Winners of research studies track announced

SALALAH: The organising committee of the '3rd Dhofar Scientific Forum', organised by the Research and Innovation Authority in cooperation with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Salalah, announced the final results of the winning teams in the research studies track, following a scientific competition that brought together a number of researchers and academics from various higher education institutions and research centres in the Sultanate of Oman.
The closing ceremony included the presentation of a visual display on the forum's activities and the honouring of the first-prize winners, the judging panel, and the forum's organising committee. The results culminated in the oil spill study challenge team winning first place, comprising researchers Khadija bint Salim al Hosni, Noura bint Al Murr al Ghabshi, and Bushra bint Mohammed al Kalbani, under the supervision of Dr Zakia bint Said al Amri.
Meanwhile, the tourist pressure study challenge team during the Khareef season secured second place. The study was prepared by a team consisting of Muna bint Khamis al Alawi, Reem bint Saleh al Harassi, Badriya bint Khamis al Fleiti, and Ohood bint Khamis al Jabri, under the supervision of Dr Noor bint Masoud Kashoob.
The outputs underwent rigorous evaluation by a judging panel comprising a number of experts and specialists according to criteria that included scientific research methodology, quality of visual presentations, and effectiveness of executive recommendations.
Dr Nasreen bint Yahya al Balushi, in charge of managing the Department of Building Research and Innovation Capabilities at the Research and Innovation Authority, emphasised that the success of the 3rd Dhofar Scientific Forum represents an important milestone in utilising scientific research and innovation to serve society and address priority developmental challenges in Dhofar Governorate.
She explained that the strategic research studies track at the forum, which came in partnership with the Chair of Strategic Technical Studies, focused on diagnosing a number of vital challenges. These included economic challenges, supporting small and medium enterprises, addressing oil spills, managing tourist pressure during the Khareef season, water resource management, and sustainable agriculture, as well as preserving intangible cultural heritage. — ONA