Many universities with limited infrastructure have been trying to promote distinct research culture in an attempt to improve their standards in the global education.scenario..However, it is not a simple task for the authorities of those universities to achieve this goal. Would you like to offer some concrete suggestions for the promotion of a distinct research culture in such universities with limited infrastructure?
Two important requirements in quality research are access to good quality publications and for conduct of experiments with world class setups.
Either such Universities must collaborate with other universities or research institutes with co-supervisors from such organizations or through some financial contribution so that you get access to all these facilities.
I agree with Om Parakash's comment. High quality research doesn't need that much promotion as long as it is published in high standard peer-reviewed journals. Collaboration with larger national international universities and research centers is also a key.
@Deepak Yes, obviously, to have high quality infrastructure is better than not to have it. The question, in my opinion, is about what to do when high quality infrastructure isn't available. Then the answer would be to focus on research projects with minimum dependencies on infrastructure, e.g., the ones which deal with creativity and logic rather than expensive laboratory equipment, etc.
You have touched upon a vital point, I.e. undertaking research project. Once the university undertakes a number of research projects being funded by (inter)national funding agencies, it will be able able to create some additional infrastructure. This is true. I am impressed. However, there are also other means for the promotion of research culture in a university with limited infrastructure. Let us continue the discussion.
All sorts of changes are happening across the system; people are thinking differently about reward and recognition, research integrity, diversity and inclusivity, open science, permeability and research excellence.
More thought, enthusiasm and action is required to continue to build a strong and healthy research culture...
Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It is nebulous, ambiguous, ephemeral and complex. And yet central to the research endeavour. Whilst we know there are many individuals, groups, teams, departments and organisations working hard to improve research culture, we think everyone would agree that there is still much to be done...
https://www.euroscientist.com/lets-improve-research-culture-together-metistalk-wants-to-hear-from-you/
https://www.metistalk.com/latestposts/the-holy-grail-for-improving-research-culture
There is no need for funding in order to improve research infrastructure, for the promotion of research culture. There are many Universities and Colleges with prominent scientists and respectable research culture, and vice versa. People counts and they are more important than equipment. Regional infrastructure sharing may be the key also.
Research infrastructures (RIs) are those facilities, resources and related services that the scientific community use to conduct high-level research. They cover a range of research fields from engineering and social sciences to genomics and astronomy and can be single-sited (a single resource at a single location), distributed (a network of distributed resources) or virtual (the service is provided electronically). Research infrastructures can be also used beyond research e.g. for education or public services and are nowadays crucial for fostering innovation.
The importance of RIs are undisputable as they play a vital strategic role in the advancement and exploitation of knowledge and technology. Not only are they necessary to the structuring of the scientific community – offering high quality research services, networking facilities, attracting young people to science – they also aid in the construction of an efficient research and innovation environment...
https://wbc-rti.info/theme/37
- Ljubomir Jacić Many thanks for you significant contribution to the discussion.
Kindly find below some thoughts:
1. link industry needs with and involve it in university Research plans. Initially governments encouragements and regulations are required. Faculty and researchers need to be active in reaching out to the industry and presenting to them their capabilities And exploring their problems. Moreover, Faculty are required to be proactive in tackling society problems rather than working on theoretical research . Faculty members need to be involved in consulting work of real world problems to find out and understand better the challenging problems in Their society. Therefore, universities need to regulate such consulting work and encourage it rather than put obstacles in the face of their faculty. In my view, a faculty who does not practice himself or herself what he or she teach will not be a successful and inspiring faculty To his students and will produce weak research.
2. Collaborate with International research centers capable of providing research funds to work on research projects of common interest.
3. encourage the university alumni and wealthy citizens to donate funds to the university to be used for developing educational and research oriented faculty. Activities at the university can be conducted honoring successful alumni and senior wealthy citizens, etc.
4. Encourage the reverse of brain drain and attract back your country citizens who became good researchers in other countries. Upon their return they will bring with them their links with international funding agency and vast research experience on building research teams and how to develop efficient linkage with the industry. However, such encouragement of the return of country’s fleeing brains require a political decision as many third world and under developed countries fear the return of brains back to their home country for obvious reasons among which corruption of such politicians who fear the most research and development.
5. University regulations in evaluating faculty performance and promotion requirements should involve faculty efforts and contributions in securing funds for Research laboratory development and developing successful links with the industry, as well as efforts that lead to the successful solving of society and surrounding community problems.
6. Conduct seminars, workshops and conferences at the local level to promote research and development on demanding issues. Invite successful academic country citizens working abroad, local potential funding industries, present students achievements, demonstrate university and faculty capabilities, conduct round table meetings, etc
7. Develop innovative industry oriented graduate programs to attract students from the industry and have them conduct research on problems of interest to their company or industry. Involve experienced members from the industry in teaching and supervising thesis. MIT very successful industry based engineering system programs in this regard deserve your kind attention.
8. Ensure having a capable and well experienced university and schools leadership.
9. Develop faculty senates Capable of establishing faculty handbooks regulating all aspects of university faculty requirements, including developing faculty promotion regulations, sabbatical leave, consulting work, etc. I am proud THST I have contributed in this regard in the establishment and leadership of the American University of Sharjah Faculty Senate which paved the road to the obvious success of the university. Therefore, faculty self governance is vital in any university or academic institution achievement Including advancing its infrastructure and improving its research capability. The grass root development and successful functioning of a strong infrastructure of set of regulations and procedures that organize faculty work and Development in the form of a faculty handbook and university/institution elected senate/congress.
10. Encourage having the faculty sabbatical leave in the industry and capable research centers working on problems of interest to the community and country of residence.
Fine article about culture at Academia.
Do you love science but are unhappy with the culture in academia? As a PhD student, postdoc or lab leader (PI), do you feel like your mental health may be suffering because of problems in the system? Do you think your lab could be managed more efficiently?...
https://www.euroscientist.com/updating-the-culture-of-academia/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/updating-culture-academia-elliot-c-brown-phd/
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