings, seminars, symposia and conferences.
The letter of understanding was signed by Dr Ali bin Saud al Bemani, SQU Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Peter Andre Alt, President Freie University Berlin.
A letter of agreement was also signed between the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences (CAMS) at SQU, and Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC).
The agreement seeks collaboration in respect of the development of a Centre of Excellence that will support the growth of dairy, poultry red meat and other agri-business sectors in the Sultanate.
The agreement foresees building human capacity in agro food industry by conducting joint activities related to learning, training, research, development and services. As per the agreement, CAMS and OFIC will carry out joint research projects aimed at developing recipes to enhance OFIC group companies’ product range. CAMS will participate in market research with OFIC’s group companies in order to focus on delivery of saleable products to markets in Oman and elsewhere. The agreement was signed by Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani and Dr Rashid al Masroor, Chairman Board of Directors, Oman Food Investment Holding Company.