Two Omani students claimed first place in the prestigious Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme’s research competition for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Supervised by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this year’s competition centred on the theme ‘Understanding the Earth as a system’, with specific focus on climate studies.
The winning research – titled ‘The Effect of Soil Type on the Growth of Roses’ – was conducted by Teimaa bint Abdullah al Ansariyah and Mahra bint Suleiman al Mazrouiyah from Al Shifa bint Abdullah School in North Batinah.
The students used GLOBE programme protocols and specialised devices to measure the impact of soil properties on rose growth, concluding that the nutrient richness and low salt content of sandy clay soil provide an optimal environment for cultivating roses.
This finding offers practical insights for local farmers on selecting the best soil type for rose cultivation and contributes to agricultural best practices in Oman’s diverse environments.
The competition, engaging students from GLOBE’s 127 member countries, provides a significant platform for young researchers to present their findings to an international audience, with their research evaluated by a panel of scientists from the participating countries.
According to Ahmed al Balushi, Director of Department of Science Sector at Oman National Commission of Education, Culture and Science, Omani students winning first place globally reflects the serious efforts made by the Ministry of Education and the programme’s officials in promoting scientific research and developing research skills among students by studying various environmental issues.
He emphasised the fact that this success underlines Oman’s commitment to enhancing scientific understanding and addressing environmental challenges, which are critical for sustainable development.
“This accomplishment not only showcases the capabilities of our students but also aligns with Oman Vision 2040 to enhance environmental awareness and drive sustainable development, boosting global innovation and competitiveness indicators for Oman,” Balushi added.
This recognition highlights the strategic importance of investing in environmental scientific research and education, fostering a generation of students who are both knowledgeable and capable of addressing global environmental challenges.
