Page 7 - Annual Research Report AY 2019-20

INTRODUCTION

DU recognizes research as one of the main pillars of academic excellence as explicitly mentioned in its
mission statement. All efforts are being made to encourage research among its faculty members and
students and to create a conducive environment for credible research. In its Strategic Plan, DU aims to
promote research aligned with the National Research Strategy and the National Research vision 2040.
As a consequence, DU is currently ranked 2nd in Research among all private Universities in Oman based
on its ResearchGate(RG) score. Both OAAA and ASIC has awarded the “Satisfactory” and
“Commendable” status to Research standards at DU. Moreover, in QS 2021 Arab world ranking, DU has
been awarded “High” status in research output, where, DU is ranked first among all private Universities
in Oman and 16th in Arab world for publishing highest no. of papers per faculty. Furthermore, it also
stands first in private institutions in Oman and 55th in Arab world for having greatest international
research network. Despite being a relatively new institution, from 2009 until 2020, DU successfully
secured funds for 13 faculty research projects and 24 student research projects from “The Research
Council” in areas of Energy & Industry, Information Technology & Co mmunication, Languages, Health &
sciences, Culture, Basic and Human Sciences, Social Sciences and EcoHouse Project.

DU has subscribed to internationally recognized research databases to facilitate its faculty, students
and staff like Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, ProQuest, Masader, Dar AlMandumah and DSpace
(DU Thesis Database). To acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of the faculty, students and
the Research Centre, the “Annual Research Day” is organized each year. Awards are given to deserving
students and to faculty members for their excellence in teaching, research and community service in
each college and FP unit.

During the last academic year, Despite of global pandemic that affected everyone economically and
psychologically, DU encouraged its faculty and students to undertake quality research, provided them
with necessary facilities and financial support and also acknowledged their research excellence
through various rewards and incentives.

The Eleventh Annual Research Report presents the ‘Research output’ of faculty members of Dhofar
University (DU) for the AY 2019-20. Please note that:
In the Publications' list, DU faculty members are indicated with bold letters.
Only published or presented papers are listed. Manuscripts accepted but not yet published shall
appear in the next annual research report.