SQU announces seven new projects
MUSCAT: The 17th Sultan Qaboos University Day, that commemorates the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to the University on 2 May 2000, was observed at the University on Tuesday with a number of activities. The celebrations were inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai, State Adviser. The highlight of the day was the announcement of seven new research projects to be supported by His Majesty’s Strategic Research Fund. The best researchers, distinguished academicians, distinguished physicians and outstanding students were honoured on the occasion. A research exhibition by various colleges and research centres was also held.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ali bin Saud al Bimani, the Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University, outlined some of the achievements of the university in various fields during the past one year. “Students from the College of Law at SQU bagged the first place at Arab Moot Court Competition organized by Kuwait International Law School in Kuwait and the first place at Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Moot Court Competition, held in Dubai. Student Laith bin Ishaq Al Kindi from the College of Arts and Social Sciences got the second place in memorizing the Holy Quran at 24th international competition of reciting the Holy Quran, Egypt,” he said.
SQU has obtained three new patents during the past one year. The first was production of value added date syrup with the crystallisation of sugar (date honey) granted to researchers from the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences. The second for the invention of a multi-port portable wireless charger by a research team from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the College of Engineering. The third patent has been granted to the application of nanostructured zinc oxide membranes for separating oil from water.
Dr Al Bimani mentioned the launch of the Omani Eco-friendly house on SQU campus, which is considered as one of the most important projects for maintaining the ecosystem, reducing dependence on electricity and relying on alternative sources of energy. He mentioned Dr Majed bin Salem al Rukishi, from the Physics Department, College of Science, who received a research fellowship from the American National Academy of Sciences, which qualifies him to conduct advanced research in nanotechnology at the University of Illinois. College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences succeeded in spawning and breeding Koi carp fish, by placing it in circular ponds, at the university’s agricultural testing plant”, he pointed out.
Dr Rahma Ibrahim al Mahrooqi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, in her address, highlighted some of the most important accomplishments that SQU has achieved in the past year and during the first part of 2017 in the fields of research and postgraduate studies.
Dr Rahma further said that SQU also strongly believes in the value of establishing research partnerships with universities and academic and research institutions within the country and around the world. “As of now, the university has around 53 active Memoranda and Letters of Understanding, Letters of Agreement and Intent, and other forms of agreement with other institutions. 24 of these have been signed with organizations within Oman and the greater Arab world, while the remaining agreements are with organizations and institutions from various nations in Asia, Australasia, Europe, and North and South America. In addition, in 2017 SQU signed an agreement with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry to fund the establishment of a Research Chair for Economic Studies at the university”.
The number of master and doctoral level students attending SQU in academic year 2016-2017 was 888, with 828 of these enrolled in master’s programs and 60 in doctorate programs. Master’s students are enrolled in courses in the Colleges of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Commerce and Political Science, Science, Engineering, Law, and Science.
The university’s doctoral students are currently enrolled in program across four colleges — the Colleges of Science, Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering, and Education. In addition to these students, in 2016 SQU graduated 298 students with masters’ degrees and 18 with doctorates.