Page 24 - Annual Research Report 2018-19

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ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OVER

PAST FIVE YEARS

As per ROSQA classification of HEIs in the Sultanate of Oman, DU is classified as a “University”
in private sector and is expected to be actively involved in research and consultancy activities.

In view of this, DU encouraged its faculty and students to undertake research, provided them
with necessary facilities and financial support and also acknowledged their research excellence

through various rewards and incentives.

From 2004 to 2019, there was an immense increase in the research activities in the University.
It was evident from the University’s RG score that rose from 209 in AY 2014-15 to 1152 in AY

2018-19. This was instrumental in DU maintaining its position as 2nd best private research

Institute in the region. Over the past five years the research policies were strengthened to
improve the quality and impact of research by encouraging faculty members to publish in high

quality journals. As a result, the number of papers published in ISI journals increased two-folds
as compared to previous years. Also, the faculty members were actively presenting their

research in various international and national conferences, workshops, exhibitions or
symposiums. The number rose from 74 in 2014-15 to 133 in 2018-19.

The faculty members received internal grants for their papers published in Scopus, Web of
Science or TRC approved list of Arabic Journals for Humanities & Law and for presenting their
research work in national and international conferences. Considering the vision & mission of

the University to develop into a research hub of quality research & innovative activities in the

region, the research budget was increased every year by 10% despite of the current economic
condition of the country. The research activities were also supported by TRC by providing

grants for faculty members and students through various research grant programs. Thus the
faculty research projects rose from 11 in AY 2014-15 to 52 in AY 2018-19. The aforementioned

numbers include the submitted, ongoing and newly approved projects by TRC.

The students’ involvement in Research activities was emphasized to promote research culture

at DU. The results were commendable as DU students won 21 research award at different
national and international forums. Also the TRC funded student research grants increased

immensely over the years.

11 Annual Research Report for AY 2018-19
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