International conference on microbiology begins at Sultan Qaboos University

Muscat: The activities of the 4th International Conference on Environmental Microbiology and its Applications in Biotechnology 2026, organised by the Department of Biology at the College of Science, commenced on Monday at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr. Mona Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University for International Cooperation. In the opening address of the conference, Prof. Raeid Abed, Chairman of the Conference, emphasised the importance of microbial ecology and biotechnology in addressing environmental challenges, promoting food security, health, and sustainable development. He pointed to the launch of the Middle East Society for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, aiming to enhance research cooperation, international partnerships, and support young researchers.Dr. Kauthar Ibrahim Al Balushi, Project Director for the Preparation of the National Biotechnology Strategy, delivered a presentation in which she spoke about the project for preparing the National Biotechnology Strategy.She explained that this project aims to address key challenges by leveraging the Sultanate of Oman's strengths in bioresources, biological research, aquaculture, and agricultural sectors to develop high-value, exportable products. Through this, the Sultanate of Oman will secure its position and expand its market share in the rapidly growing global bioeconomy.She added that the Sultanate of Oman can build a biotechnology strategy based on several success factors, including the ability to scale priority biotechnology fields, build technical partnerships, establish a sustainable supply of resources through technology localisation, and create shared infrastructure, including joint laboratories and pilot plants. This is in addition to funding models such as public-private partnerships, grants, and advance purchase agreement models, alongside skill building in bio-manufacturing, diagnostics, bioinformatics, and laboratory experiments, and finally governance, including coordination between ministries, regulatory bodies, academia, investors, and the industrial sector.The conference continues through 15 October, serving as an international scientific platform bringing together researchers, academics, graduate students, early-career researchers, and specialists in the fields of microbial ecology, biotechnology, and their various applications.The conference programme features 13 invited speakers from international universities and scientific institutions, whose lectures cover topics in microbial ecology, the microbiome, biotechnology, and sustainability. Researchers representing 28 countries are also participating in the program, reflecting the international character of the conference and the broad scope of scientific participation from the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions.Furthermore, the accepted scientific programme comprises 159 selected scientific contributions out of 270 abstracts, distributed across 41 oral presentations and 118 scientific posters.The conference seeks to enhance international and regional scientific cooperation between academic and research institutions interested in microbiology and its applications in biotechnology. It aims to review the latest study findings and recent developments and scientific innovations in environmental microbiology and their applications in biotechnology related to environmental, agricultural, and industrial fields. It also aims to highlight the unique potential of distinct environments in the Middle East region, including desert, marine, and hot spring environments, and to encourage investment in innovative research and applications.The conference encourages knowledge transfer, the employment of modern technologies, and the linking of basic research to practical applications in agriculture, food security, health, bioremediation, and environmental protection. It supports young researchers and graduate students in the region by providing opportunities for scientific presentation, networking with experts, and building international research networks. This is in addition to strengthening partnerships between universities, research centres, the industrial sector, and decision-makers, thereby contributing to transforming research results into added-value products with economic and societal impact, and launching the Middle East Society for Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology as a sustainable regional platform to enhance scientific cooperation, organise future initiatives and events, and solidify the position of the Sultanate of Oman and Sultan Qaboos University as a regional and international centre of excellence in scientific research within environmental microbiology and biotechnology fields.Accompanying the conference is a scientific exhibition featuring approximately 120 research posters with the participation of researchers from Arab and international countries.Dr. Huda Al Battashi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Head of the Exhibition Accompanying the Conference, stated that this exhibition serves as a scientific and interactive space bringing together researchers, research institutions, and supporting companies, contributing to highlighting research efforts and scientific innovations in microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.She added that the exhibition is distinguished by including a set of interactive activities aimed at introducing the Sultanate of Oman, highlighting its cultural richness, traditions, climatic features, and biodiversity. The virtual reality area also provides an interactive experience enabling visitors to explore aspects of the Omani environment and learn about its natural diversity through innovative technical methods.The exhibition witnesses the participation of several research centres and scientific institutions, including the Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology and the Centre for Environmental Studies and Research at Sultan Qaboos University, and the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre at the University of Nizwa, alongside participating institutions and companies, including MESME and AMI, reflecting the diversity of entities interested in scientific research, innovation, and biotechnology.The accompanying exhibition reflects Sultan Qaboos University's commitment to providing an interactive scientific environment that supports knowledge exchange, highlights the research output of participants, and opens new horizons for cooperation among researchers, academic institutions, and the industrial sector, thereby enhancing the role of scientific research in addressing environmental challenges and achieving sustainable development.