Dhofar University Honors Academic and Administrative Staff on the Tenth Scientific Research Day

Dhofar University celebrated on Thursday, the twenty-second of February 2024, the 10th Annual Research Day organized by the Department of Research. The event took place under the patronage of Sheikh Tariq bin Salem bin Mustahail Al-Maashani, the Chairman of the University’s Board of Directors, along with various guests from scientific and research institutions, industry, commercial sector and the members of the academic and administrative staff of the university.

Dhofar University continues to reap the benefits of its investment in scientific research, reflected in the increase in research publications. Currently, it has over 3000 published research papers in renowned and high-impact journals, indexed by databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, and Arabic Impact Factor Journals. Professor Mohammed Asif Gondal, the Director of the Department of Research, commenced the ceremony by stating that the growing research productivity serves as a testament to the robustness of Dhofar University’s scientific research. He highlighted the role of the Department of Research in encouraging and facilitating all research efforts for both academic and administrative staff based on principles of collaboration, innovation, and impact creating a conducive environment for excellence in research at Dhofar University.

He emphasized the contribution of each faculty member in publishing more than two research papers on average per year while balancing teaching and administrative responsibilities, illustrating Dhofar University’s commitment to societal contribution and building a scientific economy in alignment with the vision outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

The event also confirmed the ongoing support for research talent and the participation of academic, administrative staff, and students in initiatives by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Dhofar University-funded research grants and incentives. The active involvement of Dhofar University students in scientific research was also acknowledged.

Following this, Professor Luay Rashan, the Director of the Research Center at the University, presented the achievements of the center in the Frankincense project spanning eight years. The studies conducted on the effectiveness of frankincense gum and oil against inflammation, cancer cells, various microorganisms, including HIV, yellow fever, and coronavirus, were highlighted. The presentation showcased the impact of these extracts and frankincense oil on the immune system and their use as analgesic agents. Notably, four significant research outputs were accepted, including two publications in the leading journals “Frontiers in Physiology” and “Neurobiology of Disease,” and a book chapter.

Dr. Mahad bin Issa Shamas, the Chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, introduced a research project funded by the Dhofar Municipality on the spread of the Parthenium plant in natural pastures in the Dhofar Governorate. The study aimed to evaluate the quantity of forage in protected and unprotected areas within different environments (plain, mountain, coastal) during the year 2022/2023. The study revealed the superiority of protected areas in dry grassland blocks and a clear increase in plant height compared to unprotected areas in the same environment. The study emphasized the importance of implementing and enforcing sustainable environmental protection and management measures to preserve the natural environment and enhance pasture productivity.

During the ceremony, the faculty members were honored for the excellent performance in Teaching, Research & Scholarly activities and the community service. The awards for the best teacher was presented to Dr. Omar Durrah (College of Commerce and Administrative Sciences), Dr. Sobhy Suleiman (College of Arts and Applied Sciences), Dr. Mahad Shamas (College of Engineering), Professor Mohammed Al-Shawabka (College of Law), and Mahija Nambiar (Foundation Program). In the category of the best researcher scholar, the recipients were Professor Nasser Abdul-Rasheed (College of Arts and Applied Sciences – Humanities), Dr. Gowhar Ahmed in the field of sciences, Dr. Suhail Ghouse (College of Commerce), Dr. Paul Okonoko (College of Engineering), Dr. Yassin Chami (College of Law), and Dr. Ramadevi Sakhamuri (Foundation Program).

Regarding the best in community service, Laila Al-Maashani from the Foundation Program, Dr. Ahmed Hosnia (College of Law), Dr. Manaf Zghaibeh (College of Engineering), Dr. Maryam Anil (College of Commerce), and Dr. Noorul Akhmal (College of Arts and Applied Sciences) were acknowledged.

The tenth Scientific Research Day also featured a competition for student research projects for the academic year 2023/2024. The Master’s level projects covered various fields, such as the impact of auditor delay on investor decisions, linguistic aspects in trademarks in Salalah, the impact of entrepreneurial marketing on marketing strategies, control of foreign investment contracts in the Sultanate of Oman, and criminal controls on human organ trafficking. The competition showcased high-quality projects with significant topics and impact.

On the undergraduate research competition front, 138 participants from various universities and colleges across the Sultanate took part. Fifty posters displaying student projects were exhibited during the celebration.

In a gesture symbolizing appreciation, Dhofar University honored several faculty and administrative members who completed two decades of dedicated service, effort, and participation in the university’s journey of achievements and successes.