World-changing research
We will endeavour to produce excellent research which builds on specialist expertise in our academic community and targets the challenges that confront Malaysia, ASEAN and the broader Southeast Asian region. We value curiosity driven research for its longer term impact but also recognise the need to ensure that our research is targeted in a way that delivers more immediate economic, social, environmental and cultural impact.
We will support our research activity through targeted investment in excellent researchers and will ensure that they are provided with access to the facilities, systems and policies necessary to enable them to deliver research outputs of the highest quality.
Our principles
- We will target investment in research initiatives that build on existing strengths and focus on areas that are of significance for Malaysia, ASEAN and the broader Southeast Asian region.
- We will promote an emphasis on the international dimensions of research and knowledge transfer with a particular orientation to the needs of Malaysia, ASEAN and the broader Southeast Asian region.
- Our academics will bring their research into the lecture theatres and laboratories, exposing students to the latest ideas and discoveries.
- We will work with key stakeholders in Malaysia, ASEAN and the broader Southeast Asian region to ensure that our research efforts are appropriately targeted.
- We will be innovative in how we communicate the rationale, significance and impact of our research and scholarship and will do so in ways that respect the local culture, values and needs of our host community.
- We will provide a strong governance and strategy framework for research, knowledge exchange and related investment, and effective support for researchers across all appropriate subject areas.
Our purpose
We will build upon the established strengths of The University of Nottingham (UNMC) in key research areas, and our experience and commitment to commercialisation of our discoveries, to deliver sustainable economic, environmental and cultural benefits to Malaysia, ASEAN and the broader Southeast Asian region. We will remain attentive to the changing concerns of the fields we are established in, to shape emerging priorities and take advantage of opportunities.
Background
When establishing the Malaysia campus in 2000, we were always committed to carrying out internationally excellent research as part of our normal activity. Research income has gradually increased from RM15,000 in 2005 (we were unable to apply for research funding before this time) to RM5.058M in 2012, peaking at RM8.679M in 2011 with an RM3.3M grant from Sime Darby to support an elephant conservation project. Research outputs have similarly increased. In 2000, we had one paper that was affiliated to UNMC (Web of Science). In 2012, this had risen to 139, showing an increase year on year.
Challenges
A major challenge with respect to research is securing the essential inputs – both funding and research talent:
- All research income must be secured on a competitive basis – we receive no core research funding. As Malaysia develops its research culture the funding environment will be increasingly competitive.
- The absence of a Full Economic Costing regime tends to result in the structural underfunding of research activity.
- There is no culture of post-doctoral researchers in Malaysia, because PhD qualified staff can access academic positions without post-doctoral experience.
Aims and objectives
Below are our two main aims. Beneath each are the priority objectives and activities we will focus on to ensure we achieve our aims by 2020.
- By 2020 to achieve a research profile at UNMC in key areas comparable to that of the UK campus:
- Continue to expand research capacity at UNMC in a way that takes advantage of Nottingham’s strengths while responding to national and regional priorities.
- Increase the volume of externally funded and collaborative research at UNMC.
- Enhance the research environment at UNMC.
- Increase the size and proportion of our postgraduate population to 25% by 2020, and ensure a high standard of development and support for our postgraduate research community.
- Ensure our research outputs are appropriately managed and widely disseminated in order to improve scholarship and knowledge transfer.
- Develop a post-doctoral culture that will enable our research performance to blossom.
- Expand the number, breadth and effectiveness of research and knowledge transfer partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures:
- Expand our corporate partnerships and networks, and make sure they provide mutual opportunities and benefits.
- Increase the number of research collaborations, technology transfer activities and personnel exchange programmes with Universitas 21 partners and other leading international universities.
Responsibility
Lead
Professor Graham Kendall, Vice-Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange, UNMC
Support
UNMC Faculty Deans
Professor Saul Tendler, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation
Dr Richard Masterman, Director of Research and Graduate Services
UNMC Management Board Owner
Professor Graham Kendall, Vice-Provost for Research and Knowledge Exchange, UNMC
Measuring success
Performance targets