PDC-DCIS Conducts Workshop on Research–Teaching Nexus (RTN)

The Professional Development Committee at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) – Nizwa organized a workshop titled “Research Teaching Nexus (RTN)” on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM at UTAS–Nizwa ITD. The session was conducted as part of the university’s Future Skills training initiatives aimed at strengthening research-informed teaching practices among faculty members.


The workshop was delivered by Dr. Uma Maheswari Thirupathy, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Economics and Business Administration. Dr. Uma Maheswari Thirupathy highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening the research culture within the university and aligning research initiatives with national priorities. She also shared practical insights on integrating research-driven teaching methods and presented the development and pilot implementation of the Research–Teaching Nexus initiative at UTAS Nizwa.

The session introduced faculty members to the Research–Teaching Nexus (RTN) framework, which focuses on integrating research with teaching and learning processes to enhance inquiry-based education and critical thinking. RTN encourages instructors to connect research activities with classroom learning so that students gain deeper understanding and develop analytical skills.

Participants were guided through the six RTN components Research-Led, Research-Tutored, Research-Oriented, Research-Based, Research-Colloquium, and Research-Teaching and discussed practical approaches to incorporate these models into course design and assessment. Faculty members also explored strategies for aligning RTN activities with program learning outcomes, graduate attributes, and accreditation requirements such as Masar/OPAR reporting.

The workshop aimed to help participants design RTN-aligned course activities, develop research-integrated assessments, and apply structured documentation methods for quality assurance and institutional reporting. Interactive discussions and practical templates enabled faculty members to conceptualize ways to embed research elements into their courses and strengthen inquiry-based learning across academic programs.

The session concluded with active participation from faculty members. The workshop reflects UTAS–Nizwa’s continued commitment to enhancing teaching quality, fostering innovation in higher education, and strengthening the connection between research and classroom learning.

Writeup by: Dr. Sonia Victor Soans