Director at Newcastle University | Oman
Dr. Amran Mohammed Ali Al-Kamzari is a seasoned researcher and environmental policy expert with deep specialization in marine pollution, fisheries science, and biodiversity conservation. With a career spanning government leadership, academic research, and international collaboration, he has consistently bridged scientific inquiry with applied environmental governance. His professional journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, research innovation, and community-focused initiatives aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and shaping sustainable policies. He has authored books, research articles, and science communication works that highlight both scholarly rigor and public awareness. Beyond his publications, Dr. Al-Kamzari has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities in national oil spill contingency planning, environmental emergency response, and global representation in international frameworks. His strengths lie in integrating research, education, and outreach to address pressing ecological challenges while empowering communities and young researchers. His impact extends across academic, policy, and public domains, making him an influential voice in marine environmental research and conservation.
Professional Profile
ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Al-Kamzari holds a distinguished academic background anchored in marine science and environmental governance. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Policy and Marine Pollution from Newcastle University, where his research focused on innovative methods of oil spill detection, environmental legislation, and sustainable marine management. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree in Marine Science at Sultan Qaboos University, producing an award-winning thesis that was recognized for its contribution to fisheries and environmental sustainability. His foundational studies were completed with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, also at Sultan Qaboos University, providing him with strong technical and ecological knowledge. Alongside his core degrees, he pursued specialized certifications, including a postgraduate certificate in research training and a certificate in higher education teaching, reflecting his dedication to continuous professional growth. His education reflects a balanced integration of theoretical frameworks, applied scientific practice, and pedagogical training to guide both research and policy.
Experience
Dr. Al-Kamzari has extensive professional experience across multiple high-level roles in Oman, the UAE, and the UK, focusing on marine pollution management, environmental emergency response, and conservation policy. He currently serves as a Senior Environmental Policy and Marine Pollution Specialist with the Environment Authority, where he develops legislation and oversees marine protection initiatives. Previously, he held directorship positions, including Director of Environment Emergency and Director of the Pollution Operation Control Centre, where he led national strategies for pollution monitoring, environmental law enforcement, and international coordination. His earlier work with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries involved hands-on research in fisheries management, coral reef protection, eco-tourism development, and awareness programs. His leadership extends to supervising environmental campaigns such as the “Emirates Free of Plastic Bags” and coordinating multi-agency oil spill emergency exercises. This diverse career demonstrates his ability to integrate science, leadership, and policy at national and international levels.
Research Interests
Dr. Al-Kamzari’s research interests lie at the intersection of marine ecology, environmental policy, and sustainable development. His work focuses on oil spill detection, marine pollution mitigation, fisheries sustainability, coral reef conservation, and biodiversity protection. He is particularly interested in innovative technologies such as drone-based monitoring systems for oil spills and electronic data logging for marine ecosystems. His studies also extend to ecosystem rehabilitation, including mangrove plantation and turtle conservation, linking scientific research with on-ground environmental action. Beyond technical research, he is passionate about integrating policy frameworks with scientific findings to create effective governance models for marine conservation. He has a strong commitment to environmental awareness and education, often translating research into accessible formats through publications, workshops, and illustrated stories for broader audiences. His interdisciplinary approach highlights the importance of merging scientific knowledge, environmental law, and community engagement to address the growing challenges of marine and coastal sustainability.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Al-Kamzari has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his academic and professional excellence. His Master’s thesis earned the Best Postgraduate Thesis Award, underscoring the originality and impact of his research in marine science. He also won the Best Student Poster Award at the National Conference on Agriculture and Fisheries Research, reflecting his ability to present complex research in accessible formats. Additionally, his scientific contributions were honored with the Best Paper Award at the Underwater Life Conference, recognizing his innovative approaches to marine ecology. Beyond academia, his leadership in environmental policy and public engagement has been acknowledged through his role as Oman’s focal point in global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. These accolades not only validate his scholarly contributions but also emphasize his influence in shaping policies and advancing sustainable practices on both national and international platforms.
Research Skills
Dr. Al-Kamzari possesses a wide range of research skills spanning field studies, laboratory experimentation, and policy-oriented environmental research. He is adept at marine biodiversity assessments, coral reef monitoring, fisheries age analysis, and oil spill detection techniques using both traditional and modern tools such as drones and electronic data loggers. His expertise also extends to environmental risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and ecological rehabilitation, particularly in mangrove replantation and turtle conservation programs. He demonstrates strong skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and public awareness campaigns, reflecting his ability to communicate findings to both scholarly and non-specialist audiences. With leadership in supervising national initiatives, he also excels in project design, cross-institutional collaboration, and training young professionals. His combined technical, analytical, and communication skills make him highly versatile in both academic research and applied environmental management, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to advancing marine science and shaping sustainable environmental policies.
Publication Top Notes
Title: An Unresolved Environmental Problem—Small-Scale Unattributable Marine Oil Spills in Musandam, Oman
Authors: Amran Al-Kamzari, Tim Gray, Clare Fitzsimmons, J. Grant Burgess
Year: 2025
Journal: Sustainability (MDPI)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Amran Mohammed Ali Al-Kamzari stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, extensive professional experience, and leadership in environmental policy and marine conservation have significantly advanced both science and sustainability practices in Oman and beyond. His pioneering work on oil spill detection, commitment to biodiversity protection, and strong public outreach illustrate his ability to merge research excellence with societal impact. With continued growth in international scholarly publications and collaborations, Dr. Al-Kamzari is well positioned to make even greater contributions to global environmental research and leadership in the years ahead.