Sultan Qaboos University, University of Reading To Partner on research ties

Discussion, Held at SQU Between Officials of Both Schools

Sultan Qaboos University and University of Reading, UK are exploring long term research partnerships in various fields including science, agriculture, fisheries, engineering, medicine and health sciences.

A detailed discussion in this regard, was held yesterday at SQU between officials of the two universities, led by Prof Amer bin Ali al Rawas, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and HH Sayyidah Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for External Cooperation from SQU, and Prof Steven Mithen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and External Engagement), and Chris Brown, Regional Officer — Middle East, from the University of Reading.

The two sides discussed prospective areas for future collaboration with focus on joint research in different fields. A two-day research workshop has been planned at SQU in which researchers from the two universities will share their ideas to work out collaboration in future that would lead to long term research partnership and exchange of knowledge.

The two universities are keen to promote mutual visits of researchers and exchange of students. It has been agreed to utilise bottom up approach in building long term research partnerships in future.

The two universities agreed in principle to go ahead with joint studies on agricultural chemicals and pesticides use, robotics for the use of the disabled, molecular microbiology and advanced microscopy. SQU can also benefit from short term courses for its staff on research management and other specialised areas which needs further streamlining.