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 
 
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Summary 
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¶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