Message of the Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University to delegates of the 4th STEP forum

02 Dec. 2018

I would like to express a warm welcome to participants of the 4th Science and Technology Exchange Program among Muslim Countries (STEP) event, which is to take place at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, from December 2-5, 2018. The organization of STEP4 has been a collaborative effort of Sultan Qaboos University, through the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation. STEP4 offers an opportunity for Muslim scholars and researchers from around the world, and non-Muslim scholars working in Muslim nations, to gather in a supportive, inclusive environment where the exchange of knowledge, experiences, achievements, and future plans is facilitated. This exchange takes place between young researchers and established experts, and representative from academia, industry, government, and the general community, in the fields of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information and Communication Technology, and Sustainable Energy. In addition to formal academic exchange, the event will also host the awarding of the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation’s Mustafa Prize for scientific achievement across these fields – an initiative that will have a significant impact on research output across these strategic fields in Muslim Countries.

The 4th Science and Technology Exchange Program among Muslim Countries event is hosting around 300 participants, including about 220 from the Sultanate of Oman itself and 80 from around the world. STEP4 is also featuring an exhibition where local and international organizations and participants can showcase their innovative products, processes and solutions. The exhibition offers an amazing opportunity for a diverse range of stakeholders to engage in dialogue about ways academia and industry can commercialize innovations to meet various challenges and opportunities in Muslim countries. It is my sincere wish that all participants, whatever their backgrounds, find STEP4 a valuable and informative experience.

Dr. Ali Al-Bimani

The Vice Chancellor of SQU