Muscat – Omani researcher Noof Ali al Lawati has gained international recognition for outstanding contributions to chemical engineering and biotechnology.

Noof’s academic journey has been marked by two prestigious awards – the Frank Whitt Prize from University of Nottingham in 2022 for exceptional performance in the Chemical Engineering with Environmental Engineering programme, and the prize for best research in 2024 during her MSc in advanced chemical engineering at Imperial College London.

Her research focuses on sustainable energy solutions, particularly development of organic photoanodes for green hydrogen production using photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. This technology offers a method to convert solar energy into hydrogen, a clean energy source.

Explaining her work, Noof said, “My research focused on improving the efficiency of PEC devices, which convert solar energy into electrochemical energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen through water splitting.”

She added that PEC devices have a unique advantage, operating in a single unit without the need for expansive solar or wind farms.

By making solar-to-hydrogen conversion more efficient and stable, Noof aims to position hydrogen as a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The research holds significant promise for advancing a low-carbon economy and promoting sustainability.

Noof’s achievements have been widely acknowledged. Her MSc thesis won the third place at the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman, awarded by Ministry of Energy and Minerals. She also secured second place in the EURECHA Student Contest 2023 for her research on optimising methanol production through CO₂ reduction, presented at the CAPE Forum in Portugal.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Noof highlighted the challenges of studying abroad, including balancing research, academic commitments and job applications while adapting to a new environment. “Managing my time effectively was one of the biggest challenges, but it helped me build resilience and discipline,” she said.

Looking ahead, Noof aspires to contribute to Oman’s renewable energy sector, envisioning the sultanate as a global leader in green technologies.

She attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family, mentors and colleagues. “Their guidance and encouragement made this journey possible.”