The International Conference on Environmental Microbiology and Its Applications in Biotechnology 2026 commenced on Monday at Sultan Qaboos University. This scientific event, organized by the Department of Biology at the College of Science, focuses on environmental challenges and biotechnological solutions.
Opening Ceremony with High-Ranking Officials
The opening ceremony of this conference was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Dr. Mona Fahd Al Said, Vice President of Sultan Qaboos University for International Cooperation. During the ceremony, Professor Raed Abd, the conference chair, emphasized the importance of microbial ecology and biotechnology in addressing environmental challenges, food security, health, and sustainable development. He also announced the establishment of the Middle East Microbiology and Biotechnology Association, aimed at strengthening research collaborations and international partnerships.
Oman's National Biotechnology Strategy
Dr. Kawthar Ibrahim Al Balushi, project manager for the National Biotechnology Strategy, provided an explanation of the project in a presentation. This project aims to address key challenges by emphasizing Oman’s strengths in biological resources, biological research, aquaculture, and agricultural sectors to develop valuable and exportable products. With this approach, Oman is solidifying its position in the rapidly growing global bioeconomy market.
The conference will continue until October 15 and serves as an international scientific platform, bringing together researchers, academics, graduate students, and young researchers in the fields of microbial ecology, biotechnology, and its various applications.
Conference Program and International Participation
The conference program includes 13 invited speakers from international universities and scientific institutions who will present talks on microbial ecology, microbiomes, biotechnology, and sustainability. Additionally, researchers from 28 countries are participating in this program, reflecting the international stature of the conference and the breadth of scientific collaborations from the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions.
The accepted scientific program includes 159 selected scientific contributions from 270 abstracts, distributed between 41 oral presentations and 118 scientific posters. The goal of the conference is to strengthen international and regional scientific collaborations among research and academic institutions interested in microbiology and its applications in biotechnology.
Scientific Exhibition Accompanying the Conference
Alongside the conference, a scientific exhibition featuring nearly 120 research posters from researchers in Arab and international countries will be held. Dr. Huda Al Battashi, assistant professor in the Department of Biology and head of the exhibition accompanying the conference, stated that this exhibition acts as a scientific and interactive space that brings together researchers, research institutions, and supporting companies.
She added that the exhibition is distinguished by diverse interactive activities that introduce Oman and its cultural richness, traditions, climatic features, and biodiversity. In this exhibition, visitors can explore various aspects of Oman’s environment using modern technologies and become familiar with its natural diversity.
This event also helps strengthen collaborations between universities, research centers, the industrial sector, and decision-makers, facilitating the transformation of research results into economically and socially valuable products. With the establishment of the Middle East Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology Association, this conference will serve as a sustainable regional platform for enhancing scientific collaborations and organizing future initiatives and events.
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