A university's position in international rankings rarely depends on a single breakthrough discovery; it is built, year after year, through the partnerships its researchers form with institutions abroad, the joint publications they produce, and the exchange visits that keep knowledge flowing across borders. Managing that process well requires more than good intentions: it requires a clear strategy, a budget, and governance structures that make international collaboration sustainable.

This course, delivered by the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy, is built around the practical machinery of research cooperation: setting a research strategy and budget, negotiating agreements with international institutions, and managing the exchange of researchers, students, and information across universities. It is designed for the people responsible for turning a university's international ambitions into working partnerships.

Who Is This Course For?

• University administrators and board members.
• Faculty members involved in research and international relations.
• Specialists in scientific research management.
• Graduate students engaged in research activity.

What You Will Be Able to Do Afterwards

• Prepare a strategic plan and budget for a university's scientific research activity.
• Apply the regulations and procedures governing research approval, funding, and publication.
• Build and manage cooperation agreements with international research centers and universities.
• Organize the exchange of researchers, students, and scientific information across institutions.
• Apply quality standards and continuous improvement to a university's research operations.

Module 1: Strategic and Financial Planning for Research

• Preparing the strategic plan for scientific research.
• Drafting the research budget.
• Regulations and procedures governing the movement of scientific research.

Module 2: Managing Research Projects and Publication

• Approving research and study projects and following up on implementation.
• Arbitration procedures and disbursing funds according to established rules.
• Publishing research after arbitration, in line with publication standards.

Module 3: Supporting and Encouraging Researchers

• Upgrading the overall level of research work.
• Encouraging distinguished and creative researchers.
• Motivating faculty members and researchers toward innovative scientific research.
• Creating the resources and research capabilities full-time researchers need.

Module 4: Building External Research Partnerships

• Organizing links and cooperation with research centers outside the university.
• Simplifying procedures and coordinating work with international research centers.
• Encouraging joint research between departments and colleges.
• Contacting local and international research centers to benefit from best practices.

Module 5: Knowledge Exchange and Information Management

• Creating a database for research.
• Exchanging research information between universities and research centers.
• Preparing the annual report and final account of research activity.

Module 6: Oversight, Governance and Quality

• Supervising and following up on research funded by external sectors.
• Forming specialized committees from members or external experts.
• Embedding the concept of quality and continuous improvement.