“Research Chairs”: Qualitative Achievements Toward an Integrated Research Ecosystem
مشاركة
01 Aug 2024
While Saudi Vision 2030 supports the research and innovation ecosystem and strengthens scientific research resources as a vital driver of the knowledge economy, sustainability, and the ability to address environmental, social, and economic challenges, the Research Chairs Secretariat at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University achieved a number of qualitative accomplishments during the previous academic year. These included introductory workshops, research partnerships, establishing digital systems, winning awards, and launching the Secretariat’s 2025 strategic plan. The Research Chair of “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare” (AIHC), affiliated with the Secretariat, won the Research Laboratories Support Program in the Kingdom, provided by the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA). The Research Chair of the “Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission for Children’s and Young Adults’ Literature” also received a financial grant from the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The Secretariat continues its work on establishing the “Energy and Innovation Research Chair” to provide solutions related to the utilization of new and renewable energy, transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy demand, and ensure energy security. Within its digital transformation efforts, the Research Chairs Secretariat succeeded in establishing digital systems to facilitate the work of its staff, researchers, and faculty members. This includes building a “Technical Information System” that contains a comprehensive guide to the Secretariat’s procedures, policies, and practices in both Arabic and English, and enables the submission of research support requests and electronic management of research projects. In addition, the Secretariat developed an “Electronic and Paper Archiving System” at the Secretariat level to preserve and document all documents and records related to research projects electronically, supported by a paper copy. The Secretary of Research Chairs at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Dr. Salwa bint Saleh Al-Musaabi, explained that research chairs contribute effectively to achieving the University’s strategic objectives in scientific research, education, and community development. She noted that the outstanding results achieved by research chairs and the successful partnerships they establish enhance the University’s academic reputation and attractiveness to distinguished students and researchers, and strengthen the University’s position and leading role in research and innovation. Dr. Al-Musaabi added: “Our commitment to developing scientific research is reflected in providing a motivating and supportive research environment for researchers by making financial resources and advanced infrastructure available, in addition to strengthening cooperation with leading research institutions locally and internationally, enabling students to fully leverage their potential and contribute to society.” During the previous academic year, the Research Chairs Secretariat organized a package of introductory workshops inside and outside the University to raise awareness of the importance of research chairs. It also achieved a number of agreements and partnerships with leading research institutions and universities worldwide to exchange expertise and enhance research collaboration in several fields. The Secretariat concluded its accomplishments by launching the “Research Chairs Secretariat Strategic Plan 2025” as a detailed roadmap to achieve the University’s goals in scientific research. It is noted that the research chairs at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University include four main programs: the “Scientific Research Program,” the “Program to Support Specialized Scientific Knowledge in the Chair’s Field,” the “Scientific Communication Program,” and the “Program for Marketing the Chair’s Capabilities,” each with specific responsibilities and domains such as conducting research, funding research projects, authoring and translating books, attracting visiting professors, and establishing scientific partnerships.