DBSC held on Tuesday 11th Jan a Panel discussion on prospective opportunities for chemical and biological sciences in Oman. The session was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al-Sibani; HoD Biological Sciences & Chemistry with the participation of a group of labour sector’s representatives in the Sultanate namely: Dr Mohammed Al-Kindy; CEO of the Earth Sciences Consultancy Centre, Eng. Hilal Al-Shibli; General Manager, Makers Oman, Innovation Park Muscat, Eng. Khalid Al-Abri; Head of production & corrosion functional discipline, Daleel Petroleum L.L.C, Dr Mahmood Al-Amri; Head of camel health department, Royal Court Affairs, Dr Ibtisam Al-Harrasi, Head of Biotechnology Research Section, Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water, and Dr Buthaina Al-Haddabi; Head of Chemistry Section, Royal Court Affairs. In addition, a number of the university’s professors and technicians also participated in the session.

During the discussion, a number of topics were raised, including reducing the gap between the job market and academic programs, and the necessarily need to involve representatives from the job market in reviewing and developing academic programs. The attendants also discussed the importance of raising graduates’ professional skills so that they are able to compete in the job market.