Young Omani scientist is first GCC national to be employed by top UK research centre

MUSCAT: In a significant milestone for the Gulf, a 19-year-old Omani student has become the first GCC national to be chosen by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), the top public sector R&D funding agency of the UK government, to study at a prestigious research institution in Britain.

Aziza Saif Al Mugheiry (pictured), who is currently in the third year of her four-year BSc studies at Cardiff University, will take part in particle physics research at ISIS Neutron & Muon Source, a world-leading centre for research at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.

Aziza’s role at the ISIS Neutron & Muon Source primarily involves the development of scientific training for Neutron and Muon experiments. Her contributions in this capacity promise to be instrumental in advancing and strengthening the understanding of scientific research, spanning diverse fields including theoretical and experimental particle physics.

Aziza’s outstanding accomplishment not only underscores her exceptional talent but also showcases UKRI's progressive stance in fostering diversity within the scientific community. A non-departmental body of the UK government, UKRI is the largest funder of research in the UK. Its funding support also covers the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), under whose auspices the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories or Harwell Innovation Campus operate.

As one of the youngest scientists in the Gulf, Aziza’s pioneering journey stands as a beacon of hope for future generations, emphasizing the profound importance of her presence in a discipline historically underrepresented by Arabs.

“My long-term goals is to support the development of research councils that, working in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, will help boost research and education as well as help diversify the Omani economy,” says Aziza.

“Given Oman’s advantageous strategic location midway between Europe, Asia and Africa, there is much potential in positioning the country as global innovation hub that will attract visiting scientists, researchers and even students. This collaboration will not only pull in more investors into Oman, but also help strengthen human capital development and job creation.”