MEDRC is an International Organization mandated to find solutions to fresh water scarcity. Established in 1996 as part of the Middle East Peace Process it conducts research, training, development cooperation and transboundary water projects.
Ciarán Ó Cuinn
Center Director
In 1996 MEDRC was established, to address two of the greatest global grand challenges – peace and environmental sustainability.
What we do
Water Research
Our research program is about bringing the best regional and global expertise together to help find solutions to the challenge of fresh water scarcity.
Training
We supply all levels of training & consultancy in desalination, water reuse and mechanical pump operations to governments and enterprise in Oman and the MENA region.
Development Cooperation
The Development Cooperation Program supports development and builds capacity in the areas of most need in the water sectors in Palestine and Jordan.
Recent news & events
2022 Innovation Initiative Grant Awards: Removal of radioactive elements, reuse of sewage sludge among 9 new water research projects funded by MEDRC
For the fifth year in a row, researchers in Palestine and Jordan have been awarded with a MEDRC Innovation Initiative Grant. This year, 9 researchers will receive funds for research projects that help solve problems related to water scarcity and the overuse of natural water...
June 26, 2022
2022 Alumni Forum in Jordan: Water Security for Sustainable Development
The annual MEDRC Alumni Forum took place in Jordan on 12 June, with this year’s theme being Water Security for Sustainable Development. The Forum was opened with a welcome message by MEDRC Center Director Ciarán Ó Cuinn and a speech from H.E. Dr. Jihad Mahamid,...
June 19, 2022
Palestinian & Jordanian Delagations visit Muscat for Advanced Training at MEDRC HQ.
MEDRC recently conducted two training courses in Muscat, Oman for trainees from Palestine and Jordan as part of its Desalination training module, with funding provided by the Federal German Foreign Office. This was the first training to take place in person since 2019 and...
March 27, 2022
MEDRC Invites Applications For Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2022
MEDRC is pleased to invite eligible participants to apply to this year’s Omani Young Water Researchers Award. The award is designed to recognize young water researchers whose work contributes to advancing key areas of the water sector: Water management Wastewater treatment and reuse...
March 22, 2022
Call for Applications: Innovation Initiative Research Grant Award
MEDRC is pleased to invite applications for the Innovation Initiative research grant awards for researchers from Palestine and Jordan. Funded through the Government of the Netherlands and delivered in partnership with the Palestinian Water Authority, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI), Jordan Valley Authority...
February 7, 2022
MEDRC Backs 35 New Research Projects in Palestine and Jordan
MEDRC Fellowships For Water Science, Policy & Security 35 researchers from Palestine and Jordan working in areas of water science and security joined MEDRC’s Water Research Fellowship Program last month. The newly awarded MSc Fellows will be focusing on topics such as the use...
January 18, 2022
MEDRC Announces winners of the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award’ and the ‘Eco School Prize’ 2021
Muscat, December 16, 2021: MEDRC has announced the winners of the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award 2021’ and the ‘Eco School Prize’ at an official ceremony held under the auspices of H.E. Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman. Established by MEDRC...
December 19, 2021
MEDRC Announce Finalists of ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2021
MEDRC Water Research have announced the names of ten young Omani researchers, shortlisted as finalists for the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2021. The high-profile award celebrates the world class water research being conducted by young Omani students at undergraduate and postgraduate level in universities...
November 22, 2021
MEDRC holds Closing Workshop for Membrane Reuse Project
The Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation held a closing workshop under the patronage of H.E. Ali Mohammed Al Abri, Undersecretary of Water Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, to...
October 7, 2021
MEDRC Conducts a Desalination Module Training Program in Palestine and Jordan
MEDRC’s Development Cooperation and Training departments recently conducted two online training courses in Jordan and Palestine for over 20 trainees, as part of its Desalination training module for plant operators, supervisors and managers, with funding provided by the Federal German Foreign Office. The MEDRC...
August 31, 2021
Apply for a MEDRC MSC Fellowship 2021
MEDRC is pleased to announce the 2021 batch of Master’s Research Fellowship awards, to be granted to exceptional water research students in Palestine and Jordan. This will be the 10th edition of the MSc Fellowships awards done in coordination with the Palestinian and Jordanian water...
August 24, 2021
MEDRC supports another 8 researchers from Palestine and Jordan in creating solutions to water scarcity
Photo: Innovation Initiative researcher Rinad Hamed, Palestine MEDRC has awarded eight researchers from Palestine and Jordan with an Innovation Initiative grant, for the development of new tools and techniques that help tackle water scarcity in the two countries. Among the 2021 award winning projects are...
August 22, 2021
MEDRC Alumni Forums held in Palestine
The annual MEDRC Alumni Forums took place in Palestine last week, with live events as well as online participation via Zoom. It was the 4th edition of the Forums, the first of which took place in 2018. The Alumni Forum in Palestine took place on...
August 3, 2021
MEDRC Alumni Forum held in Jordan
The annual MEDRC Alumni Forum took place in Jordan on 25 July, with live events as well as online participation via Zoom. It was the 4th edition of the Forums, the first of which took place in 2018. To comply with measures against the spread...
August 1, 2021
In partnership with bp Oman, MEDRC concludes the fourth cycle of the TAHLYA programme
In partnership with bp Oman, MEDRC concluded the TAHLYA IV programme with a graduation ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The TAHLYA IV programme is a vocational training...
July 28, 2021
MEDRC ANNOUNCES PATHWAY RESEARCH GRANTS TO SUPPORT SMALL-SCALE DESALINATION UNITS
In partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), MEDRC has launched an international call for research proposals in a bid to spur innovation in small scale desalination technologies. To engage the broadest possible community of researchers and innovators from across the world,...
July 8, 2021
Membrane Reuse Project Testing Phase Set to Begin
First launched in July 2019 in cooperation with the Research Council, now the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the project investigating the “Use of End of life Reverse Osmosis Membranes to Treat Wastewater for Industrial and Agricultural Use” is nearing its final stages....
June 24, 2021
Webinar: Omani Young Water Researchers Award
Over the past four years, the Omani Young Water Researcher Award has served as an important annual event that has motivated, encouraged and highlighted water research among Omani youth. The award this year was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research...
May 23, 2021
MEDRC INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR OMANI YOUNG WATER RESEARCHERS AWARD, 2021
MEDRC is pleased to invite eligible participants to apply to this year’s Omani Young Water Researchers Award. Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the award is designed to recognize young water researchers whose work contributes to advancing key...
March 30, 2021
MEDRC Announces winners of the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award’ and the ‘Eco School Prize’ 2020
High Profile Awards Celebrating the achievements of Omani Students MEDRC has announced the winners of the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award 2020’ and the ‘Eco School Prize’ at an official ceremony held under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Rahma Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher...
March 17, 2021
Call for Applications: Innovation Initiative Research Grant Award
MEDRC is pleased to invite applications for the Innovation Initiative research grant awards for Palestine. Funded through the Government of the Netherlands and delivered in partnership with the water authorities of Palestine and Jordan , the grants provide research support funds to innovative and impactful...
March 8, 2021
TAHLYA starts hands on training phase
The bp sponsored TAHLYA program seeks to train young Omani national job seekers in reverse osmosis desalination technologies. The training program, composed of classroom training, hands on training and on job training started in February last year at MEDRC and was continued online due to...
February 24, 2021
MEDRC Eco School Prize Gains Momentum
The judging panel of the MEDRC Eco School prize gathered today through an online platform to reach a decision on which of the 5 competing schools are to be declared winners. The panel includes nominated representatives from the Ministry of Education, Haya Water, The...
January 22, 2021
Modeling wastewater pollutants dispersion in the coastal waters of Gaza
It started when he was young, he wrote in his research proposal for MEDRC’s MSc Fellowships in 2019. ‘TV shows and films like Good Will Hunting, Sherlock Holmes and A Beautiful Mind captured my imagination. Watching these clever people solve complex equations or puzzles, the...
January 13, 2021
MEDRC Alumni Forums held in Gaza and West Bank, Palestine
In the final weeks of 2020, MEDRC Alumni Forums took place in Palestine with live events in the West Bank and Gaza as well as online presentations and discussion via Zoom. It was the third edition of the Forums, which have been held annually in...
January 11, 2021
MEDRC Announce Finalists of ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2020
MEDRC Water Research have announced the names of Twelve young Omani researchers, shortlisted as finalists for the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2020. The high-profile award celebrates the world class water research being conducted by young Omani students at undergraduate and postgraduate level in universities...
January 4, 2021
SUPER SEEDS FOR SALINE AGRICULTURE
RINAD HAMED’S SEED COATING METHOD HELPS FARMERS IN PALESTINE GROW BETTER CROPS ON SALINE SOIL. MEDRC catches up with a researcher from Ramallah who participated in MEDRC’s Water Research Fellowship Program in 2012 and who is now about to establish her own company. When Rinad...
December 2, 2020
MEDRC Supports Additional 15 Promising Water Research Projects in Palestine and Jordan
New Batch of MSc Fellowships for 2020 Brings Total to 300 15 researchers from Palestine and Jordan will be participating in MEDRC’s Water Research Fellowship Program, starting this academic year. MEDRC supported MSc research projects address an immediate need or specific problem as identified in...
November 29, 2020
MEDRC Eco School Prize 2020 Launched Online
For the second year in a row, MEDRC has launched its Eco School Prize, an inter-school competition designed to build greater water and energy use awareness among school children in Oman. Sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Oman LNG Development...
November 12, 2020
MEDRC Award $90,000 in Funding for Bio Inspired Desalination Solution
MEDRC has announced the recipient of a $90,000 grant under its USAID backed pathway research grants in desalination. Planet, an Italian startup, has secured the funding to develop their Mangrove Still – a bio inspired, modular, low-cost easy to use solar desalination system. The...
November 1, 2020
Webinar: Water Security & Covid-19; Learning & Beyond
Muscat, October 5, 2020: A MEDRC organized public webinar “Water Security and Covid 19; Learning and Beyond” took place today convening leading water experts from Oman and the Netherlands to exchange on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event focused on analyzing the impact of...
October 5, 2020
Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge 2020: Competition Intensifies as Judging Phase Set to Begin
The Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge is a global water prize offering a $700,000 USD cash reward to the winner. First announced in March 2018, the Challenge seeks delivery of a low-cost, stand-alone, hand-held desalination device, suitable for short-term use and rapid deployment during humanitarian crises....
September 28, 2020
Apply for a MEDRC MSc Fellowship 2020
MEDRC is pleased to announce our 2020 batch of Master’s Research Fellowship awards, to be granted to exceptional water research students in Palestine and Jordan. Fellowships are awarded in partnership with the regional water authorities of Palestine and Jordan to select students pursuing a Master’s...
July 29, 2020
MEDRC to Support New Omani Start-ups in Water Treatment Sector
Through the support of BP Oman’s Social Investment Program, MEDRC announced a new training initiative at a virtual launching ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. The TAHLYA for SMEs training program will train, develop and support Omani SMEs in the water treatment sector, boosting job...
July 15, 2020
Deadline Extension Announced for Young Omani Water Researchers Award, 2020
MEDRC has announced an extension to this year’s Omani Young Water Researchers Award. The deadline for entry has moved to August 1, 2020. Held under the auspices of the Public Authority for Water (Diam), the annual award is designed to recognize young Omani water researchers...
July 12, 2020
MEDRC Launch Monthly Transboundary Bulletin
Providing Regular Updates on Global Environmental Cooperation. Launched today, a new MEDRC Bulletin will deliver monthly updates on the latest global responses to cross-border environmental challenges. The initiative will bring together the latest news about pressing transboundary environmental issues such as water, climate change, and...
June 4, 2020
MEDRC Report Examines Cross-Border Impact of Dams
Transboundary Dams Report Looks at Potential for International Cooperation Released today, a new MEDRC report on Transboundary Dams, examines the costs and benefits of dams that reshape the environment across political boundaries. From enhanced water management to hydroelectricity, dams can provide great benefits as...
May 11, 2020
Deadline Extension Announced: RFP Call
MEDRC has extended its deadline for applicants to respond to its USAID backed request for research proposal (RFP) supporting the development of small-scale desalination units capable of supporting a family with limited or no access to fresh water. The new deadline is May 13,2020, 16:00...
April 28, 2020
MEDRC Announce Extension to Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the deadline for applications for the Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge has been extended to May 31, 2020. ‘We recognize that researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs across the world are experiencing great difficulties due to the Covid 19 crisis. Many laboratories...
April 8, 2020
MEDRC Invite Applications For Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2020
MEDRC is pleased to invite eligible participants to apply to this year’s Omani Young Water Researchers Award. Held under the auspices of Diam, the award is designed to recognize young water researchers whose work contributes to advancing key areas of the water sector: Water management...
March 25, 2020
MEDRC Announce Desalination Innovation Drive With Usaid Backed International Research Call
In partnership with USAID, MEDRC has launched an international call for research proposals in a bid to spur innovation in small scale desalination technologies. To engage the broadest possible community of researchers and innovators from across the world, MEDRC’s desalination innovation strategy has two approaches...
March 24, 2020
Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge, 2020
$700,000 Global Water Prize Competition Opens MEDRC has today announced the opening of team registration for this year’s Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge Prize Competition. The Competition is a global water prize that looks to award 700,000 USD to the person or team that can invent...
February 23, 2020
MEDRC Deliver Desalination Training in the Maldives
MEDRC is working with the Male Water & Sewerage Company (MWSC) of the Maldives to deliver comprehensive training in Reverse Osmosis Operation, Monitoring and Troubleshooting. The MEDRC training course has been designed to boost capacity among staff working in a number of desalination plants located on...
February 3, 2020
Desalination Training Announcement
Registration is now open for the training course “RO Operation, Monitoring & Troubleshooting Level 1” The 4 day classroom course will be held at MEDRC on March 1-4, 2020. The course is aimed at Operators, Technicians, Supervisors and all new comers to RO desalination. Course...
January 28, 2020
Call for Applications: Innovation Initiative Research Grant Award
MEDRC is pleased to invite applications for the final round of the Innovation Initiative research grant awards for Palestine and Jordan. Funded through the Government of the Netherlands and delivered in partnership with the Palestinian Water Authority, Jordan Valley Authority, Water Authority of Jordan and...
January 27, 2020
2nd MEDRC Alumni Forum takes place in Palestine
The 2nd Palestinian MEDRC Alumni Forum took place at Al Najah university in Palestine today, held under the patronage of H.E Eng. Mazen Ghuneim, Minister and Head of the Palestinian Water Authority. Speaking at this morning’s opening session were MEDRC Center Director, Ciarán Ó Cuinn...
December 16, 2019
MEDRC Release Latest Issue of Transboundary Waters Practitioners Briefing Series
MEDRC has launched a series of practitioner briefings on concepts and issues related to transboundary waters. The briefings are practical guides for those working on transboundary waters and those seeking to use water as an instrument of peace. Designed to help overcome the academic-practitioner gap...
December 5, 2019
MEDRC Showcase latest cutting edge water treatment technologies at annual exhibition
MEDRC’s Cutting-Edge Water Technology Showcase took place at the Sundus Rotana hotel in Muscat today. Designed to support and showcase the very latest in water treatment and reuse technologies, the event was inaugurated by H.E Laetitia Van Asch, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands...
December 3, 2019
Jordanian Engineers Complete Final RO Training at MEDRC
Five engineers from the Water Authority of Jordan have completed the final course of their RO desalination training program at MEDRC today. The training was delivered through the Development Cooperation Department at MEDRC under its Technical Capacity Building Program. The program works to enhance institutional...
November 28, 2019
CUTTING-EDGE WATER TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE, 2019
An annual MEDRC event to support and showcase the very latest in water treatment and reuse technologies. Due to take place this year on the 3rd and 4th of December 2019, the event sets out to gather key decision makers responsible for deploying new...
November 25, 2019
MEDRC Announce Online Application for TAHLYA 2020
MEDRC is pleased to announce the opening of online applications for its vocational training course in desalination, known as TAHLYA. Eligible candidates are invited to apply through MEDRC’s website at medrc.org/tahlya. To be eligible for a place on the TAHLYA program candidates must meet the following...
November 14, 2019
Climate Diplomacy Academy Wraps in Berlin
The MENA Academy on Climate Diplomacy came to a close on Sunday November 3rd, 2019 after a week long agenda that brought 25 young MENA participants together in Berlin for a comprehensive capacity building training in climate diplomacy. The event was co organized by MEDRC...
November 4, 2019
Jordanian Engineers attend SWRO desalination training at MEDRC
Five engineers from the Water Authority of Jordan returned to Muscat this week to continue their education and training in reverse osmosis desalination at MEDRC’s water training center. The training is being delivered through the Development Cooperation Department at MEDRC under the Technical Capacity Building...
October 24, 2019
MEDRC / KAS CLIMATE DIPLOMACY ACADEMY ATTRACTS KEY INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS
The MENA Academy on Climate Diplomacy is a 7-day training academy co organized by MEDRC and the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation’s Regional Program on Energy Security and Climate Change in the Middle East and North Africa (KAS- REMENA). The event is due to be inaugurated by the Senior...
October 2, 2019
Judging Phase Set to Begin in Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge
Muscat, September 15, 2019: The Oman Humanitarian Desalination Challenge is a 700,000 USD global water prize led by MEDRC Water Research and The Research Council of Oman (TRC) and funded by The Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science. Announced in March 2018, the...
September 15, 2019
Ciarán Ó Cuinn on Launch of Transboundary Waters Briefings
At the request of Member States, MEDRC provides briefings for diplomats and officials working on transboundary water issues. These are practical guides for those working on transboundary waters and those seeking to use water as an instrument of peace. They are modest introductions that provide...
September 5, 2019
Winners of Young Omani Water Researchers Award Announced
MEDRC Water Research has announced the winners of the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award 2019’ at an official ceremony held in Muscat today. Established by MEDRC and sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oman, the Omar Zawawi Establishment L.L.C and...
September 4, 2019
Finalists of ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award’ for 2019 Announced
MEDRC Water Research have announced the names of 9 young Omani researchers, shortlisted as finalists for the ‘Omani Young Water Researchers Award, 2019. The high-profile award celebrates the world class water research being conducted by young Omani students at undergraduate and postgraduate level in universities...
August 4, 2019
Water Authority of Jordan Engineers Complete Training at MEDRC
Four Engineers from the Water Authority of Jordan have completed their Level 1 training course in SWRO Operation Monitoring and Troubleshooting at MEDRC’s training center in Muscat. Three of the four participants had taken the theory exam in April of this year after attending an...
July 31, 2019
2019 MEDRC Master’s Research Fellowship Program
MEDRC is pleased to announce our 2019 batch of Master’s Research Fellowship awards, to be granted to exceptional water research students in Palestine and Jordan. Fellowships are awarded in partnership with the regional water authorities of Palestine and Jordan to select students pursuing a Master’s...
July 30, 2019
Kick Off Meeting for Membrane Reuse Project
MEDRC hosted the kick off meeting for the project “Use of End of Life RO Membranes to Treat Wastewater for Industrial and Agricultural Use”. Working with The Research Council, MEDRC are leading a 2-year water research project to investigate the potential of reusing discarded reverse...
July 11, 2019
Practical Application of WEF Nexus: 2 Day MEDRC/KAS Workshop Kicks Off in Marrakech
MEDRC (Oman) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung REMENA (Germany) have gathered the foremost experts in the region for a 2-day workshop in Marrakesh (Morocco) under the topic ‘Water-Energy-Food Nexus Implementation in MENA Cities’. The workshop is the third in a series of three delivered by the partnership under...
July 10, 2019
MEDRC Launch International Research Call To Boost Small Scale Desalination Technologies
In partnership with USAID, MEDRC Water Research is launching an international research call for proposals to boost innovation in small scale desalination technologies. The Humanitarian Desalination Challenge Research Call will support pathway research, aimed at the delivery of an innovative family sized desalination unit. The...
July 3, 2019
MEDRC has awarded Italian startup Planet $90,000 in funding through their USAID backed pathway research grants in desalination.
