First step towards developing a UoRM Research Strategy

Tuesday, 08 September 2015

Last week, as part of the University of Reading Malaysia’s aim to mirror the reputation of the University of Reading in the UK for excellence in both teaching and research, the entire academic team came together to celebrate the University’s investment in research and take the first step towards developing its own research strategy.

A key element of UoRM’s ambition to become a research-intensive university, at least in the early stages of growth, is to dedicate one day a week for all staff with research interests to develop and embed research practice and build their research profiles. While research will be embedded in teaching and learning throughout the week, the decision to create ‘Research Wednesdays’ will give the team the opportunity to discover areas of potential research strength, work collaboratively within and across disciplines, mentor and develop early career researchers and identify funding opportunities. A new internal research fund has also been launched to support the delivery of the university’s research vision.

In the week that the Malaysian government also approved UoRM’s PhD programme, staff discussed:

• what excites them individually in terms of their research interests
• what it means to have a vibrant research culture, how we build this at UoRM, and what our priorities should be
• what support is needed to deliver our research vision 

Provost Professor Tony Downes said, “Our overarching ambition is for UoRM to become one of the leading universities in Malaysia with a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research.  Today’s staff event was an important first step in turning that ambition into a reality.

“At a time when we are putting a great deal of energy into student recruitment, developing programmes and ensuring an excellent experience for the students who join us, this event is an indication of the vital role we believe excellent research will play in making UoRM a success."