Muscat – Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) will host the Annual Researchers Forum – Innovation and Entrepreneurship – on Monday when winners of the 2024 National Research Award will be announced.

To be held under the patronage of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit, the event will take place at Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah and attended by several dignitaries and representatives of public and private sector higher education institutions and research organisations.

H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary in MoHERI, informed that the forum is a key scientific event providing a platform for researchers to present their work, share knowledge and engage in discussions with the academic and scientific communities.

Winners of the 2024 National Research Award will be in two categories: Best Published Scientific Research for PhD holders and equivalent, and Best Published Scientific Research for emerging researchers. The award covers six research sectors – education, information systems, health, energy, culture and humanities, and environment.

H E Hadabi also informed that 247 participants applied for the award this year – 167 in the doctoral category and 107 in the emerging researchers category.

The forum will also witness the signing of contracts for strategic research projects and efficiency-based funding for higher education institutions. Additionally, two discussion sessions will focus on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, besides showcasing winning research projects and innovations.