Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) achieved a major research milestone in 2025, with the number of its research papers indexed in the Scopus database surpassing 2,100, reflecting steady growth in scientific output and a stronger international academic presence.
Scopus is a commercial database for peer-reviewed literature produced by Elsevier. The achievement marks the culmination of a sustained upward trend in research productivity in recent years. Between 2023 and 2025, the university’s research output recorded cumulative growth of around 35%, indicating gradual and balanced development built on institutional efforts, systematic expansion of the research ecosystem and continuous enhancement of the research and innovation environment.
Research published by the university covered a wide range of disciplines, including medical, social, human and engineering sciences, in addition to agricultural and environmental studies and interdisciplinary research. The breadth of research activity underscores the university’s engagement with development priorities and societal issues, stated SQU.
The progress has been attributed to improvements in the university’s research environment, including enhanced support for researchers and efforts to align research projects with national priorities. This has been complemented by strengthened mechanisms to support scientific publishing and wider involvement of students in research addressing community challenges.
Dr Ghazi bin Ali al Rawas, Dean of Research at SQU, said the achievement reflects the combined efforts of colleges, research centres and academic and administrative staff in strengthening a culture of scientific research. “The progress contributes to improving the university’s ranking and academic reputation, while supporting the expansion of international research partnerships and funding opportunities.”
He added that the university remains committed to positioning scientific research as a core pillar of its academic system through close integration with teaching, postgraduate programmes and community service. This approach, he said, reinforces SQU’s capacity to continue developing its research framework and its role as a leading academic and research institution at both regional and international levels.
