Page 66 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

 Encourage young Omani researchers to Participate in international conferences, workshops
and seminars.
 Encourage young Omani researchers to apply for membership in academic and professional
international associations.

 Encourage Omani Master students to publish their Research work.
 Develop a database of active Omani researchers in Omani institutions of higher education
and invite them for Research-oriented lectures and seminars.

 Sign collaborative Research MoUs with other national/international universities to focus on
joint Research of interests and ensure maximum involvement of Omani researchers.
 Publish research activities and achievements of young Omani researchers annually.

(For more information please visit www. du.edu.om/research)

14.6. University Level: University Research Committee

The URC acts in an advisory capacity to the Department of Research to help foster and improve the
research environment at DU. It consists of two representatives from each College and a
representative from the Foundation Program (FP) nominated by the College council or FP Director
for a term of two years, renewable for a similar term. The Chairperson, his/her assistant and any
additional members are appointed by the DVC. Its main tasks are to advise DR in:
 Formulating research policies and guidelines to ensure research impact and excellence.

 Approving applications for internal grants & incentives, conducting research or other works
in DU that involved data collection, interviews with DU community, and filling
questionnaires to ensure ethics and bio-safety.
 Editing and publishing the research activities report of the University every year.

 Facilitate collaboration with other universities.
 Help the colleges organize international conferences at DU.

14.7. University Level: MoHERI Research Focal Point & Institutional Proposal Evaluation
Committee
As per the requirement by MoHERI; DU has nominated a Research Focal Point (RFP) and the
Institutional Proposal Evaluation Chair (IPEC). The RFP assists and guides the faculty members in
applying for and managing different MoHERI funded grants whereas the IPEC is tasked to manage

the entire internal and external evaluation process of proposals submitted to MoHERI for funding.

14.8. University Level: Dhofar University Research Centre

As a part of its mission to promote quality Research and to become the hub of all Research activities
in the region, DU has setup a Research centre. The center focuses on few niche areas of Research
of regional importance, dealt with in different Research units. The clusters support and develop
strategically important local and national topics such as Conservation of biodiversity, frankincense
and medicinal plants, sustainable development of Dhofar mountains and coastal areas, issues
related to livestock and agriculture, computer and information security, enhanced oil recovery,
youth issues, languages, cultural heritage and society, improved traffic system, e-society in Oman,
cancer detection and classification, remote sensing, Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 62