MUSCAT: Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced the launch of the 2025 Security Research Competition, reinforcing its commitment to advancing scientific research in the security field and strengthening community engagement.
The competition invites researchers to submit studies under the theme, ‘Security and Sustainable Development in Light of Oman Vision 2040,’ offering a platform to present innovative ideas that support national development priorities.
The initiative aims to promote applied security research by implementing the findings of winning projects, while ensuring a transparent evaluation process based on rigorous scientific standards. It also seeks to deepen cooperation between the police and civil society to enhance sustainable security and comprehensive development.
Lieutenant Colonel Khalifa bin Said al Amiri, Director of the Research and Studies Centre at the Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences, said the competition reflects the directives of His Majesty who has placed scientific research and innovation at the core of Oman’s renewed renaissance.
He noted that the competition aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises research as a key driver of a knowledge-based economy. “The initiative seeks to harness scientific research to serve the security system and develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, ensuring the sustainability of security and safety,” he said.
Al Amiri added that the future of security in Oman is moving towards proactive approaches that leverage modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and strategies to combat transnational crime. Research, he said, also plays a vital role in enhancing security awareness, particularly in addressing emerging issues such as cybercrime, and in improving the efficiency of police services for citizens and residents.
Guiding themes include comprehensive security and sustainable development; national security and its impact on development; and the role of citizens in achieving security and sustainability.
Participation is open to Omani citizens as well as legal entities, including universities, colleges and research centres within Oman.
Entries will undergo a blind review process to ensure impartiality. Evaluation will consider not only research content but also methodological rigour, analytical strength and practical relevance. The judging panel comprises leading academics from Omani universities in collaboration with field experts from the Royal Oman Police, ensuring a balanced assessment that integrates theory and practice.
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