Applications open for 13th National Scientific Research Award

MUSCAT: The Research and Innovation Authority has announced the opening of applications for the 13th edition of the National Scientific Research Award for 2026, with submissions accepted from March 15 to June 16.
The initiative is part of the authority’s continued efforts to encourage researchers in Oman to undertake high-quality, globally competitive scientific research and to emphasise publication in reputable peer-reviewed international journals. The award in its current cycle targets two categories of researchers.
The first category is for researchers holding a PhD or equivalent, including physicians with the rank of senior specialist or higher.
The second category aims to encourage emerging researchers who do not hold a PhD, ensuring support across various academic and professional levels.
The award covers six strategic fields aligned with national development priorities. They include education and human resources, information and communication systems, health and community service, culture, social sciences and basic sciences, energy and industry and lastly environment and vital resources.
Applicants must be the principal researcher whose name appears first among the authors of the published scientific paper.
The research must address issues relevant to Oman and fall within one of the award's designated fields. To qualify, the research must have been published after March 15, 2023, in a peer-reviewed journal indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or approved Arabic journals listed on the award’s official website.
The award is limited to original research and studies, and does not accept review papers, conference papers, historical studies, book chapters, or medical reports. Each researcher may submit only one application, and multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
Applicants must also provide written approval from all members of the research team, and submissions will be accepted only through the electronic application system with all required documents attached.
Since its launch, the National Scientific Research Award has honoured 140 winners, recognising outstanding research contributions and promoting stronger links between research outputs and beneficiaries, while encouraging scientific publishing and innovation. - ONA