Latest news with #UTAS
Muscat Daily
7 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Student company at UTAS Suhar turns coffee waste into biofuel
Suhar – In a project blending sustainability with innovation, Java Fuel, a student-led company at University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Suhar, has developed a clean biodiesel derived from coffee waste. The project utilises advanced technologies supported by artificial intelligence, offering a promising step towards greener energy solutions. Team member Tartil bint Khalid al Naabi explained that Java Fuel produces an eco-friendly fuel alternative that addresses both environmental and economic challenges. The company aims to serve the Omani and wider Gulf markets in responding to the growing demand for low-emission fuels. 'Our process involves collecting coffee beans waste from local cafés and transforming these into biodiesel,' Tartil informed. 'It's a dual-impact solution – reducing waste while contributing to clean energy goals aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' Tartil added that the project plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development by promoting the use of energy derived from everyday waste. The team's innovation gained recognition at the 2025 Injaz Oman Student Companies Exhibition where Java Fuel was selected among the top 41 companies from an initial pool of 60. The company also earned the third place at the Cultural Innovation Competition held in Musannah in the category of innovation and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Java Fuel plans to expand its reach by participating in exhibitions and events organised by academic institutions and both public and private sector entities. The company aims to further refine its concept based on feedback and grow its network of supporters and potential investors. 'Our goal is to enhance the project through collaboration and visibility,' Tartil added. 'We are committed to developing a practical and sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the economy.'Our Correspondent
Observer
8 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
UTAS council reviews progress in Strategic Plan
MUSCAT: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) Council convened its third meeting for the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday. Chaired by Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour and Council Chairman, the meeting was held at the University's headquarters. The Council reviewed progress on the University's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and approved two new master's programmes: Master of Science in Energy Transition and Sustainability; and a Master of Science in Food Security. Both programmes will launch in the 2025/2026 academic year. A key decision involved adopting the "Professional Practices Record" as an official graduation document. This initiative ensures students acquire professional competencies alongside academic qualifications, enhancing graduates' employability locally and internationally. The standardised tracking system for student professional development will take effect Fall 2025. Organisational restructuring approved included elevating the Quality Assurance Department and related divisions to academic units and renaming branch campus quality units as "Quality Assurance Centres". The Council also ratified a comprehensive policy restructuring framework to streamline institutional governance during this transformative period. — ONA
Times of Oman
13 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
University of Technology and Applied Sciences Council holds meeting
Muscat: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) Council convened its third meeting for the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday. Chaired by Dr. Mahad Said Ba'owain, Minister of Labour and Council Chairman, the meeting was held at the University's headquarters. The Council reviewed progress on the University's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and approved two new master's programs: Master of Science in Energy Transition and Sustainability and a Master of Science in Food Security. Both programmes will launch in the 2025/2026 academic year. A key decision involved adopting the "Professional Practices Record" as an official graduation document. This initiative ensures students acquire professional competencies alongside academic qualifications, enhancing graduates' employability locally and internationally. The standardized tracking system for student professional development will take effect Fall 2025. Organisational restructuring approved included elevating the Quality Assurance Department and related divisions to academic units and renaming branch campus quality units as "Quality Assurance Centers".
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
UTAS-Al Mussanah continues 'Summer of the Future' program to support knowledge and community development
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Mussanah continues to implement its 'Summer of the Future' program, organized by the Department of Continuing Education and Community Service, as part of its efforts to strengthen its educational role in society. The program reflects the university's commitment to active partnerships with institutions and individuals, in alignment with Oman's vision for building a sustainable, innovation-driven knowledge economy that empowers youth. Running through mid-August 2025, the program aims to help participants make productive use of their summer break by offering a diverse range of training workshops tailored to meet the needs of various community groups. The program covers multiple fields, including modern technology, innovation, digital transformation,leadership, and entrepreneurship, all designed to enhance participants' knowledge and professional capabilities. With over 45 training programs led by a team of academics and specialized experts, the initiative ensures high-quality, hands-on learning experience that equips participants with practical, market-relevant skills applicable across different sectors. Dr. Nasser Salim Al Baimani, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UTAS-Al Mussanah, emphasized that organizing such programs aligns with the university's strategic plan to integrate education with real community and labor market needs. He highlighted that community-focused initiatives are a core pillar of the university's vision, and resonate with Oman Vision 2040, contributing to the development of generations capable of adapting to the fast-paced changes across knowledge domains. Dr. Khalifa Salim Al-Hatmi, Head of the Department of Continuing Education and Community Service, described 'Summer of the Future' as a practical embodiment of the university's mission to spread knowledge and promote lifelong learning.'We are proud to launch this program, which opens new horizons for participants and helps them discover their potential and develop their skills,' he stated. Dr. Al-Hatmi added that the program has received significant attention, an encouraging sign of growing awareness about the value of investing summertime in skill-building and personal development, beyond traditional vacation norms. Several participants also expressed the importance of such initiatives in supporting their professional aspirations, noting that 'Summer of theFuture' provided them with a unique learning opportunity that combines academic rigor with practical application. This initiative remains one of the university's flagship annual programs, demonstrating its strong commitment to education for development and reinforcing its role as a leading academic institution that contributes to the scientific, cultural, and professional advancement of society.
ABC News
19-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Burnie's new health hub under construction, with 24-hour pathology lab set to open in July
For the past three years, the former University of Tasmania (UTAS) campus in Burnie has sat empty — but that's starting to change. Brothers Jack and Jerome Muir Wilson, a pharmacist and GP respectively, have plans to transform the site into a multidisciplinary health hub combining primary care, allied health and social services. The $24 million health hub will host 16 permanent service providers and require an estimated 180–200 staff once operational. The project attracted bipartisan support during the federal election campaign, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committing $8 million during a brief visit to the site in April. Builders are now on site, working to turn the university's old science lab into a 24-hour pathology lab that will service the North West Regional Hospital, before its July 1 opening date. A development application for the rest of the health precinct will be lodged with Burnie City Council in the coming weeks. If all goes to plan, the new health precinct will be open to the public by the middle of next year. The fate of the old university buildings on Mooreville Road has been uncertain since UTAS moved its Cradle Coast campus to West Park in 2021. At one point, the Tasmanian government — which owns the site — proposed using the site for new Supreme and Magistrates courts. In the face of strong community opposition, the plans were eventually scrapped, leaving the future of the former campus in doubt. Jack said the site was an ideal location for the health hub, but three years of disuse have taken its toll. "The site's been left unused and unserviced for three years. Basically, they rolled out ... and shut the door," he said. Animal droppings left by resident possums were strewn throughout some of the buildings, and empty classrooms showed signs of break-ins and general neglect. But despite the work ahead, Jack said he was confident the health hub would be operational by mid-next year. The centre will bring multiple services under one roof. There will be a GP clinic, mental health care, medical imaging, pathology, a pharmacy, and a range of family and women's services. The Muir Wilson brothers also hope to host Burnie's promised Medicare Urgent Care clinic, pending the outcome of a tender process. Dr Jerome Muir Wilson, the visionary behind the Launceston Health Hub, will lead the GP clinic. While the Burnie health hub will draw on the experience and success of the Launceston Health Hub, Jerome said the Burnie precinct would not simply be a copy of it. "It wouldn't be the same mix that you'd put in Launceston, in Mildura, or on the Sunshine Coast. It's what Burnie needs and it's what services are lacking support and accommodation," he said. Women's Legal Service is one of the not-for-profit service providers set to move into the space once it's complete. Chief executive Yvette Cehtel said the organisation's current office in Burnie was not fit for purpose, so she jumped at the chance to be part of the health hub. "It being fitted out means it will have proper, safe soundproofing, which we don't have in any of our other offices statewide, because we're always going into existing office spaces," Ms Cehtel said. One of the former university buildings will host the legal service, alongside a sexual assault support service, and family planning and parenting support groups. These organisations will share some facilities and consultation rooms, including rooms that are connected to both indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children to use during consultations. Ms Cehtel said she was confident it would make a significant difference for the region. "Having the Women's Legal Service, places like Laurel House, Family Planning, and Playgroup Tasmania all together will provide an opportunity for us to do some really interesting work in the prevention space, and no doubt it'll be a hub for ideas and innovation as well," she said Laurel House is a sexual assault support service that operates in multiple locations across the state, including Burnie. Therapeutic services manager Kerri Collins said a permanent home in the Burnie Health Hub would provide long-term stability for the organisation, and greater confidentiality and anonymity for victim-survivors. "People don't see them walking particularly into our building and go, 'oh, they're going to a sexual assault support service'. The second stage of the development is being finalised, with a development application expected to be submitted to the Burnie City Council in the coming weeks. For the Muir Wilson brothers, who grew up on the north-west coast, the project is personal. "We know that our health system should be better and we know we can do better. We want to see better access and better services for the people of Tasmania," Jack said.
