MUSCAT : The awareness campaign “Research and Innovation.. Closer to You” was launched under the patronage of HE Prof. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. The meetings took place at the Ministry’s headquarters on Monday 12^th of May.

This awareness-raising meeting is part of various and diverse efforts in disseminating awareness and enhancing knowledge, to introduce the Ministry’s different programs aimed at supporting researchers and innovators, and to highlight the national achievements and outputs. It aims to familiarize all societal segments with the efforts made and deliver the information in an easy, simple, and accessible language with clarity and smoothness.

Abdullah bin Said Al-Rashdi, Director of the Scientific Publishing and Awareness Department, delivered a speech highlighting the department’s efforts in 2024 including the implementation of the “Scientific Expedition program”. The Expedition visited five provinces, held an awareness exhibition in shopping centers to reach the general public, conducted awareness presentations in the offices of governors and academic institutions, organized 3 sessions of the “Innovation Cafe” in these institutions, and provided a platform to showcase more than 17 inspiring innovative projects to the public at the Scientific Expedition.

Abdullah Al-Rashdi also referred to the radio program “Dialogue with a Researcher,” which aired 45 episodes during the year 2024. It hosted a number of scientists, researchers, and innovators to introduce their research outputs to the community. Additionally, 4 issues of the “Scientific Insights” magazine were published in both Arabic and English languages. There were also 12 sessions of the “Innovation Café” held during the past year to present the outputs of researchers and innovators to the public. Furthermore, there were sessions of the “Science Café” organized by the “Mawarid” Center. Moreover, more than 624 awareness posters were prepared, designed, and disseminated through social media channels, and participation in various awareness exhibitions held regularly.

Adil bin Ibrahim Al-Fazari, Assistant Director of the Department of Scientific Publishing and Awareness, presented a talk about research and innovation programs and projects. He discussed the national vision on research and innovation, highlighted key institutional and strategic funding programs, as well as general directions and capacity-building programs for research and innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. He also reviewed the most significant achievements and outputs of the possible programs for researchers, academics, and innovators, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and building various institutional and societal partnerships.

The event included an exhibition to showcase local and international programs, projects, and competitions related to research and innovation. The event aimed to spread the goal of research and innovation to a wider audience in the in the Sultanate of Oman in alignment to Oman Vision 2040.