Research is essential to nation-building. It promotes social progress, economic growth, prosperity and makes a nation more competitive in the global scenario. Further, it helps to equip and train the workforce and encourages creativity and innovation.
The National University of Science and Technology has a clearly defined research strategy and plans that include fundamental and applied research with strong industry, community, and university collaboration in the Sultanate of Oman and beyond the region. NU aspires to promote and implement both discipline-specific and multidisciplinary research through the provision of the required infrastructure, training, and resources contributing to the socio-economic growth in the region and beyond. The key research areas of the University include Energy and Industry, Information and Communication Technology, Health and Social Services, and Environmental and Biological Sciences. We are committed to harnessing technology-driven research to generate new knowledge through collaborative and multidisciplinary research involving engineering, medical and applied pharmaceutical science. Further, we carry out specific scientific and technological research and consultancy in close cooperation with industries and the community. Our research focus is customer-driven, and we make a special effort to ensure fruits of research benefit the customer, faculty and community at large. Our primary focus is on using our expertise to solve research problems by applying known technology to minimize cost, risk, and development time.
NU offers a unique combination of technological and management expertise covering a range of cutting-edge research capabilities including areas of;
This research group is involved in the analysis of the reliability and availability of complex process equipment and industrial systems. Studies include the development of models for deploying the best preventive and corrective maintenance practices in order to prevent the system’s premature failure. The research group has worked on major projects in the renewable energy & water desalination area for developing the model for cost and operational effectiveness.
Our instrumentation and signal processing systems integrated with Modelling and Artificial intelligence provides solutions for automated mechanical and electrical fault diagnosis of critical systems like pumps, turbines, engines, transformers, and electrical motors, etc. This multidisciplinary research group has the competence and experience in intelligent instrumentation, smart condition monitoring, NDT and oil analysis to meet industrial needs. The research group has undertaken many applied research projects.
This research group focuses on clean Energy, Thermal Systems and Renewable Energy, Smart grid technologies, and Energy Audit and management. This multidisciplinary research group has expertise in augmentation and integration of Wind Farms into Power Systems, Grid Frequency Dynamics, Hybrid Renewable Energy System Penetration (Standalone) and Grid-Connected Systems (non-Autonomous), Smart grid technologies, Future Energy Storage Systems (Hydrogen Gas Production) and Fuel Cells Applications.
Design, manufacturing, Mechatronics, Automation, and Robotics are the important research areas in Industry 4.0. The research group focuses on modern technologies like additive manufacturing, 3D and 4D printing, CAD/CAM, Robotics, Mechatronics System Design, Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, IoT technologies in Manufacturing and Process Industries.
Nanotechnology & the development of novel materials research group focus on the application of nanoparticles and Nano thin films technology in the Biomedical and environmental, wastewater treatment and corrosion.. Our key research covers the synthesis of nanomaterial, inhibitors, Advanced treatment technologies and electrolysis.
This research group conduct applied research in applications of AI and ML for automated planning, robotics, data mining, image processing, healthcare and medical, vision learning, computational systems, manufacturing areas from the aspects of fault diagnosis, quality inspection, improving the safety of working places and other aspects as well. The research also involves developing the appropriate software solution for biometrics, detection of various lung infections, brain abnormality detection retinal diseases, skin infection, blood level infection etc.
This multidisciplinary group conducts research in water resources, wastewater treatment technologies: like membrane technologies, water desalination, membrane bioreactors, microbial fuel cells, modelling studies for wastewater recycling. The group has expertise in Waste to material and energy recovery technologies: biogas production, algal biofuel, MFCs, developing eco-friendly techniques and materials.
The research area mainly focuses on the development of eco-friendly cementless concrete using different source materials (locally available material), partial replacement in concrete ingredients and retrofitting of RC beams, slabs and columns. A wide range of assessments of seismic zone up-gradation for RC and steel structures, condition assessment of deteriorated reinforced concrete structures and steel structures are carried out.
The core Research group works in “Drug discovery and formulation development.” The research focuses on the following thrust areas:
Epigenetics explores genetic alterations influenced by internal or external factors with lasting genetic and metabolic implications. The research focus includes studying types, causes, manifestations, and consequences of genetic alterations. The group aims to propose practical solutions for outcomes like chromosomal abnormalities, malignancies, mental disorders, body system failures, and oxidative stress. Recommendations and guidelines to manage causative factors are shared with industry, community, and government. This group comprises highly qualified senior faculty members from basic science and clinical backgrounds.
The Medical Education Research Group (MERG) works on a comprehensive research agenda, generating evidence to influence policy and facilitate reforms in health professions education. Their expertise lies in addressing professional core competencies in education and practice. The group offers consultancy in curriculum development, assessment design, interprofessional education, academic leadership, program evaluation, and change management.
The Mental Health group focuses on identifying mental health sequelae and practical, innovative interventions. The group aims to raise awareness about mental illnesses, especially depression, and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The group screens the community, carries out early identification, and offers evidence-based preventive and protective solutions to reduce psychiatric morbidity and improve resilience in the population.
The Non-Communicable Diseases & Public Health Core Research Group is a multidisciplinary team with expertise in population-based, clinical, epidemiological, and molecular studies. Research areas include Vitamin D, Metabolic Syndrome, Type I and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, bone and joint diseases, and the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for drug repurposing. The primary focus is on minimizing the burden of NCDs, particularly metabolic risks, and enhancing public health and the quality of life for patients in Oman.
The Process Design and Computational Engineering (PDCE) group uses a range of analytical, computational, and experimental techniques for the design, Development, and optimization of sustainable and zero/ultra-low carbon processes and products. PDCE focuses on the design and Development of sustainable processes, process modeling, simulation, intensification, energy integration, energy efficiency, reliability, and process optimization studies. The main objective of this group is to design chemical processes and products that are environmentally friendly, flexible, and able to provide rapid response to changes in market demand.
The research group focuses on identifying appropriate logistics technologies, opportunities, and implementation challenges to provide policy recommendations to support the execution of the SOLS 2040. Research areas cover (1) digital logistics (technology and Logistics): IoTs, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine learning in logistics (2) sustainable and green logistics and agricultural supply chain (3) port infrastructure, quality, and logistics performance (4) global supply chain challenges and humanitarian logistics.
This research group aims to investigate fuel processing technology, combustion science, and power generation using advanced fuels. It covers, amongst others, (1) Advanced Alternative fuels from waste feedstock available in Oman, (2) Emission Control Techniques, (3) Spray combustion modeling and Spray Atomization/Diagnostics (4) Utilization of waste heat from engines for potential benefits like thermal & solar desalination.
This research aims to address pollution, water, climate change, and sustainability-related challenges using various bioprocess and catalysis techniques. The research areas include noble and affordable bioprocess and catalytic technologies for the removal of nutrients, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceutical waste. Various pretreatment technologies, including microwave, ultrasonic, oxidation, and other advanced pretreatment techniques for enhanced water and wastewater treatment, are investigated.
This research group looks into the future of higher education. It explores innovative approaches to implementing and teaching strategies for a sustainable future in maritime, logistics, and engineering education with a focus on Lifelong Learning, the creation of a knowledge-based economy, and capacity building. This group also explores the effect of AI and digitalization on education and training in Maritime, Logistics, and Engineering education and training.
This research group promotes innovation and the development of new marine technologies, engaging with other sectors to leverage the best outcomes for the maritime industry. The focus will be on renewable energy, diversified sources, and rationalized consumption to improve ship capability capacity, reduce life-cycle environmental impact and related costs, technological developments pertinent to the growth of the maritime sector, CO2 emissions, and quantitative methods to investigate the role of human factors in maritime accidents and the deployment of low-cost technologies to extract marine renewable energy that could survive in the harsh marine environment.
