On the government’s efforts to continue education during the pandemicHow is the Covid-19 pandemic shaping national strategies in higher education, scientific research and innovation?
RAHMA BINT IBRAHIM AL MAHROOQI: The MoHERI has continued its efforts to develop research and innovation capacity during the pandemic. The ministry contributed funding to the Covid-19 Research Programme launched in March 2020, covering both clinical and non-clinical categories. The initiative funded 28 research proposals at a total cost of OR280,000 ($727,700). These projects will lead to a better understanding of the pandemic in the local context, as well as provide innovative solutions.
The MoHERI has prepared for the economic recovery by updating the National Strategy for Research and Development 2040 to better align it with Oman Vision 2040. This will ensure that research leads to the development of a knowledge-based economy. We will continue to work towards this end, despite the economic and administrative complications that arose due to the pandemic. The MoHERI funded 248 research projects through the Block Funding Programme in 2020, covering research support grants for holders of PhDs, masters and bachelor’s degrees, and undergraduate and post-graduate students abroad. The financial aid provided to these projects totalled OR1.2m ($3.1m).
To what extent could the pandemic result in a greater number of local students entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies and related career paths?
AL MAHROOQI: Although it is still too early to determine the long-term impact of the pandemic on the number of students entering STEM as a career path, the MoHERI has taken specific steps to ensure the availability of a wide range of STEM programmes at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The ministry has complemented these by adding specific programmes related to emergency and disaster sciences, and similar specialisations, include those associated with first aid work that until now had not been included in the internal and external scholarship programmes, nor in the National Postgraduate Programme (NPP). The ministry has encouraged students of the BPP to conduct research studies in STEM subjects, as well as in energy and disaster sciences, to develop expertise in the areas and to promote high levels of practical preparedness.
What can be done to increase the participation of the private sector in research and development (R&D)?
AL MAHROOQI: The transformation of the former Ministry of Higher Education into the MoHERI and its takeover of the Research Council was a crucial step in helping Oman become a centre for R&D. Since then, efforts have been made to establish the sultanate as a regional leader, and we have committed to establishing more partnerships with the job market – especially the private sector – for market-ready innovation.
In light of the pandemic, an emphasis is now being placed on health care, food security, energy, the environment, education technology and emerging technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As part of these partnerships, the ministry and other government entities will provide financing and in-kind support, as well as numerous incubation platforms for research projects with a view to generating high-impact innovation.
An emphasis has been placed on media relations and outreach campaigns about R&D projects in the country. This has helped enhance local and regional awareness of Oman’s engagement in innovation. Moreover, the sultanate has continued to facilitate services for the management and administration of research funding programmes, and the development of research projects that reinforce the position of the country as a regional leader in these sectors.
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