Science festival to focus on innovations

First phase to be launched on October 24 - Zainab al Nassri - Muscat, Oct 19 - The Oman Science Festival (OSF), the first of its kind to be held from October 24 to 28, aims to encourage innovation in science, the Ministry of Education has said. It will host some 300 activities. Saud bin Salim al Balushi, Under-Secretary for Education Planning and Human Resources, who presided over a press conference on Thursday, described the festival as a “breakthrough” that reflects current orientation of the ministry and country in terms of innovation. “We seek to uncover potential of students and people in science by providing them a platform in multiple fields like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, artificial intelligence and robotics.” The first phase of the festival will be launched on October 24 in all governorates. It will last for two days. The second phase, from October 26 to 28, will see 300 activities taking place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. “We seek the help of government, private and civil entities to view the projects and participate in workshops presented by students from schools and colleges,” he said. Backed by the private sector, it focuses on four main fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). An accompanying exhibition will have stalls displaying recent inventions by Omanis and residents. It will have robots and programming corners. Dr Zuwaina al Maskari, Director-General of Educational Evaluation and Deputy Chair of the festival main committee, said: “The festival aims at improving the general awareness of the public, students and especially young people. It aims at making students and members of society have continuous access to science through ways that encourage them to understand the importance of science. “They should have a positive attitude towards science, innovation and scientific research. The event looks at encouraging and reinforcing scientific dialogue and cooperation between specialists and researchers.” Through OSF, the ministry and sponsors seek to making this gathering an important source in developing scientific creativity and boosting knowledge. — Photos by Khalfan al Toobi