Policy Code	RS0001
Policy Title	Research Policy
Owner	The Research and Initiatives Center
Responsible Office/Department	President
Approved by	University Council
Original adoption	2 February 2017
Recent Review	15/5/2024
Effective date	15/5/2024

POLICY STATEMENT

PSU identifies research as a key result area (KRA) of its overall institutional performance as declared in its mission statement. It is considered to be an integral part of the educational process, a pathway to address the needs of the local community and a potential contributor to the development of the local knowledge-based economy. Research is also regarded as a potential source of income for the institution.

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

To enhance PSU's research profile and elevate its university ranking, there's a focus on enriching the quality of its programs and outcomes. This approach not only fosters innovation but also promotes commercialization, thereby strengthening the university's overall research environment.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE

SCOPE:

Institution-wide

PURPOSE:

This policy provides a broad course of action for the development and implementation of research activity and management in the university.

PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

The principles of this policy encompass a set of guidelines and standards that govern the conduct, direction, and management of research activities. These principles are designed to ensure that research is carried out ethically, responsibly, and effectively, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and societal benefit. Key principles are:

• Ethical Conduct: Upholding high ethical standards in all research activities.
• Integrity and Transparency: Maintaining honesty and openness in conducting research, reporting results, and acknowledging contributions.
• Quality and Excellence: Striving for high-quality research that contributes significantly to the field.
• Collaboration and Inclusiveness: Encouraging collaborative research efforts and inclusive practices that involve diverse perspectives, disciplines, and participants.
• Accountability: Ensuring researchers are accountable for their research practices, including the use of funds, adherence to regulations, and the impact of their research on society and the environment.
• Safety and Welfare: Prioritizing the safety and welfare of all individuals involved in research activities, including adherence to safety protocols and consideration of the potential risks and benefits of research.
• Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, both national and international, that govern research activities.
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Conducting research in a manner that is sustainable and considers the long-term social, economic, and environmental impacts.
• Innovation and Impact: Encouraging innovative approaches and research that has a positive impact on society, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, technology, and societal well-being.
• Data Management and Accessibility: Implementing robust data management practices and promoting the accessibility and sharing of research data where appropriate, respecting privacy and confidentiality where required.

DEFINITIONS

Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply for purposes of this policy:

• Research: the conduct of systematic inquiry, experimentation, and knowledge sharing in which faculty members and students engage.
• Funding: The provision by the university of financial and material provisions necessary to conduct a research project.
• Research Grants Bylaws: A set of rules and procedures codified by the university to guide and regulate the processes of in-house funding of research projects and stipulate their expected deliverables.
• College Research Committee (CRC): Chaired by the college dean and co-chaired by the College Research Director (CRD) and members representatives from the college to take charge of processing all college research activities.
• College Research Director (CRD): Person in charge to follow up on all research related activities at the college level in direct collaboration with the college dean.
• Research Labs Bylaws: A set of rules and procedures codified by the university to guide and regulate the processes of establishing and funding research labs and stipulate their expected deliverables.
• Research Lab: a group of researchers from diverse and integrated academic disciplines, which has sufficient research capabilities and experience to ensure the marketing and quality of research production and knowledge transfer.
• Research Group Bylaws: A set of rules and procedures codified by the university to guide and regulate the processes of establishing and funding research groups and stipulate their expected deliverables.
• Research Group: A group of researchers formally recognized as one work team that conducts research projects in a certain field of inquiry.
• Distinguished Research Incentives: Monetary rewards for faculty members who publish research papers in high-impact journals.
• Research Excellence awards: Several types of research awards are offered to faculty members and researchers, including general recognitions and prizes, protection of Intellectual property, and other awards customized based on trending areas and community needs.
• Principal Investigator: A university faculty member who heads a team conducting a research project and manages the budget.
• Co-Investigator: A faculty member, or an expert, who works with others on a research project under the leadership of a principal investigator.
• Research Assistant: A person who helps in some functions of a research project without making any intellectual contribution.
• Consultant: An expert who provides technical advice on some aspects of a research project.
• Reviewer: An expert assigned to provide critical appraisal of a proposed or completed research project.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

• The Research and Initiative Center (RIC) at the institution is responsible for evaluating the existing state of research and recommending revised policies to the institution's management for their approval.
• The management of PSU management is tasked with approving these research policies.
• Each college within the institution handles the processing of research requests they receive.
• Faculty members and researchers at PSU are accountable for submitting requests for various types of research support.
• Overall, RIC oversees and manages the research operations across the entire institution.

The implementation includes the provision and emphasis of the following:

[... Full text of Funding, Programs, Researchers Promotion, Ethics, Research Activities, IP, Commercialization as provided ...]

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING POLICY VIOLATION

Any violation of this policy may be reported to the respective college of the faculty member or researcher, which will then forward the case to the Research and Initiative Center (RIC). Alternatively, it can be reported directly to the RIC. The RIC may then escalate the case to higher management for further action.

REFERENCES

https://ric.psu.edu.sa/
https://ric.psu.edu.sa/ip-bylaws.php