Chair: Dr. Sergey Dobretsov

Abstract:

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 ( Ministry of Higher Education, Resaerch and Innovation ). 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.

The Chair will further develop inter-university national and international visits and student mobility and exchange.