25-06-2025
The heroes of nanotech
Five years ago, a quiet first-semester student, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Lawati, walked into my entrepreneurship class at Sultan Qaboos University. Today, he stands as an award-winning pioneer in nanomedicine, authoring over 20 peer-reviewed papers and leading international research teams. His remarkable journey, shared on the 10th episode of "Business Class" podcast with the Oman Daily Observer's Editor-in-Chief, Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili, reveals the passion driving Oman's unsung scientific heroes and the immense potential of nanotechnology.
The Power of a Village
Dr Abdullah's foundation was built at home. Raised by doctor parents who pursued knowledge globally (in Japan and Canada), he witnessed innovation firsthand while appreciating Oman's own advancements. This environment was not just supportive; it was collaborative. He co-authored research papers with his family, nurturing a profound love for discovery. Returning to Oman from Japan and Canada, he pursued medicine at SQU with a clear mission: to position his nation on the global map of life-saving innovation. "It takes a village," he emphasises, highlighting the crucial role families and communities play in igniting scientific curiosity for future generations.
A Purpose Forged in Passion
Dr Abdullah's drive is palpable: Contributing to saving lives. His prolific research, garnering national and international acclaim, focuses on one of healthcare's most revolutionary frontiers: nanomedicine. But what does this mean? Understanding nanotechnology can be simplified by imagining and engineering materials and devices at the scale of individual atoms and molecules – that's the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers). A human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. At this tiny scale, materials behave differently, unlocking unique properties.
The heroes of nanotech
Nanomedicine holds a high potential. This field uses nanotechnology to revolutionise treatments. Think of nanoparticles as incredibly precise delivery vehicles. They can be designed to target directly and carry drugs straight to diseased cells (like a smart missile), sparing healthy tissue. It also enhances effectiveness and delivers higher drug concentrations exactly where needed. In audio, it reduces side effects by minimising damage to healthy areas, treatments become safer and more tolerable. It also enables new diagnostics by detecting diseases earlier and more accurately using nanosensors.
The global nanomedicine market, valued at over RO 57 billion and projected to double by 2030, underscores its transformative potential. Dr Abdullah is at the forefront of harnessing this power for Oman and the world.
Lessons from Rough Seas
The path of a doctor-scientist is rarely smooth. Dr Abdullah shared poignant moments that shaped him. The unsuccessful resuscitation of an elderly patient and facing the grieving family laid bare the profound value of life and the harsh reality of medicine's current limits. Conversely, witnessing a patient defy a terminal prognosis – living far beyond expectations – became a powerful testament to science's unexplored potential and the hope driving his research. These experiences fuel his determination to push boundaries through nanomedicine, seeking solutions where conventional methods fall short.
Oman's Nobel-Worthy Future
Dr Abdullah embodies the exceptional talent emerging in Oman. His journey, from an SQU classroom to the cutting-edge labs of nanomedicine, proves that passion, nurtured by family and community, can yield world-class innovation. His work is not just about awards; it's about pioneering treatments that could save countless lives.
Oman possesses such promising minds, capable of Nobel-worthy breakthroughs. It is our collective duty – media, institutions, businesses and the public – to cultivate an environment of "meaningful curiosity", actively support research and champion these young heroes. By investing in them, we invest in a healthier, more innovative future for Oman and humanity. Dr Abdullah is not just a researcher; he is a role model, proving that tiny technology can lead to giant leaps for mankind.
