Chair: Prof. Abdulnasir Yahya Hossen

Email : abhossen@squ.edu.om

Overview: 

The UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence (AI) concentrates on the applications of AI in education, industry, and medicine with due consideration on ethical implications. The nature of the work is to study and design computer algorithms and systems in order to enhance education systems (teaching and learning), improve industry manufacturing and the quality of products, and enhance health services.
 Thus, the topic is an engineering topic related to natural sciences in which new advanced AI methods and programs are designed and used to enhance education, industry, and medicine in order to make them part of smart systems in which the latest technologies from the communication and information sciences can be utilized to replace the traditional systems. The chair will follow the recommendations on the ethics of AI contained in the Annex to the document 41 C/23 of the General Conference, Paris, 2021. 
This recommendation pays specific attention to the broader ethical implications of AI systems in relation to the central domains of UNESCO: education, science, culture, and communication and information. The chair will collaborate locally, regionally and internationally to disseminate and promote the values and principles of Ethics of AI.

Oman’ Vision 2040 serves as the country’s key guide and reference for national development planning. Some of the national priorities identified in Vision 2040 related to the UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence include:

• Education, Learning, Scientific Research and National Talents
• Health
• Economic Diversification and Fiscal Sustainability

The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developments represents a significant step forward in the recognition of the contribution of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to sustainable development.

The UNESCO Chair on Artificial Intelligence will support strengthening scientific and technological capacity nationally, regionally, and internationally, and will support, either directly or indirectly, a number of SDGs. These include:

SDG 3: (Health) “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”).

SDG 4: (Education) “Ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. 

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”.

Objectives

1. Foster an integrated and interdisciplinary system of research and documentation of activities in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
2. Advocate for improved AI competencies in curricula through education and training, industrial applications, and smart medical services and telemedicine.
3. Enhance exchange and dissemination of scientific knowledge across educational networks and in institutions addressing Artificial Intelligence including on machine learning, deep learning and smart systems, as well as related digital technologies.
4. Strengthen capacities of young people on ethical use of artificial intelligence through scientific and specialized workshops and symposiums.
5. Promote the dissemination of knowledge and implementation of the UNESCO recommendations on Ethics of AI at national, regional, and international levels.
6. Cooperate closely with UNESCO, other UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks on relevant programs and activities.

Expected outcomes:

The expected outcomes of the UNESCO Chair include:

1. Publications (publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers in journals and conferences)
2. Organization of workshops and conferences (scientific, technical training and institutional capacity-building)
3. Publicity (websites and social media and brochures (awareness and dissemination of knowledge and values and principles of ethics of AI))
4. Lectures and seminars and webinars
5. Teaching and training of students
6. International collaboration (networking and visiting professorships and fellowships)
7. Inter-university and national and regional cooperation

Chair: Prof. Said Al-Dhafri

Email: aldhafri@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The UNESCO Chair aims to support research, disseminate good practices, raise awareness and transfer knowledge on psychology. In addition, the chair shall conduct various seminars and workshop about psychology and the role it plays in school settings and in teacher preparation. A network of Omani psychologists and university departments will be established within the Chair to enhance research efforts in areas of Learning, motivation, and psychological testing, encourage flexibility among psychologists and learners, improve human resources activities and disseminate information among professionals such as teachers, school leaders, and researchers.

Objectives

Development objective (long term)

1. Conduct scientific research that enables psychologists to understand, predict and experimentally control for possible factors that influence individuals’ behaviour in the educational settings.

2. Participate in creating the community of research, teaching and practice of psychology as strategically envisioned in Oman through educational institutions at all levels.

Specific objectives

1. Design a research map with research projects that suggest, test, and apply the psychological principals in all aspects of the educational system.

2. Enhance cross-cultural psychological research that advance the understanding of the psychological constructs in international contexts by conducting research in cooperation with international researchers.

3. Enhance the active participation of Omani beginning researchers in the collaborative research in psychology.

4. Promote graduate students’ application for scholarship and research funds from inside and outside SQU.

5. Plan, design, and implement research/training on psychology and psychological testing by collaborating with the concerned Omani research agencies, professional organizations and other regional institutions.

6. Conduct professional development and instructors’ training programs at the college of education at Sultan Qaboos University.

7. Enhance the integration of psychological principles in instruction and training and their delivery to the Omani educators in school.

8. Support educational initiatives for enhancing learning outcomes in schools especially through action research.

9. Provide supporting environment to promote the growth of the Omani and international graduate students in psychology.

Expected outcomes:

1. Submissions for funded research

2. Research articles published in reviewed journals.

3. Conferences and Workshops to be conducted.

4. Support provision to Omani universities in terms of their education programs/courses.

5. Support provision to Omani schools in terms of their education professional requirements.

6. Participation in international conference & UNESCO regular events and meetings

7. Number of partnerships singed with local & regional organizations and institutions.

Chair: Dr. Talal Al Hosni

Email: hosni@squ.edu.om

Overview:

Ophiolite-oceanic crust makes more than 70 % of the earth. Fragments of ancient oceanic lithosphere (ophiolite) provide access to complete cross-sections of ocean.  Direct information about the oceanic crust is still very limited. The occurrence of the oceanic lithosphere on land presents geoscientists with the opportunity to explore far below the ocean floor providing crucial insights into processes taking place deep in the ocean crust.  Research on ophiolites in the 1980s and 1990s revealed that they are much more complicated than first thought.  The Oman ophiolite is perhaps the world’s best exposed section of oceanic crust and mantle.  As such, it provides earth scientists with an opportunity to examine features at a scale and detail that is not possible in the marine environment.  The Oman Mountains, with its internationally renowned Samail ophiolite, attracts geologists from all over the world because of its unique stratigraphic completeness, preservation and exposure, its numerous ancient and contemporary mines, its quarries, and its beautiful natural landscape. It is an area of unique ecological, cultural and historical interest at both local and international levels, and it represents an important geological model for the creation and preservation of oceanic crust and mid-oceanic ridge and well preserved transform fault analogues. Since the late 1970s, Oman ophiolite has been the subject of intensive study by a large number of different research groups, notably those from the USA, UK, France, Germany, and Japan.  The UNESCO Chair on Ophiolite Studies was established in April 2018 and it is the only chair for ophiolite studies.

The purpose of the UNESCO Chair on Ophiolite studies is to promote an integrated system of research, training and information in the field of ophiolite and related oceanic crust studies. The Chair was active on capacity building and training of young Omani and international students. The Chair secured research funding in different fields of Ophiolite. Results of scientific work were disseminated to public. Several international ophiolite conferences and workshops were organized in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023. The Chair complement existing training and research activities already carried out at Sultan Qaboos University and, in particular, at the Department of Earth Sciences and the Earth Sciences Research Centre, by enlarging their scope and by offering some of the curricular and extra-curricular activities to higher education students.

The UNESCO Chair on Ophiolite Studies-Earth Sciences is multidisciplinary in its nature and is directly related to many UNESCO domains, disciplines, and priorities, such as geoscience, environment, global warming, climate change, science education, geohazards, science and technology. It focuses on research with primary interest in the ophiolite geology; groundwater in ophiolite aquifer, hyperalkaline springs in the ophiolite, failure incidents of ophiolite slopes, listwaenite formation related to ancient hydrothermal carbon sequestration during ophiolite obduction, the reactivity and CO2 mineralization potential of partially serpentinized peridotites of the ophiolite, etc. Looking towards the future, these applied and participatory research (multi-discipline) are urgently needed. The unique contribution and added value of the chair building bridges across disciplines and sectors, bridging the gap between academia and industry and playing an increasingly important role in society. Additionally, the Chair contributes to UNESCO’s mission, mandate and priorities.

Objectives:

The main objectives of the chair are

• To promote an integrated interdisciplinary system of research, information and development activities in the fields of ophiolite and geodynamics of oceanic crust along with other related topics; ophiolite aquifer, hyperalkaline springs, failure of ophiolite slopes, hydrothermal carbon sequestration, etc.
• To promote community development and capacity building in geoscience subjects through education and high-level training focusing on geosciences, ophiolite and oceanic crust with traditional curricula and distance learning. 
• To enhance opportunities to develop educational networks and information exchange in understanding ophiolite and oceanic crust geodynamic.
• To implement scientific and thematic workshops and meetings focusing on ocean crust and geodynamics towards interested stakeholders from both Oman and other countries and to enhance the knowledge of participants.
• To work towards sustainable societies and protecting the environment through the promotion of science, technology, innovation and the natural heritage.
• To enhance knowledge for climate action, biodiversity, water and ocean management, and disaster risk reduction.

Expected outcomes:

The expected outputs and activities of the UNESCO Chair include research and knowledge production, scientific publications, websites and social media, teaching and lecturing, training and institutional capacity development, student mobility and exchanges, visiting professorships and fellowships, conferences and events, seminars and webinars, networking and partnerships, inter-university cooperation and other.

Main key achievements of the UNESCO Chair on Ophiolite Studies are participation in international and local projects, organizing international conferences and workshops, conducting local training workshops, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers and local media awareness, building research collaborations and capacity for local stakeholders, strengthening inter-university inter­disciplinary cooperation and international partnerships, etc.

Chair: Prof. Sergey Dobretsov

Email: sergey@squ.edu.om

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:

1. The Chair will serve as a focal point and coordinate activities related to marine biotechnology in the country and the region.
2. The Chair will teach graduate and undergraduate students courses related to marine biotechnology and biochemistry
3. 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.
4. Scientific results of the Chair will be published in peer-reviewed high-impact journals as well as presented at local and international conferences.
5. The Chair is planning to organize conferences, workshops, seminars, and talks to disseminate the results and popularize marine biotechnology.
6. The Chair will provide opportunities for students and young researchers to be trained in different fields of marine biotechnology.
7. The Chair will continue networking with UNESCO Chairs in the region as well as with scientists in the region and worldwide.
8. The Chair will facilitate the interactions between academia, industry, and governmental organizations.
9. 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.

Chair: Dr. Issa El-Hussain

Email: elhussain@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The UNESCO Chair for Seismic Studies and Tsunami Hazards aims to enhance scientific research and raise awareness about earthquakes and tsunamis, while also reducing the associated risks. The chair facilitates collaboration among researchers, relevant institutions, local and international communities to exchange knowledge and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and tsunamis.

Objectives:

1. Raising awareness and educating the general public and scientific community about earthquakes and tsunamis.
2. Advancing scientific research in the field of earthquakes and tsunamis, developing methodologies and tools for earthquake and tsunami prediction, and risk assessment.
3. Creating innovative strategies to respond to earthquakes and tsunamis and mitigate their negative effects on human life and the environment.
4. Promoting international cooperation and knowledge sharing among researchers, scientific institutions, and governments regarding earthquakes and tsunamis.

Expected outcomes:

1. Improved awareness and knowledge about earthquakes and tsunamis among the general public and interested individuals.
2. Advancements in methodologies and modern technologies related to earthquakes and tsunamis, leading to more accurate risk assessment.
3. Development of preventive strategies and policies, as well as swift response measures to reduce the impact of earthquakes and tsunamis and safeguard lives and property.
4. Enhanced scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange among researchers, scientific institutions, and governments at the international level.

Chair: Dr. Yaseen Al-Mulla

Email: yalmula@squ.edu.om

Overview:

Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems plays an important role in gathering information about planet Earth. The development of satellites in the second half of the twentieth century allowed the field of Remote Sensing to advance on a global scale in addition to the development of space programs. ML techniques have had significant recent successes in the fields of satellite Remote Sensing, including signal and image processing, quality control mechanisms, pattern recognition, data fusion, forward and inverse problems, and prediction. Thus, ML in particular can be positively disruptive and a transformational change agent in the fields of satellite Remote Sensing by augmenting and, in some cases, replacing elements of traditional Remote Sensing, assimilation, and modeling tools. This change is needed to meet the increasing challenges of Big Data, advanced models and applications, and user demands. Future developments, for example, SmallSats and the Internet of Things, will continue the explosion of new environmental data. ML can help address the demands put on environmental products for higher accuracy, higher resolution (spatial, temporal, and vertical), enhanced conventional medium-range forecasts, outlooks and predictions on sub seasonal to seasonal time scales, and improvements in the process of issuing advisories and warnings. Hence, in order to keep up with the scientific requirements of the era, the proposed Chair is designed to cope with and add to the advancement of technology for applying Machine Learning in Remote Sensing via research breakthroughs that meet bespoke market research needs and that result in leadership in this field on the local and international levels.

Objectives:
a) Conduct research projects, collaborations, and consultancy with industry, research institutes, and scientific communities to accelerate the use of Machine Learning technologies to better design Remote Sensing image interpretation across the world. 
b) Providing a research environment that accommodates the increasing challenges of big data, advanced models and applications, user’s requirements, and future developments. 
c) Enhance research and development in signal processing, aerial imagery, quality control mechanisms and pattern recognition, data consolidation, classification and recognition, detection, indexing, forward and reverse aerial image issues, and forecasts. 
d) Enable the link between the huge quantities of data set provided by Remote Sensing technology with the applications of the fourth industrial revolution that can play an important role in Oman’s economy. 

Expected outcomes: 
It is excepted to annually produce at least three publications, gain successful project grants, supervise three postgraduate students, run three professional events, and develop patentable products.

Chair: Dr. Ashraf Mishrif

Email: amishrif@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The Research Chair for Economic Studies is a joint project between Sultan Qaboos University and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It aims to foster greater understanding of the main economic, business and development issues affecting economic and social development in the Sultanate of Oman. It also aims to support the country in achieving the goals set out in its national development plans and Vision 2040.

The establishment of the Chair comes at a critical juncture in Omani history as the Sultanate embarks on a comprehensive program to turn the country into a modern, developed nation by 2040. The Chair is expected to play a vital role in address key economic and social challenges facing the nation; provide new insights, guidance and support to achieve greater diversification and international competitiveness; and contribute towards the creation of knowledge economy.

The Chair will operate as a catalyst to build bridges between the university, the private sector and the government for greater impact in our collective efforts to modernize the nation and a facilitator for capacity building in research and human development, while turning Sultan Qaboos University into a center of excellence in economic studies. 

Objectives:

• Produce cutting-edge research in applied economics, business, finance and development and other related areas to Oman economy.
• Help Oman realize its strategic goals as outlined in national development plans and visions.
• Provide advice and guidance to Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders in making decisions that contribute to the country’s economic and social development through evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Support staff and students at Sultan Qaboos University to acquire knowledge and skills in areas related to economic studies, as well as training and equipping a new generation of Omani researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs with the cultural and scholarly tools to lead economic growth.  
• Promote policy change needed to empower and support private enterprise and educate stakeholders on the role of the private sector in diversifying growth, driving competitiveness, and achieving sustainable economic development.
• Establish links and collaborative relations between the Research Chair and other research institutions, the private sector and policy makers in Oman and globally.

Chair: Dr. Osman Gulseven

Email: o.golseven@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The WTO Chairs program at SQU seeks to examine alterations in trade dynamics among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations following intensified collaboration. The project aims to utilize the well-established Gravity Theory of Trade, while incorporating novel elements such as the examination of the pronounced reliance of these countries on oil and gas. Data will be sourced from reputable outlets like the World Trade Organization, and a specialized dataset from the French research institution Cepii will be used, employing latest mathematical methodologies to discern the impacts of various factors on inter-country trade, particularly their ramifications for distinct sectors of their economies.

The principal objective is to furnish practical guidance for formulating policies conducive to augmenting trade and fostering economic growth within the GCC region. This entails an exploration of the influences exerted by regional trade agreements, alongside an examination of non-tariff barriers encompassing regulations and standards that, while not constituting taxes, significantly influence trade patterns. The project aims to provide tailored policy actions for leaders and policymakers within these nations, facilitating judicious decision-making to propel economic expansion through enhanced regional trade.

Objectives:

1. Enhancing Policy Analysis and Decision-Making: Develop a robust framework for conducting and disseminating comprehensive research and analyses that support the development of trade policies in Oman, serving national development goals.

2. Designing Educational and Training Programs: Establish and enhance advanced training programs and educational initiatives that deepen understanding of World Trade Organization agreements and international trade policies among professionals, academics, and policymakers.

3. Increasing Global Trade Participation: Expand Oman's effective participation in multilateral trade platforms by attending and contributing to local and international trade conferences and annual meetings of the World Trade Organization.

Expected outcomes:

1. Comprehensive Analyses and Evidence-Based Research Findings on Trade Policies and Their Impacts: Leading to more enlightened decision-making processes by policymakers and stakeholders. These studies will enhance the capacity to formulate and implement trade policies that are consistent with national development goals and international trade rules.

2. Training Programs and Educational Materials Designed to Enhance Capacity Building: Implementing WTO courses into academic curriculum. These programs will contribute to strengthening Oman's human capital in the field of trade policy analysis and negotiation, making the country an informed and active participant in the global trading system to enhance Oman's regional and international position.

3. Attendance at Relevant International Conferences and Annual Meetings of the Organization: To expand the scope of participation in multilateral trade discussions. This will achieve more inclusiveness in trade policy discussions at the national and international levels. The result is a more participatory trade policy-making process, with contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, including developing countries. These engagements will help ensure that Oman’s interests and perspectives are effectively represented and promoted in the World Trade Organization and other international trade forums in a way that serves the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.

Chair: Prof. Rashid Hamed Al Bulushi

Email: rashid68@squ.edu.om

Overview:

The activity of the chair was conducted for three years up until October 2022, as its actual implementation began in the spring semester of academic year 2019/2020. This was in accordance with the fifth clause of the agreement, which stipulated that “the agreement shall apply for an initial period of three years, and shall be effective as of the start of the academic year in which the course for this chair is offered, and any extension of this agreement beyond the initial period is subject to the approval of both parties”.

Those in charge of the Chair’s activity have paid special attention to the area of research. A student research competition was held on one of the course topics offered by the Chair during the three years in which the course was offered. Financial awards were also allocated from the Chair’s budget and granted to students and professors who reviewed student research based on applicable evaluation procedures.

Outcomes:

1. Promoting the chair at the national and international levels.
2. Giving interviews on Omani TV and radio about the Chair’s activities and goals, including spreading legal awareness about, and a culture conducive to, the 2003 UN Anti-Corruption Convention.
3. Encouraging students to participate in scientific activities in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime by enrolling in its scientific courses and obtaining certificates.
4. Building partnerships with stakeholders in the Sultanate of Oman, such as the Financial and Administrative Control Authority, the Public Prosecution, the Oman Centre for Governance at the Capital Market Authority, and the Central Bank.