The Centre of Studies & Research held the 2nd Health Research Forum on Monday, 25th of January 2019 at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sarmi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Higher Education in the presence of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Talib Al-Hinai, Undersecretary for Planning Affairs of the Ministry of Health.

More than 150 researchers from the Ministry of Health, other ministries, and sectors in the Sultanate attended the Health Research Forum. The Forum aimed to encourage and reward research excellence, stimulate scientific research which is an essential element for enhancing human knowledge in all fields, stimulate the investment potential of researchers to solve health problems in the country.

Prof. Omar Al-Rawas delivered a keynote speech on medical research in Oman along with the challenges and aspirations. Dr. Adhra Al-Mawali, Director of Centre of Studies & Research pointed out in her overview of the Forum that health research has an important and effective role in enhancing the health system and services. She added that the Centre of Studies & Research aims to improve the quality of health services implemented in its health and educational institutions, spread research culture, and build research capacity of researchers in the Ministry of Health.

The Forum included honouring the winners of the Best Health Research Award, where Dr. Faisal Al-Ismaili and his team got the first place, followed by Dr. Sulaiman Al-Mushrafi and his team in the second place then Dr. Ammar Al-Kashmiri and his team won the third place.
The winners of the Best Young Researcher Award were also announced also during the Forum, where Dr. Haitham Al-Mahrouqi and his team ranked first place and Dr. Mandhar Al-Maqbali got the second place.

Visual presentations were made by the top-ranking research awardees, whilst the other participants presented research posters at the Forum.