Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MUSCAT446
2007-05-07 10:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

MUSCAT 2007 REQUEST FOR SCIENCE FELLOW

Tags:  AMGT AMPR KSCA OTRA SENV MU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMS #0446/01 1271046
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 071046Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8187
INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0456
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000446 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, OES/ENV, OES/PCI
DEPT PASS EPA FOR TPRATHER
AMMAN FOR ESTH JWHITTLESEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT AMPR KSCA OTRA SENV MU
SUBJECT: MUSCAT 2007 REQUEST FOR SCIENCE FELLOW

REF: STATE 30914

-------
Summary
-------

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000446

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, OES/ENV, OES/PCI
DEPT PASS EPA FOR TPRATHER
AMMAN FOR ESTH JWHITTLESEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT AMPR KSCA OTRA SENV MU
SUBJECT: MUSCAT 2007 REQUEST FOR SCIENCE FELLOW

REF: STATE 30914

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. To build on the past success of the Embassy Science
Fellows Program in Muscat, Embassy requests a Science Fellow
for FY 2008 in one of the following fields: medical sciences
(with an emphasis on diabetes),marine sciences
(biology/oceanography),hydrology/water resources,
biotechnology/molecular biology, species conservation
(oryx/sea turtles, in particular),materials science and
agricultural diseases (lime/mango diseases). Embassy will
provide Fellow with administrative support, including
housing, an office, transportation for official meetings, and
other logistical assistance. End Summary.

--------------
From Diabetes to Species Conservation
--------------


2. Embassy requests a Science Fellow for Winter 2007/2008 to
furnish expert advice to host country colleagues and
officials, and to facilitate ties between the Omani ESTH
community and U.S. counterparts. In particular, Embassy
would appreciate a Fellow who specializes in diabetes
research and awareness. Diabetes is a serious concern in the
Sultanate. At the end of 2006, 50,000 diabetics were
registered with the Ministry of Health, though it is
estimated that up to 25% of Oman's population of 2.5 million
is affected by type two diabetes mellitus. Of this figure,
only about one-third are even aware that they have the
disease, according to the Ministry of Health.


3. Embassy also would be able to accommodate a second
candidate who would have expertise in at least one of the
following disciplines: marine sciences (including biology and
oceanography),biotechnology/molecular biology, geology,
hydrology/water management, desert systems, fisheries
science, desalination technologies, species conservation, or
materials science. Omani environmental officials expressed a
specific interest in investigating the impact of growing
industrialization efforts in Sohar on the environment during
a recent conference call to approve the work plan associated
with the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental
Cooperation, a component of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade
Agreement.

--------------
Building on Success
--------------


4. Embassy hosted a second NSF-sponsored Science Fellow in
early 2004 with excellent results. Omani and expatriate
interlocutors provided enthusiastic support and encouragement
for the Fellow, who participated in bilateral workshops,
interacted with a broad spectrum in the science community,
and highlighted critical science topics such as fisheries and
oceanography priorities, cetacean research, wildlife
conservation efforts, biotechnology, and harmful algae bloom
events. Omanis worked with the Science Fellow in exploring
U.S. partnerships to address pressing regional problems
related to the development of oceanographic research in the
coastal waters of Oman, water resources, sustainable
fisheries, species conservation, biotechnology capacity
building, and the emerging field of materials science.

-------------- --------------
Logistics: Housing, Resources, and Office Workspace
-------------- --------------


5. The Science Fellow would report to the Political/Economic
Chief and work closely with the Public Affairs Officer and
Economic/Commercial Officer, who serves as the Embassy's ESTH
officer. Office space would be provided along with
telephone, computer, and internet access. Embassy would
provide housing, but personal transportation would have to be
arranged by the Fellow. (Note: An economy car rents for
approximately $420 per month. End note.) Assistance in
making appointments and other logistical arrangements would
be provided, as well as interpreting and translating services
on an as-needed basis. English is widely spoken in Oman,
particularly in Muscat. While Fellows should have a security
clearance at the secret level, this is not an insurmountable
obstacle. Embassy will assist the Fellow to obtain a host
country visa.


6. Embassy's preferred time frame for hosting a Fellow is
December 2007/January 2008, for approximately two to three
months. Point of contact is Economic/Commercial Officer
Brian Grimm, email GrimmBM@state.gov; phone (968) 24-698-989,
ext. 332; fax (968) 24-694-355.
GRAPPO