Introduction 

HEC aims to develop and sustain a dynamic and internationally competitive research sector in Pakistan that makes a major contribution to economic prosperity, national wellbeing and the expansion and dissemination of knowledge. Promotion of Research is one of the core strategic aims of HEC. Through the program and initiatives launched by HEC for strengthening research and the process of knowledge creation, the quality and research output emanating from the universities and institutes in the country have shown tremendous improvements and Pakistan has been acknowledged as rising star in a number of research disciplines in terms of percentage increase in internationally cited research publications. Yet, this is no more than an end of a beginning and we need not only to sustain and improve this trend but also contemplate on questions of relevance and economic, social and academic impact of the research.

Purpose

The purpose of the Office for Research & Innovation (OR&I) is to develop, expand, enhance and manage the university’s research programs and to link research activities directly to the educational, social and economic priorities of the university and its broader community. The OR&I is also responsible for assuring that the quality of research reflects the highest international standards and advances the stature of the university among the world’s best research institutions.

In pursuit of this mission the OR& I has the responsibility of guaranteeing that all research programs and policies reflect the core values of academic freedom, professional integrity and ethical conduct and full compliance with all policies, legal requirements and operational standards of the university.

Goals

The Office for Research seeks to enhance the environment for all research and scholarship by:

• Supporting  the university’s strategic research directions and policies
• Increasing  and diversifying  external research funding
• Improving recruitment and retention of top faculty
• Improving integration of research and education at all levels of the university
• Improving translation of research into the public benefit
• Strengthening university-industry relationships
• Promoting entrepreneurship, technology-transfer and commercialization activities that energize and support the local and national economy
• Promoting and enhancing cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary research initiatives

Structure

The administrative structure of the Office for Research & Innovation (OR&I) reflects its key functions:

·         Director

Manage and enhance the research activities of the university, develop

Research policies and priorities, and serve as an effective advocate for research with the university and to its broader community of stakeholders and supporters

·         Manager of Research Operations

Oversee all aspects of the operation of the OR including research administration

(budgeting, auditing and accounting, human resources, management and maintenance of facilities and equipment, implementation of research contracts and human resources)

·         Manager of Research Development

Develop programs and activities that will increase funding for research from all public and private sources, establish and maintain excellent relationships with donors and stakeholders, oversee proposal development and submission

·         Manager of University-Industrial Linkages and Technology Transfer

Promote the development of public-private partnerships in support of university research, link the university’s research community with the needs and priorities of the corporate sector, develop opportunities for applied research and explore opportunities for technology transfer and the commercialization of university research (including incubators and research parks)