The Central Research Facility at the Medical Research Center (MRC) is a vital component of academic and scientific development at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CoMHS), National University of Science and Technology. Operated by qualified personnel, the facility provides essential scientific and technical support to faculty, students, and collaborators. While still under development, the center reflects a strong institutional commitment to strengthening research capacity and gradually advancing toward internationally recognized standards.
Research is a core pillar of academic excellence and serves as an indicator of quality assurance in higher education. Within the national academic accreditation framework, research is addressed under Standard 4 of the nine assessable standards. At CoMHS, research activities are guided and overseen by the Graduate Studies, Research & Innovation Committee (GSRIC) and the Ethics & Biosafety Committee (EBC), ensuring compliance with ethical standards, scientific rigor, and institutional policies.
To reinforce the link between education and research, a structured research module has been embedded into the NU medical curriculum starting in the fourth year. This initiative promotes student engagement in hands-on research projects, enhances analytical and critical thinking skills, and encourages the translation of research findings into teaching content—thereby enriching the learning environment.
In alignment with NU’s research strategy and Oman’s national priorities, CoMHS has defined the following four research themes:
1. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) & Public Health
2. Epigenetics
3. Medical Education
4. Mental Health
Each theme is led by faculty members with strong expertise and research experience. Establishing thematic focus areas allows the college to concentrate its research efforts, promote collaboration among disciplines, and create opportunities for impactful and sustainable research output. These themes also serve as a platform to engage students and faculty in addressing real-world health challenges.
The central research facility, with several specialized laboratories already operational, continues to be enhanced with advanced instrumentation and infrastructure. These laboratories, supporting areas such as molecular biology, cell culture, immunology, and microbiology, are already contributing to research on priority health issues in Oman, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic disorders. The facility also supports community-based studies aimed at identifying health risks, informing policy, and improving population well-being.
Looking ahead, the vision is to continue developing the central research facility into a well-resourced and accessible hub for faculty and student research. Efforts are underway to expand collaborations at both the national and international levels, thereby enhancing research visibility, attracting external funding, and positioning CoMHS as a leading contributor to healthcare research and innovation in the region.
Vision
To become a leading research center that meets Oman’s healthcare research demands and contributes to global scientific knowledge. By providing foundational infrastructure, MRC aims to translate innovation into health solutions that enhance societal well-being.
Mission
To advance healthcare research by fostering a collaborative environment equipped with high-quality lab facilities. MRC promotes impactful studies addressing national and global health priorities with practical relevance.
Objectives
The Medical Research Center (MRC) at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CoMHS) comprises five specialized laboratories, each designed to support diverse biomedical and health-related research activities. These laboratories are progressively equipped with essential and advanced instrumentation to enable high-quality experimental work across a range of scientific disciplines. Below is an overview of each laboratory and its key equipment:
Supports in vitro studies focused on cell biology, cancer research, oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity assays. The lab provides controlled conditions for culturing and analyzing live cells.
Key Equipment Includes:
Facilitates research on gene expression, DNA/RNA analysis, and molecular diagnostics. It supports applications in genetic profiling, biomarker discovery, and regulatory mechanism studies.
Key Equipment Includes:
Enables research in protein structure and function, metabolic pathways, antioxidant properties, and natural product extraction. The lab supports both analytical and preparative biochemical techniques.
Key Equipment Includes:
Supports research in immunological assays, tissue processing, and histopathological evaluation. It is equipped to conduct cellular and tissue-based investigations using both traditional and advanced techniques.
Key Equipment Includes:
Provides the necessary infrastructure for studies involving microbial culture, pathogen detection, antimicrobial resistance, and infection control practices.
Key Equipment Includes: