Chair: Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

Email: : alabri@squ.edu.om

Overview:

If the proliferation of today’s technologies is any indication of the speed and power of change in the economy, in the near future nanotechnology will lead to an even more dramatic paradigm shift. The evolution of a “nano-economy” as contrasted by a “petro-economy” of today is an intriguing idea. Fundamental nanotechnology innovations, yet to come will set the timeline for economic transformation of nations.

SQU's nanotechnology program's mission will be to assist the nation to be part of this revolution. Nanotechnology-based research, education and training program at SQU will be focused towards developing nanomaterials for applications ranging from water desalination and purification, to energy and environment. This “Research Group” will attempt to address some of these aspects of creating knowledge in niche areas relevant to Oman and the region and a knowledgeable workforce for future development of “Nanotechnology” in local industries and finally the society to benefit from. In this proposal, emphasis is given to application of nanotechnology to water desalination. However, it is envisioned that initial activities will lead to the creation of a National Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology in Oman, towards which other universities and research institutes in Oman will contribute. The chair programme will aim to conduct research to develop and test membranes made of different nanomaterials for water desalination to decrease the cost and increase efficiency in order to develop capacity in the field of nanotechnologies for desalination. The chair will also strive to develop nanotechnology education in Oman. It is expected that during the course of the project, additional funding through focused research proposals will be obtained through other sources in collaboration with faculty members of the four schools at SQU. The project will certainly lead to a better understanding between the groups in the University, Oman and the gulf countries working in the areas related to purification of water. The project aims at reducing any knowledge gap and introducing new technologies to face the ever changing topics in the growing field of nanosciences. There is a strong need to develop coercive curriculum for undergraduates and graduate level courses to equip future scientists, engineers and business people alike, to address issues related to the commercialization of nanotechnology. This proposal will develop regional and multilateral networking between higher education institutions in Middle-east, US, Europe, Asia and build a platform for nanotechnology knowledge assimilation and growth in the region.

“Interdisciplinary research and education is the most important aspect in nanotechnology. Universities should introduce courses based on nanoscale science and integrate nanotechnology with physics, chemistry, biology, electronics, medicine, engineering and other fields..…...”

- Jan Voves In ‘Skill needs in emerging technologies: nanotechnology’

Objectives:

The Chair is deemed to establish a research program in Nanotechnology for Water Desalination and other applications at SQU with a multidisciplinary team comprising of existing faculty and staff of the University.

Outcomes:

Chair: Dr. Svetlana Rudyk

Email: snr@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The Shell Chair was introduced by Shell Development Oman in 2006 as part of a collaborative effort to enhance research capabilities in petroleum geosciences within the Sultanate of Oman. This initiative aimed to foster a robust research environment and equip Omani youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the future of the energy sector in Oman. By establishing this chair, Shell Development Oman sought to support the development of innovative research projects, provide advanced training and education opportunities for students and researchers, and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between academia and the petroleum industry. This strategic investment in human capital was designed to ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce capable of addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field of petroleum geosciences, ultimately contributing to the nation's energy security and economic development.

Objectives:

1. Develop and enhance research capabilities within the Sultanate of Oman in the field of petroleum geosciences.

2. Prepare and empower Omani youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the energy sector in Oman.

3. Advance the understanding and application of microfluidic systems in enhanced oil recovery through rigorous academic and practical research.

4. Foster innovation in the characterization and description of reservoir rocks and the development of new techniques for oil recovery, such as the use of CO2 and foam.

5. Disseminate knowledge through teaching, publication in high-impact journals, and participation in international conferences.

Outcomes: 

• Educational Contributions: Successfully taught courses in Characterization and Description of Reservoir Rock and Wireline Logging, contributing to the academic growth of students and trainees.

• Research Advancements: Spearheaded research in diverse areas such as Petrophysics & Log Analysis, SHM in tight gas reservoirs, and experimental studies in CO2 and foam enhanced oil recovery, leading to innovative developments in the field.

• Grant Acquisition: Secured a substantial research grant of 140,000 OMR from PDO to build a foam rig for experimental study, demonstrating the capacity to attract significant funding for cutting-edge research.

• Award Recognition: Garnered the prestigious Oman National Award 2023 in Energy and Industry, highlighting the national impact and recognition of the research conducted.

• Scholarly Publications: Authored numerous first and corresponding author publications in Q1 and Q2 journals, showcasing the high quality and impact of the research output. 

• Conference Presentations: Presented findings in various international conferences and published in Q3-Q4 journals, ensuring the dissemination of research findings to the broader scientific community.

• Innovative Studies: Submitted papers for publication that address critical issues such as water breakthrough in oil reservoirs and the efficiency of supercritical carbon dioxide in the recovery of heavy hydrocarbons, indicating ongoing contributions to the field.

Chair: Prof. Abdullah Hamed Al-Badi

Email: albadi@squ.edu.om

Overview:

Madayn Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free zones is a joint project between Sultan Qaboos University and Madayn. Due to the rapid evolution of the business environment that has occurred in the sultanate and the great strides local education institutions have made in exploring issues impacting upon people’s lives, active collaboration between industry and the academia is increasingly vital for the country’s continued social and economic development. As a result, the Research Chair in Industrial Estates and Free zones seeks to foster greater understanding of contemporary economic issues in Oman in relation to its areas of specialization.

The Chair plays a vital role in addressing key issues facing industrial estates and free zones in the sultanate. It achieves this by providing the new insights, guidance and support to policymakers, business leaders, decision makers, and other concerned stakeholders, in Oman that contribute to social and economic development, diversification, and the development of Oman’s knowledge economy.

Objectives

Objective 1: to conduct quality research and studies that provide business solutions

Objective 2: To develop and support applied research

Objective 3: To help guide policy makers, business leaders, decision makers and stakeholders in making informed decisions

Objective 4: To supervise graduate students and prepare Omani researchers and experts to prepare organized and creative work

Objective 5: to contribute to the development of human capital of the industrial estate

Objective 6: To support and enhance the university’s position, locally, regionally, and internationally

Objective 7: to help fulfil the national development plans

Objective 8: to support SQU faculty and students in acquiring knowledge and skills

Outcomes:

• Scientific publications: 83 Journal papers; 8 conference papers and 8 reports
• Six Research projects
• Three training course