The Ministry of Environment and Water in collaboration with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), have organized a training session in Dubai on the preparation of research project proposals involving about 20 researchers and experts from seven countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The session was attended by Dr. Faisal Awawda, the regional coordinator for the Arabian Peninsula program at ICARDA, and Mr. Hamad Abdullah AlMehyas, the Director of the laboratories Department at the Ministry of Environment and Water.
Mr. AlMehyas welcomed the participants and stressed on the importance of this session by which they can develop skills in writing proposals that would contribute to the development of research projects. He added that "good ideas sometimes remain in place and not taken advantage of, simply because they were not presented in the correct manner, or style, or language in front of the decision makers.” “He also added that any project idea should benefit and improve the country and addresses the challenges that it may be facing”
Dr. Faisal noted that the need to understand the requirements of countries in a clear and precise manner is extremely crucial before drafting a proposal for a future project. In line with that, the session focused on improving the skills of, writing proposals and preparations of projects, in order for them to be accepted funded.
The session was supervised by the trainers, Mr. Michael Devlin, the head of the information, documentation, and communication services at ICARDA, and Dr. Nicholas Jinreck, the project proposals officer in ICARDA. The session was conducted for three days to train participants and deliver key information on the practice of different skills in writing techniques, reviewing scientific methods of communication, and how to propose the appropriate budget while ensuring quality and enhance the practical analysis of models of project proposals.
At the end of the session, Mr. Hamad AlMehyas thanked the audience and emphasized on the importance of these courses. He also expressed his great appreciation for the role played by the Ministry of Environment and Water and for its interest in environmental issues by supporting scientific research, especially in the areas of sustainability, and strengthening bio-security, food security, and environmental securities.