Muscat: Oman Vision 2040 targets at least three institutions to make it to the top 300 of the QS World University Rankings.
Speaking during an interaction, Dr. Bakhit bin Ahmed al Mahri, Undersecretary for Higher Education said that the 'Strategic Research Projects" program will be implemented soon and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MEHRI) recently conducted a study to find out the challenges of researchers and innovators.
Al-Mahri said that there is a continuous review of curricula and teaching methods in higher education institutions.
Dr. Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary for Scientific Research and Innovation, said that the total expenditure on scientific research amounted to about RO66 million, according to the latest survey of science and technology indicators submitted by the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO.
He said there are nine of 28 institutions in the higher education sector that have obtained academic accreditations and there are institutions that have not yet applied or completed the same process.
Al Mahri said that private universities in the Sultanate of Oman continued to be not profitable despite great efforts and progress made by them over the years.
He said that many programs to support scientific research and innovation were launched by the Ministry, including the Competency-Based Research Program, including 461 research projects
Al Hadabi said what has been accomplished in scientific research and innovation since 1995 until today is a matter of pride due as these achievements made in a short period
Al Mahri said the focus is not only to have a large number of institutions but also to make them accessible to all as per the goals in Oman 2040 vision.
Both the undersecretaries were speaking during an interaction at a weekly talk show hosted by youngsters.
Al Hadabi said, “Considering scientific research as a sector for innovation and linking it with higher education is an important and supportive step because the quality of education is directly linked to the quality of scientific research and innovations."
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