MUSCAT, DEC 17
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, represented by the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawrid), inaugurated the Sultanate of Oman’s first mobile research laboratory dedicated to genetic resources and life sciences. The inauguration took place at Innovation Park Muscat under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
The mobile laboratory is a pioneering national initiative aimed at delivering specialised laboratory services to governorates across the country, particularly remote areas lacking advanced research infrastructure. It enables on-site testing and sample preparation, accelerating research activities and improving the efficiency and quality of sample collection and preservation.
Equipped with advanced laboratory technologies, the unit supports the analysis of plant, animal, marine, and microbial genetic resources, including medicinal plants, wild and domesticated animal species, marine resources, microorganisms, and fungi, in support of conservation and genetic research.
The design and outfitting of the laboratory, including a four-wheel-drive vehicle and advanced equipment, took more than three years and allow for future upgrades in line with scientific and technological advancements. Mawrid is currently implementing field-based research projects across various governorates, highlighting the vital role of the mobile laboratory in supporting and expediting field research.
Dr Mohammed bin Nasser al Yahyai, Director of the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawrid), said that Oman’s rich geographical diversity requires flexible research tools to access various natural environments. He explained that the mobile laboratory reduces sample loss from long distances and allows analysis on-site, ensuring greater accuracy, higher quality results, and improved efficiency in genetic and environmental research.
Moza bint Mohammed al Kharousiyah, Head of the Research Facilities Section at Mawrid, stated that the mobile laboratory also supports awareness and community engagement through scientific events and visits to schools and universities. She added that it strengthens Oman’s research infrastructure, improving lab performance, accelerating research, and fostering collaboration between research institutions and the public and private sectors in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Al Munther al Maamari, Plant Genetic Resources Specialist at Mawrid, stated that the laboratory provides its services to researchers across plant, animal, and marine sectors. He explained that the centre plays a key role in collecting samples and preserving them alive for extended periods during fieldwork, particularly under conditions of high temperatures and environmental pollutants that may cause sample degradation.
Dr Ahmed bin Saleh al Ansari, Assistant Professor at the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University, said that the mobile laboratory for studying native Omani plant and animal species serves as an innovative educational and research platform, enabling university students to conduct field-based scientific investigations using advanced genetic tools.
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