Overview:
The UNESCO Chair and his team at the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology (CEMB) in the capacity building and training of young researchers from different institutions in Oman and other countries, such as Qatar, Chile, South Africa, Germany, and China. This was done through a series of in-person and online lectures, webinars, workshops, research visits, and student exchange. The Chair secured research funding of more than 584,000 USD in different fields of marine biotechnology. Funding came from private companies, like Omantel, collaborative grants with Qatar University, as well as from the government of Oman (The Research Council). The results of scientific work were disseminated to the public through workshops, lectures, and scientific and popular articles. The UNESCO Chair published 39 peer review publications, 4 conference proceedings, 9 reports, and 7 popular articles. The most cited publications include the Chair’s study of eco-friendly antifouling solutions, harmful algal blooms, and anticancer compounds from marine organisms. A recent study of bacteria associated with sea turtles highlighted the importance of these microbes. The UNESCO Chair and CEMB organized an international marine biotechnology conference in December 2021 and the conference on coral health in November 2022. These promoted the UNESCO Chair in marine biotechnology in the region. Additionally, conferences facilitated collaboration between researchers and institutions in the region. The UNESCO Chair actively promoted cooperation in marine biotechnology between Omani ministries, educational institutions, and industry. The talk on the impact of climate change on Oman fisheries was provided during the Environmental Authority workshop in 2023 stressing the importance of future actions. Several agencies including Stanford University named the UNESCO Chair a leading scientist in the country. The UNESCO Chair is on the board of the European Society for Marine Biotechnology (ESMB) and the International Society of Marine Biotechnology. This strengthens the cooperation between the UNESCO Chair and marine biotechnology researchers and organizations in the world. Additionally, the Chair actively participated in the UNESCO Chair seminars.
Objectives
The objectives for the renewal period (2024-2027) will be as follows:
- The Chair will serve as a focal point and coordinate activities related to marine biotechnology in the country and the region.
- The Chair will teach graduate and undergraduate students courses related to marine biotechnology and biochemistry
- The Chair is planning to continue multidisciplinary research projects about harmful algal blooms and biofouling in Omani waters. Additionally, new projects about marine resources of the region and their sustainable use will be obtained and funds will be raised from governmental and industrial partners.
- Scientific results of the Chair will be published in peer-reviewed high-impact journals as well as presented at local and international conferences.
- The Chair is planning to organize conferences, workshops, seminars, and talks to disseminate the results and popularize marine biotechnology.
- The Chair will provide opportunities for students and young researchers to be trained in different fields of marine biotechnology.
- The Chair will continue networking with UNESCO Chairs in the region as well as with scientists in the region and worldwide.
- The Chair will facilitate the interactions between academia, industry, and governmental organizations.
- The Chair will further develop inter-university national and international visits and student mobility and exchange.
Expected outcomes:
(a) research and knowledge production
In the next renewal period 2024-2027, the Chair is planning to continue his research in three main areas, such as biofouling and antifouling, harmful algal blooms, and bioactive compounds from marine organisms. Additionally, the Chair would like to address the impact of climate change on the marine environment and fisheries and propose mitigation strategies. The Chair is going to use novel “omics” techniques, such as metagenomics, in his investigations. These research areas are selected based on the previous experience of the UNESCO Chair, the importance of these for Oman and other countries in the region, as well as the interdisciplinary nature of such research. Additionally, scientific findings in these areas can be easily translated into novel industrial applications and expertise.
In his research, the Chair will continue inter-university and international cooperation with scientists from other countries, such as Qatar, UAE, Brazil, South Africa, USA, China, Sweden, and others.
(b) publications
In the next renewal period 2024-2027, the Chair is planning to continue publication of his scientific results in peer-reviewed journals. In total, the UNESCO Chair will publish at least 20 research articles with researchers from Oman and other countries. These will include interdisciplinary publications with researchers from different fields including biologists, chemists, physicists, and engineers. Additionally, the Chair will popularize his findings through talks, presentations, and media publications. At least 5 media publications will be produced in the next renewal period 2024-2027.
(c) websites and social media
Information about the Chair and the Center and their activities will be placed on social platforms and websites:
Twitter: @CEMBMarBio
Twitter: @BiofoulingOman
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sergey-Dobretsov?ev=hdr_xprf
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-dobretsov-7496a512/
Websites:
https://www.squ.edu.om/research/Research-Centers/Excellence-in-Marine-Biotechnology
UNESCO Chair: https://www.squ.edu.om/research/Research-Chairs/Unesco-Chair-in-Marine-Biotechnology
(d) teaching and lecturing
The Chair is planning to continue teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students at Sultan Qaboos University. The following courses will be taught: marine biotechnology, marine biochemistry, and marine natural products. Additionally, the Chair will organize online lectures for international students from different universities.
(e) training and institutional capacity development
The priority for institutional capacity development will be given to young researchers and students at Sultan Qaboos University and other universities and colleges in the Sultanate of Oman. This will include one-on-one, group, and online training in the areas of biofouling and antifouling, marine chemical ecology, marine microbiology, and molecular biology. The main emphasis will be given to novel and emerging techniques in marine biotechnology, like omics approaches. This implies addressing capacity building on a long-term and strategic level.
(f) student mobility and exchanges
The Chair is open for student mobility and exchanges. In the past, the Chair hosted international and local students and trained them in marine biotechnology. The Chair will use his positions on the board of the European Society for Marine Biotechnology and the International Society for Marine Biotechnology to attract and provide training for international students. The priority will be given to training students from developing countries.
(g) visiting professorships/fellowships
The Chair is planning to host several visiting international researchers to work with him on research projects including harmful algal blooms and antifouling. The Chair based on requests can provide placement for visiting professors working in other research areas. During such visits, it will be an exchange of ideas, experiences, and techniques as well as a strengthening of cooperation between different researchers.
(h) conferences and events
The Chair together with the University of Malaga, Spain is going to organize a marine biotechnology congress in November 2023. This congress will bring together more than 200 scientists working in different fields of marine biotechnology.
The Chair is going to organize an international marine biotechnology conference in Muscat, Oman in 2025. The main scope of this conference will be to bring together scientists, governmental officials, and industries working with marine biotechnology in the region. The conference will bring together about 100 participants from Oman and the MENA region.
(i) seminars and webinars
The Chair is planning to organize several seminars and webinars to train local and international students and young scientists. The areas of such seminars will include marine natural products, biofouling, antifouling, and harmful algal blooms. The seminars can be organized online or in person. The Chair based on requests can provide other specialized training internationally and locally.
(j) networking and partnerships
The Chair will continue networking with UNESCO Chairs in the region. Additionally, the Chair will work with marine biotechnologists from other countries. The partnership will include joint projects, joint publications, and joint visits. The Chair will use his positions on the board of the European Society for Marine Biotechnology and the International Society for Marine Biotechnology to establish new networks and partnerships.
(k) inter-university cooperation
The Chair will continue his inter-university cooperation with researchers from Qatar University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Malaga, KTH, and Duke University. The Chair would like to establish strong links with Nizwa University as well as Dhofar University in Oman.
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