U U NIV RSITY FOE MB Research Policy - embuni.ac.ke · The Research Policy outlines the process of...

UNIVERSITY OF EMBUP.O. Box 6 - 60100, EMBU, KENYA

Tel: (+254-20) 2444136Website: www.embuni.ac.ke

TY OIS FR EE MVI BN UU

Website: www.embuni.ac.ke

Research Policy

Research Policy

UNIVERSITY OF EMBU

TY OIS FR EE MVI BN UU

ISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge TransformsISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge Transforms

21/12/2016

University of Embu Research PolicyUniversity of Embu Research Policy

23 ISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge TransformsISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge Transforms

Name: UNIVERSITY OF EMBU

Title:RESEARCH

POLICY

Reference: UoEm/DVC (ARE)/RP./004

Issue/Rev. 1/0

Policy Contact Office: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics Research & Extension)

ImplementationResponsibility: Director, Research & Extension

Approved: ___________________ ______________ Vice-Chancellor Date

NOTES


i 22 ISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge TransformsISO 9001:2008 CertifiedKnowledge Transforms

FUNDAMENTAL UNIVERSITY STATEMENTS

VISIONTo be a dynamic epicenter of excellence in training and research for

service to humanity.

MISSIONTo generate, advance and disseminate knowledge through training,

research and innovation for the development of humanity.

PHILOSOPHYEnhancing human capacity through relevant education, research and

training.

CORE VALUESIntegrity

InnovativenessProfessionalismCustomer focus

Teamwork

4.11 Research Career Development Framework The Research Policy aims to facilitate the development of research careers, assuming that researchers will become increasingly productive and useful for the fulfilment of the research objectives of the University of Embu as they grow in seniority. Different categories of researchers, their qualifications, roles, research activities, research-to-teaching load and expected outputs of each shall be defined at the School/Institute level.

4.12 Research CommunicationCommunication plays a key role in dissemination of research findings. University shall:• Establish a well-structured and objective information delivery

system and network to enhance research activity and information sharing.

• Coordinate and organize a University-wide research conferences and make outcome publications available online and on print.

• Facilitate, host and coordinate thematic regional and international conferences at reasonable intervals.

• Provide opportunity for postgraduate students to share research findings through conferences, workshops and seminars.

• Facilitate establishment of strong research groups in various thematic areas

4.13 Policy Implementation, Monitoring and ReviewThe implementation, monitoring and review of this policy is vested in the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Academics.

The policy shall be reviewed after every five years. However, a review can be done earlier if the need arises.

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Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, Ph.DVICE-CHANCELLOR

FOREWORD

The University of Embu is committed to providing an enabling environment for research and development by all staff

members and students. The Research Policy provides a research coordination mechanism for the University. The Policy outlines the processes of identifying and prioritizing research needs, initiating research projects, procedures for preparation and approval of research proposals, guidelines for identifying funding sources,

mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation and dissemination of research results. The Policy is intended to create a research environment, which is conducive for producing quality research proposals and contracts, research outputs, benefit sharing and adherence to ethical practices in research. The Research Policy contains rules, principles and regulations to be observed by all researchers in UoEm and their collaborators.

VICE-CHANCELLOR

4.8 PlagiarismThe University shall nurture academic integrity among staff and students. In particular, the University takes seriously academic dishonesty and shall take serious action as espoused in University documents. University shall have zero tolerance towards plagiarism and shall put in place appropriate deterrent measures to ensure academic honesty as prescribed in the University of Embu Plagiarism Policy.

4.9 Research Supervision and Research Risk ComplianceUniversity shall ensure that researchers who carry out research under the name of University adhere to Research Protocol, Research Ethics and Guidelines provided by the funding agencies and the University. The University shall identify and mitigate potential research compliance risks in adherence to the Risk Management Policy.

4.10 Creating a Conducive Research Environmenti) The University shall establish and strengthen administrative and

financial management support to research in order to relieve researchers of non-research routine activities.

ii) Research support services shall include continuous improvement and modernization of management information systems and access to international literature and databases.

iii) Researchers and research administrators shall be encouraged and facilitated to improve their capabilities in programme formulation and fundraising and in routine project management.

iv) The University shall be proactive in working towards a stable research environment by responding positively to staff needs, providing equitable compensation and by providing and maintaining basic research infrastructure and accessories.

iv) Research collaboration shall be encouraged.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FUNDAMENTAL STATEMENTS iFOREWORD iiTABLE OF CONTENTS iiiACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS viDEFINITION OF TERMS vii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 11.1 Policy Statement 11.2 Purpose of the Research Policy 11.3 Scope of the Policy 21.4 Objectives of the Research Policy 2

1.4.1 General Objective 21.4.2 Specific Objectives 2

1.5 Legal and regulatory Framework 31.6 Strategies for the Research Policy 41.7 Research Governance Structure 4

CHAPTER 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH POLICY 52.1 Coordination of Research at University of Embu 52.2 The Directorate of Research and Extension 5

2.2.1 Functions of the DRE 52.3 Research Planning and Administration 6

2.3.1 Board of Research and Extension 62.3.2 School/Institute Research Committees 82.3.3 Departmental Research Committees 9

4.5 Ethical Practice The University shall ensure that researchers working within the University and/or who are associated with it shall work in accordance with established international ethical standards. The University shall review these ethical standards from time to time as dictated by advances in knowledge. To this end, the University shall create a balanced Ethics Review Board to enforce established ethical standards.

4.6 Environmental and Security Considerations The following issues will be considered. a) At the proposal approval stage, the University shall ensure that

all research projects minimize their unfavourable impact on the environment and on live experimental subjects.

b) All issues of ethics in research shall be handled and cleared by an Ethics Review Board.

i) Ethical considerations shall be made when dealing with human subjects, confidential, sensitive, and private information, and live animal subjects.

ii) No research shall be approved whose activities or results might impact negatively on the environment.

iii) All research activities shall comply with the conditions set by the relevant regulatory bodies.

4.7 Intellectual Property (IP)The University shall provide an enabling environment that encourages knowledge and product creation. In order to protect discoveries and inventions by its researchers, the University shall ensure strict adherence to the University’s Intellectual Property Policy.

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2.4 Scope and Type of Research addressed by the Research Policy 9

2.4.1 Educational Research 102.4.1.1 Research at Bachelor’s levels 102.4.1.2 Research at Master’s level 112.4.1.3 Research at Doctoral level 11

2.4.2 Non-Educational Research 112.4.2.1 Consultancy 122.4.2.2 Research for Innovation and National Development Needs 12

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH PRIORITY AND FUNDING 133.1 Research Priority 133.2 Research Funding 13

3.2.1 University Research Fund (UoEm RF) 133.2.2 Establishing the Research Fund 143.2.3 Activities funded by the University RF 143.2.4 Distribution of Research Funds from the University RF 15

3.2.4.1 Funds from the University of Embu Budget 15

3.3 Grants from donors for individual researchers 153.3.1 Research administration costs 153.3.2 Research implementation costs 16

3.4 Research Funds from Industry/Private Sector 163.4.1 Collaborative research projects with

industry/private sector 163.4.2 Limits on the industry/private sector sponsor powers 16

4.3 Approval, Monitoring and Control of Research Projects Academic staff shall be expected to be conversant with the institutional, national and international research agenda and will be encouraged to participate in the process of defining the research agenda in their areas of expertise. i) Priority shall be given to projects within the main University

research thematic areas when approving research proposals. All proposals, including those initiated by prospective donors, have to demonstrate that the projects will contribute towards the overall research objectives of the Department and School

ii) The research proposals shall follow the research initiation, approval, execution and conclusion process as described in the Research Guidelines

iii) All research proposals shall follow the prescribed continuum process.

4.4 Ownership of Research Outputs a) In principle, ownership of research results/outputs shall rest with

the University. This shall always be the case, without any dispute, when all research funding is from within the University, other public sources, or where donor funding is not tied to any specific research project(s), except where explicitly stated in the research contract/agreement.

b) Where research is financed either partially or wholly from an external source, and there is a desire for shared proprietorship of research results/outputs, then a formula for ownership shall be worked out as per Policy.

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3.5 Research Merit Awards 163.5.1 Educational Research 163.5.2 Non-Educational Research 17

CHAPTER 4: STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE RESEARCH 184.1 Research Capital Equipment (RCE) 184.2 Sharing/disposal of Research Project Resources 184.3 Approval, Monitoring and Control of Research Projects 194.4 Ownership of Research Outputs 194.5 Ethical Practice 204.6 Environmental and Security Considerations 204.7 Intellectual Property 204.8 Plagiarism 214.9 Research Supervision and Research Risk Compliance 214.10 Creating a Conducive Research Environment 214.11 Research Career Development Framework 224.12 Research Communication 224.13 Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Review 22

4.0: STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE RESEARCH

4.1 Research Capital Equipment (RCE)The University shall strive to obtain equipment for research for all departments in various Schools/Institutes. Funding for Research Capital Equipment (RCE) will be considered as part of a policy for development of research foci and “Centres of Excellence”, where more people capable of using the equipment will have access.

4.2 Sharing/Disposal of Research Project Resources a) For externally funded projects, research resources shall normally

be applied strictly to the specific project through which they were acquired and shall be reverted to the University at the end of the project life.

b) All equipment purchased within a research project shall be the property of University and shall revert to general University ownership for re-allocation when the project is concluded.

c) The researcher or department that undertook the completed project shall be given priority in reallocation of the research resources.

d) Procedures governing the disposal of University property (obsolete or otherwise) shall apply.

e) The University shall encourage and coordinate sharing of research information and information sources, such as books, journals and electronic information.

f) Where possible, the University shall encourage and facilitate common services for research, such as word-processing, photocopying, data management and editorial services, at approved procedures for cost-sharing.

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION

BR&E: Board of Research and ExtensionCFP: Calls for proposalDR&E: Directorate of Research and ExtensionDRC: Department Research CommitteeDVC (ARE) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and

Extension)EOI: Expression of InterestIRF: Internal Research FundingRCE: Research Capital EquipmentREP: Research, Extension and ProductionRF: Research FundRFA: Request for ApplicationSRC: School Research Committee UoEm: University of EmbuIP: Intellectual PropertyIPR: Intellectual Property Rights

3.5.2 Non-Educational Research Publications and Innovations by staff shall be rewarded as stipulated in the University Staff Development Policy. The University shall periodically reward innovations which have achieved excellent transfer of technology or knowledge and are, not necessarily, in form of academic publications.

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DeFINITION OF TERMS

Consultancy: Professional advice that provides expert opinion or advice within a particular area of interest or expertise, usually at a fee paid to the consultant or consulting firm. In the case of University of Embu, the consultant may be the individual or a group of individuals employed at the University, the specific Units or research affiliates.Extension: Formal and none-formal education programs which are based on research output taken to end users (such as farmers) for the purpose of improving the end users’ ability to enhance productivity, output and benefits.Intellectual Property: as used in this policy, it implies work or innovation resulting from creativity of persons for the time being affiliated with the University of Embu. Intellectual property may include new inventions, manuscripts of publication and designs to which one claims the first right.Outreach: An activity providing services to populations who might not otherwise have access to the services being provided or who live in places where the services are inadequate or unaffordable. The key component of outreach services is that the people providing the service are mobile thus meeting those in need of outreach services at their locations. In addition to delivering knowledge, outreach has an educational role, raising the awareness of the existing services.Research: Research as used in this policy implies scholarly or scientific inquiry or investigation into an area of academic interest which aims to contribute towards a body of knowledge or theory.Research Fund: A fund sourced and set aside for the purpose of supporting research activities at the University of Embu and for which researchers within the University will be expected to compete for.

3.3.2 Research Implementation Cost All other research grant money allocated to the Principal Investigator shall be banked with the University Research Fund Account under the University financial management system to be disbursed as per the research agreement.

3.4 Research Funds from Industry/Private SectorThe establishment and maintenance of research relationship with private sector/industry shall periodically be facilitated if both parties recognize the mission of the University and the policies and principles that guide its actions. The research undertaken jointly by the University and the private sector shall aim at creating new knowledge and solutions for the benefit of both parties while maintaining integrity and independence of both parties. 3.4.1 Collaborative Research Projects with Industry/Private SectorThe University shall solicit for funds through links with industries and the private sector projects. Such funds shall be acceptable when considered to be in the University’s best interest to do the research.

3.4.2 Limits on the industry/private sector sponsor powersThe research sponsors may define broadly the project they wish to support. However, the Principal Investigator shall be responsible for designing, controlling and modifying the sponsored research.

3.5 Research Merit Awards3.5.1 Educational Research The University shall periodically reward the best Report/Thesis/Dissertation arising from educational research projects as per the recommendation of the Research Committee.

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Research Affiliate: A visiting researcher attached to a Department in the University for a limited period to carry out a specific research. University Community: Includes students, staff and stakeholders to the University.

3.2.4 Distribution of Research Funds from the University RF3.2.4.1 Funds from the University of Embu Budgeti) The University shall set aside a percentage (as agreed by the

University Council) of the total University budget as research fund; being its annual allocation less recurrent expenditure and other earnings for Research, Innovation and Development to be distributed in proportions to areas agreed upon from time to time.

ii) Research grants for professional research chairs shall be set up and shall be allocated to the approved applicants following call for proposals.

iii) The University shall also establish a Research Endowment Fund for special research and innovation activities which shall be allocated to the approved applicants following a call for proposals

3.3 Grants from Donors for Individual ResearchersThe University shall act as per the contract between the donor and the recipient researcher as long as it does not hurt the interest of the University. The allocations shall be as follows;

3.3.1 Research Administration CostsUnless in exceptional cases as captured by the grant agreement, the University shall levy 15% on all external research grants coming through the institution’s staff efforts for general administration costs (overhead). Subject to review by the Board of Research and Extension, the overhead contribution shall be allocated to: Remuneration for Researchers; Common services and utilities; Implementing Department; Host School and Research management support in proportions to be agreed upon from time to time.

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1.1 POLICY STATEMENTThe University Research Policy provides a research coordination mechanism for the University. The Policy outlines the processes of identifying and prioritizing research needs, initiating research projects, procedures for preparation and approval of research proposals, guidelines for identifying funding sources, mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation and dissemination of research results. The Policy is intended to create a research environment, which is conducive for producing quality research proposals and contracts, research outputs, benefit sharing and adherence to ethical practices in research. The Research Policy, therefore, contains rules, principles and regulations to be observed by all researchers in UoEm and their collaborators.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH POLICYThe UoEm Research Policy provides a framework for effective, efficient and relevant research in the University. The Policy will create transparency and uniformity in research planning, implementation and monitoring. The Research Policy outlines the process of identifying, prioritizing and initiating research projects as well as the procedures for preparation and approval of research proposals. The Policy provides guidelines for identifying funding sources, mechanisms for project monitoring and control, dissemination of research results and evaluation of research effectiveness and impact. The UoEm Research Policy entrenches research and innovation at all levels of training and enhance linkages with relevant partners. The Policy provides the framework for the effective coordination and implementation of various research activities at the University.

3.2.2 Establishing the Research Fund The Directorate of Research and Extension shall endeavour to raise funds as well as help staff and students access funds for research and innovation from:a) Allocations from the University Annual Budget.b) Government of Kenya.c) Private sector.d) Local and international donors. e) Postgraduate student research funds (that go into individual

student research account).

3.2.3 Activities Funded by the University RFThe Directorate of Research and Extension shall administer the UoEm RF and the funds, which shall be used for:i) Purchasing of research equipment. ii) Recurrent expenditure for academic research, non-academic

research and innovation activities.iii) Expenses incurred while attending research meetings, conferences

and workshops.iv) Expenses incurred for publication of research and innovation

findings.v) Expenses incurred for research and postgraduate training.vi) Expenditure for rewarding researchers who have demonstrated

research and innovation excellence.vii) Expenditure on postgraduate students’ research and innovation

activities and/or from the individual student research fund account.

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1.3 SCOPE OF THE POLICYThe Research Policy applies to both staff and students of UoEm as well as the Institution’s internal and external customers. The Policy provides guidelines to UoEm staff, students and researchers and ensures that their internal administrative requirements are met. In drawing up the Policy, an effort has been made to ensure that the same is clear and acceptable to the external partners, either as research collaborators, funding agencies or participating communities.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH POLICY 1.4.1 General Objective The University Research Policy aims to create uniformity, harmony and transparency in research planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as output dissemination.

1.4.2 Specific ObjectivesThe University Research Policy objectives are to:i. Provide a mechanism of ensuring that the research agenda

addresses the institutional, national and regional priorities.ii. Set guidelines for research quality assurance, manuscripts

preparation and public presentation.iii. Prescribe a general framework for preparation and approval of

research proposals.iv. Strengthen institutional capacity for strategic, tactical and

operational planning, budgeting and control for research activities.v. Provide for a modality of research co-ordination at institutional

and national level, by creating a mechanism for dialogue with the government and other stakeholders.

vi. Set clear procedures for control and monitoring of the research process and research performance.

3.0: RESEARCH PRIORITY AND FUNDING3.1 Research PriorityThe research priority areas will be developed using an inclusive consultative process involving the University’s Departments, relevant Government Ministries, Research Institutes and other relevant Stakeholders. All the different Institutes, Schools and Departments shall develop and pursue well-defined research priorities prepared in consultation with staff. These priority research areas will be reviewed from time to time to align them with national development objectives and priorities.

3.2 Research Funding 3.2.1 University Research Fund (UoEm RF)University shall establish a Research Fund Account (RFA) and ensure that funds in this account are utilized for the intended purpose.

University shall operate two categories of projects; internally-funded projects and externally funded projects. Internally-funded projects are those funded by University through its budgetary allocation whilst externally-funded projects are those that draw funds or grants from external funders or donors through successful research proposal awarding and subsequent funding. The funders could be Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), bilateral and multilateral organizations.

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vii. Establish a mechanism for resolving research related conflicts of interest.

viii. Build Capacity in grant writing skills of researchers so as to optimize utilization of the research expertise.

ix. Reduce unfavourable environmental impact of research projects.x. Provide a framework to ensure that staff attains a balance of

teaching, research, publishing and consultancy. xi. Provide general guidelines with respect to allocation/sharing of

research project resources and related responsibilities, including Institutional Overheads.

xii. Provide guidelines for rewarding researchers for their research effort to make research an attractive activity.

xiii. Develop a framework to guide in up-scaling and commercializing research outputs and innovations.

1.5 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKArticle 33 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 states that, “Every Kenyan has a right to freedom of expression” which includes among others (c) “academic freedom and freedom of scientific research”. The importance placed on research by the Government of Kenya is stated in Sessional Paper Number 1 of 2005 p. 85: “Research and Development (R&D) is a means of creating wealth and enhancing human development and is a critical component of higher education and training. It also plays a vital role in industrial transformation, economic growth and poverty reduction. However, quality research requires sufficient funding, availability of highly trained research staff, adequate and appropriate facilities and equipment. For Kenya to meet her needs in R&D, there is need to give R&D priority in national development”.

2.4.2.1 ConsultancyThe University recognizes that it owns a pool of expertise. The University shall create an enabling environment in order to avail this expertise for consultancy as a way of contributing to the overall University mandate and national development. In particular, University undertakes to support its staff to create a vehicle through which staff can compete for consultancy services. University shall set up Consultancy groups among its pool taking into account the often required multi-disciplinary teams.

2.4.2.2 Research for Innovation and National Development NeedsThe University recognizes the need for a strong correlation between research, innovation and enterprise development in order to achieve its mandate as a University. Therefore a deliberate effort will be put to encourage research and innovation:i) with immediate application.ii) leading to appropriate technology.iii) leading to tangible goods and services that will solve societal

problems.iv) that is affordable to implement.

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The same is reiterated in Sessional Paper No 14 of 2012. The strategies recorded in the Sessional Paper seek to strengthen research and development through: increased investment in Research and Development (R&D); creation of strong linkage between national goals, aspirations and research; and wide dissemination of research findings for operational activities.

1.6 STRATEGIES FOR THE RESEARCH POLICYThe Research Policy addresses issues of concern to all University researchers as well as their partners and collaborators. The following strategies shall be used to help in the achievement of the set objectives:i) Putting in place a deliberate funding mechanism with a view to

raising funds for research activities in the University.ii) Making a deliberate move to motivate researchers at the University.iii) Creating links between the University and the industries.iv) Promoting collaboration in research between the University and

both national and international research partners.v) Identifying and coordinating personnel as well as physical facilities

in the University that can be used in research.vi) Identifying and coordinating priority areas for research. vii) Creating and maintaining research database.viii) Facilitating patenting of Intellectual Property. ix) Promoting Capacity Building in research skills.

1.7 RESEARCH GOVERNANCE STRUCTUREThe Directorate of Research and Extension shall be responsible for providing support to grant sourcing, management, monitoring and evaluation and guiding commercialization of research output. Other units such as Intellectual Property Committee, Publicity committee, Board of Postgraduate Studies and Library Services will play a supportive role to the Directorate.

2.4.1.2 Research at Master’s LevelShall be in form of research projects and shall take time and depth as shall be determined by the relevant School or Institute and the Board of Postgraduate Studies. The results obtained from the research shall be published in form of a thesis/dissertation. Postgraduate students shall be required to present research project proposals and results seminars in the relevant departments. The results of the research shall also be published in peer reviewed journals and other media as deemed appropriate and shall be patented if suitable.

2.4.1.3 Research at Doctoral LevelShall be in form of research projects and shall take time and depth as shall be determined by the relevant School/Institute and the Board of Postgraduate Studies. Doctoral students shall be required to present research project proposals and results seminars in the relevant department.

The results obtained from Doctoral research shall be published in form of a thesis/dissertation. The results of the research shall be published in peer reviewed journals and other media as deemed appropriate and shall be patented if suitable.

2.4.2 Non-Educational ResearchShall be in form of postdoctoral research and shall include research done through fellowships and other forms of research grants. The results of the research shall be reported through technical reports and in peer reviewed journals and the format shall be as per the requirements of various publishing journals. The results shall also be published in seminars/conferences proceedings and other relevant media for outreach in society and shall be patented if suitable.

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2.0: IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH POLICY

2.1 Coordination of Research at University of Embu The Research Policy shall be implemented within the context of the University Statutes. The responsibility for coordination of research function and resource mobilization for research projects is vested in the Directorate of Research and Extension, office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension).

2.2 The Directorate of Research and Extension The Directorate of Research and Extension (DR & E) will be responsible for the day to day implementation of the University Research Policy. For effective implementation, the DRE shall endeavour to provide excellent supportive infrastructure that will establish a research and innovation culture which is complementary to the academic goals and mandate of the University.

2.2.1 Functions of the DR&E The specific functions of the DR&E shall be to:i) To co-ordinate all research activities in the University or from

external funding agencies.ii) To establish research priorities for the University.iii) To allocate funds to Schools/Institutes for use in the promotion

of research activities and to scrutinize the annual estimates for staff grants prior to their inclusion in the general estimates.

iv) To identify the need for special facilities for research.v) To advise and make recommendations to the Academic Board on

the general Research Policy of the University.vi) To receive and consider proposals from the Research Boards of

Schools/Institutes and to take action as the Board sees it fit.

v) Providing training on research proposal writing and research methods.

The results obtained from any research shall be published in form of project reports, theses /dissertations, and shall also be published in peer reviewed journals, seminars/conference proceedings and other relevant media for outreach to society as deemed appropriate. The research results shall also be patented if suitable. All publications shall be archived in the University Library. The various types of research that shall be carried out at University are described at sections 2.4.1 and 2.4.2.

The research done with a view to acquiring an academic qualification or certificate at various levels shall be referred to as educational research otherwise it shall be non-educational. The various types of educational and non-educational researches are as follows:

2.4.1 Educational Research2.4.1.1 Research at Bachelor’s LevelsShall be in form of research projects and shall take time and depth as shall be determined by the School or Institute within the University. The students shall present the research project proposals and reports in the relevant department. The results of such research shall also be published in media as deemed appropriate and shall be patented if suitable.

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vii) To cause to be published an annual report on research the University.

viii) To make recommendations to the Academic Board on the allocation of funds available for research and publication.

ix) To receive and evaluate reports from recipients of research grants through the Chairmen of Departments and Deans/Directors of relevant Schools/Institutes on the use of research funds received from all sources.

x) To allocate research funds to individual applicants out of the annual University allocation.

xi) To monitor the use of research funds.xii) To organize special seminars for presentation of research findings.xiii) To evaluate and approve various research projects.xiv) To facilitate and promote training in research skills and publication

of research output.xv) To approve funds under University of Embu Research Fund

(UoEm RF).xvi) To create conducive environment for research and innovation.xvii) To consider and advise on any research and innovation matter

referred to it by the University Management Board and other Boards and Committees of University.

2.3 Research Planning and Administration There shall be the Board of Research and Extension and Research Boards at each School/Institutes and Departmental Committees to oversee research activities at each level.

2.3.1 Board of Research and Extension The Board of Research & Extension established by the University Senate shall have the following members:

2.3.3 Departmental Research CommitteesThere shall be Department Research Committees with membership and terms of reference outlined below:

Membership:i. Chairperson – Head of Department or his/her appointee.ii. Areas of specialization representatives.

Terms of Reference:i. To coordinate all research and innovation activities in the

Department.ii. To identify potential research areas and relevant personnel. iii. To establish a Departmental database of all research projects in the

Department

2.4 Scope and Type of Research addressed by the Research PolicyThe University of Embu recognizes that, integration of research in teaching and training programmes as the only way of achieving its goals of producing technologically competent graduates who can identify and solve societal problems. To achieve this integration requires the University to incorporate a component of research in the curricula at all levels of training. Thus, there will be research at Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and Post-doctoral levels. The inclusion of research at these various levels shall be achieved by:i) Allocating money for Academic Research. ii) Promoting postgraduate programmes with a research component.iii) Providing for project work in undergraduate programmes.iv) Allocating ample time to research components within the training

programmes.

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i) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension) who shall serve as Chairman

ii) The Director appointed by the Vice-Chancellor from amongst persons holding the rank of Senior Lecturer or above for a period of two (2) years renewable for a further one term of two years; who shall serve as the Secretary to the Board.

iii) Finance Officer.iv) Deans/Directors of Schools/Institutes.v) Registrar (Academics, Research and Extension).vi) Director, Directorate of Postgraduate Studiesvii) Chairman, Intellectual Property Committee.viii) Chairman, Publications Committee.ix) The Board may, at its discretion, invite other scholars of the

University to attend its meetings and without the right to vote at such meetings.

x) Any other person co-opted by the Board.

The Terms of Reference for the Board of Research and Extension are: a) To coordinate all research activities in the University.b) To identify needs and appropriate facilities for research in the

University.c) To implement the University research and advice Senate on the

general research issues affecting the University.d) Ensure that the University research is aligned to the IPR policy.e) To establish research priorities for the University.f) Ensure that the research carried out in the University is in line with

the requirements of the relevant Regulatory Agencies.g) To recommend allocation of funds to Schools/Institutes for use in

promotion of research activities in the University.h) To receive and evaluate reports from the recipients of research

grants through their respective Departments and Schools/Institutes.

i) To publish the annual report on research in the University.j) To organize special seminars for presentation of research findings

and cause the publication of the research findings.k) To monitor use of research funds.l) To disseminate research findings to the intended end users.m) To liaise with Innovations and Intellectual Property Committee to

identify patentable research output.n) To liaise with Innovations and Intellectual Property Committee to

pave way for the incubation of developed research products.o) To liaise with the relevant committee to cause the publicity of

ground breaking research findings.p) To deal with any other matter that may be referred to it from time

to time.

2.3.2 School/Institute Research Committees There shall be School/Institute Research Committees with membership and terms of reference outlined below:

Membership:i) Chairperson – Dean/Director or his/her appointee. ii) Chairpersons of Departmental Research Committees.iii) The Committees at their discretion, invite other scholars of the

University to attend its meetings and without the right to vote at such meetings.

v) Any other person co-opted by the Committee.

Terms of Reference:i. To coordinate all research and innovation activities in the School. ii. To identify potential research areas and relevant personnel. iii. To establish a School database of all research activities in the

School.

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