Marine biotechnology referred to “blue biotechnology” focuses on marine organisms and utilizes them for the benefit of mankind. Whilst marine biotechnology is a relatively new field, the rapid growth of genetic, cellular and molecular technologies is enabling scientists to explore and develop marine resources in many new ways, with widespread applications in the food, medical, pharmaceutical, environmental and energy industries. In view of these opportunities and given the abundant marine resources of Oman, the Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology (CEMB) was established in 2005. The focus of the CEMB at SQU is to establish, develop and coordinate research in marine biotechnology in a sustainable way, resulting in the development of innovative applications, processes and solutions. The Center facilitates interactions between SQ and government ministries, international organizations and the commercial sector for conducting research and development in the field of marine biotechnology. The Centre strives to establish solid collaborative links between marine biotechnology centers in the region and in the world to enhance research and improve knowledge dissemination. CEMB creates awareness of the potential developments and commercial opportunities for marine biotechnology in Oman with scientific and popular media and by the organization of local, regional and international meetings. The Center also supports the postgraduate programs in the Colleges by providing close supervision to graduate students.

CEMB Mission

1. Create a strong infrastructure and develop an integrated research program in marine biotechnology.
2. Facilitate interdisciplinary and multi-institutional efforts to bridge gaps in research and encourage partnerships between academia, government and industry to commercialize scientific findings.
3. Apply advanced molecular biology techniques and information technology to a carefully selected suite of marine habitats and organisms.
4. Discover genes and processes that can be used to develop innovative products and approaches to benefit biomedicine and industry.
5. Use and management of marine resources in a sustainable manner.

CEMB Vision

To establish an internationally recognized research Centre for marine biotechnology, which will exploit marine resources sustainably, resulting in the development of innovative compounds and processes.

1- To serve as the Sultan Qaboos University focal point for marine biotechnology.

2- To seek and administer internal and external research funding for multi-disciplinary marine biotechnology research programs.

3- To support post graduate training and education.

4- To support visiting research scientists and facilitate their research in marine biotechnology in Oman.

5- To facilitate interactions between Sultan Qaboos University and government ministries, international organizations and the commercial sector for conducting research and development in the field of marine biotechnology.

6- To create awareness of the potential developments and commercial opportunities for marine biotechnology through the use of scientific and popular media and by the organization of local, regional and international meetings.

• Fisheries and aquaculture biotechnology
• Marine biodiversity and genetics
• Biotechnology of micro- and macroalgae
• Biofouling and antifouling
• Marine natural products and nutraceuticals

SQU has a wide range of excellent facilities to support advanced research and post-graduate training in marine biotechnology. These include laboratories, field stations and research vessels. CEMB works closely with the College of Marine Science and Agriculture, which operates a Central Instrumentation Laboratory with advanced analytical capabilities, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer and ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy.  The Department of Marine Science and Fisheries operates a marine microbiology laboratory and has facilities for DNA analysis and marine algal culture.  Practical facilities include a marine station at Al-Hail, equipped with fish and shellfish culture facilities and a coastal research vessel ‘Al-Jamiah’, equipped for specimen collecting and oceanographic survey. Elsewhere in SQU, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences operates scanning and transmission electron microscopes, a molecular genetics laboratory and a magnetic resonance imaging unit.  The College of Science offers advanced analytical facilities through its developing Central Analytical and Applied Research Unit.

These include: 

1- X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescent spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, scanning and atomic force electron microscopy and flow cytometry.

2- GC-MS, Central Instrumentation Laboratory, CAMS HPLC, Central Instrumentation Laboratory, CAMS Marine Microbiology, Department of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, CAMS Recirculating Aquaculture Station, Al Hail Marine Station R.V.

3- Al-Jamiah Facilities for marine testing of coatings:

• - Autoclave Centrifuge
• - Epic-fluorescent microscope
• - Gel electrophoresis apparatus with gel documentation system
• - Nano-drop lite spectrophotometer
• - Platefuge
• - Thermal block
• - Thermo-cycler
• - Weighing balance
• - Light meter
• - Temperature-dissolved oxygen meter