Training programme to improve quality of research, innovation output

Observer

22-06-2025

Muscat: As part of its ongoing efforts to build national research and innovation capabilities, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) has launched the second edition of its Research and Innovation Training Support Programme.
This initiative aims to equip researchers and innovators across the Sultanate of Oman with the necessary skills and knowledge through specialised training programmes, developed in partnership with academic institutions.
Ali Abdullah al Maskari, Director of Capacity Building at MoHERI, said that the programme was introduced to strengthen national research capacity through targeted training that promotes knowledge production and scientific excellence.
"Our aim is to improve the quality of research and innovation output in Oman by providing high-level, specialised training courses in cooperation with academic institutions. This contributes directly to the Sultanate of Oman's global ranking in science and innovation indicators. Previously, each institution could only submit two proposals — one in research and one in innovation. Now, based on the size and research profile of each institution, universities are allowed to submit up to six proposals. This enables wider participation and diversity in training content,' Al Maskari explained.
The programme targets a broad segment of society including students, academics, technicians, administrators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, jobseekers and staff at higher education institutions. Both Omani and non-Omani participants aged 18 and above are eligible to apply.
The supported fields this year include research and innovation project management, scientific research methodologies, proposal writing, grant and funding acquisition, Artificial intelligence and digital transformation in research. Applications are assessed against a set of criteria that ensure quality and relevance. 'We look at the quality and relevance of the content, the qualifications of the trainers, alignment with national research priorities, the proposed training duration, the training methods used, accessibility of the training location and the availability of essential facilities,' Al Maskari said.
Reflecting on the first edition, Al Maskari shared that 18 academic institutions submitted 36 training proposals, of which 18 were funded. The programme attracted 489 participants from across Oman, achieving a satisfaction rate of 87 per cent. One particularly inspiring example was a group of four participants from the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate who attended a three-week training in Al Buraimi without missing a single session — demonstrating extraordinary commitment and enthusiasm.
The programme's inaugural cycle also revealed a number of challenges. One such issue was the inconsistent visual branding of the training materials. 'We resolved this by developing a unified template for presentations, posters and electronic materials to be used by all participating institutions,' said Al Maskari. Other measures included shortening some training courses and offering hybrid options (in- person and online) to increase accessibility and participation.
Looking ahead, Al Maskari revealed that the ministry is working on launching a new initiative aimed at supporting Omani researchers and innovators to participate in international training programmes. 'This expansion will open new global learning pathways and will be launched in the last quarter of this year. It complements our current programme and directly supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040,' he said.