Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC)
About DRIC
Like any other universities world-wide, the Copperbelt University (CBU) has identified Research, Innovation, Industrialization and Commercialization as cornerstone for national, regional, and international economic development. In its quest to contribute towards the knowledge based and innovation-driven economy, and to promote technology transfer and commercialization of the research products, the CBU established the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) on Wednesday, 13th December 2016. In order to strengthen the commercialization of its research products, the university under DRIC also established a Technology Management Office (TMO) to help it translate its research outputs into inventions and innovations. This is consistent with the mission of the University which is: “to contribute to the development and sustenance of the wellbeing of the people of Zambia and the world through the provision of flexible, innovative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive programmes of teaching, learning, research and service”. In line with the Vision and Mission of CBU, the Directorate is responsible for the affairs of research, innovation, internationalization and partnerships on behalf of the University.
To actualize this broad mission, the DRIC was established with the following Objectives;
- To promote high-impact research in evolving thematic areas of national importance, scholarship and society development.
- To identify and advise Senate and the Management on strategic research priorities, research facilities and infrastructure to support excellent research
- To facilitate a vibrant research environment that develops good research practice, publication culture and research integrity by creating strategies, policies and processes that ensure sustainability.
- To establish a mechanism for the promotion of research and development of indigenous innovations/knowledge and product with the aim of generating spin-offs and Intellectual Property (IP) rights;
- To assist and facilitate academic collaborations and industrial interactions with local, national and international organizations/institutions and establish a data bank for all partnerships and externally funded research and development project.
- To be a repository of resources by establishing a database that will collate, collect, store, process and disseminate information on research, publications, innovation and networks for the benefit of the University community and others; and
- To promote entrepreneurship, technology-transfer and commercialization activities that energize and support the local and national economy
The Directorate operates under Three (3) units headed by a Head of Department, namely:
- Research and Grants Management Unit
- Innovations, Technology Incubation and Commercialization Unit
- Linkages and Partnerships Unit
- Raising research levels to global standards and advancing researches along contemporary issues in our society in order to contribute to the regional and global development plans.
- Ensuring that appropriate levels of training are provided to research staff and students.
- Promoting a wide range of researches, from basic researches to cutting-edge researches and support the return of research results from the campus to the society.
- Bridging the gap between research and practice and promoting industry-academic-government research initiatives that create regional and global partnerships.
- Taking research results “off the shelf” by promoting commercialization of research outputs through an entrepreneurship and Innovations pipeline.
- Fostering collaborations with local, regional and international organizations and institutions.
Organizing and funding International Conferences, establishing a publication program and collaborating with reputable publishing houses and academic indexing services for publication of staff research outputs.
To nurture and promote a culture of research and develop strong university-industry linkages in order to encourage and accelerate the process of innovation.
To develop, expand and manage quantity and quality research in all disciplines thereby improving yield in terms of grants, research innovation, intellectual property and publications.
DRIC has the specific responsibility of:
- Initiating and supporting the University research endeavors and provide information to Schools/Units about various available research grants.
- Defining the research focus of the University in different disciplines and also providing leadership and guidance on the University’s Research Priority Areas (RPAs).
- Facilitate the development, review and monitor the implementation of research related policies and provide relevant guidance and facilities to researchers.
- Manage the CBU Research and Innovations Fund (RIF) under the Senate Research and Grants Committee
- Sourcing, management, effective distribution and efficient use of research funds in line with priority areas identified in the University’s strategic plan.
- Promote entrepreneurship, technology transfer, commercialization and the protection of Intellectual Property (Patents, copyrights etc.) emanating from research outputs (innovations.
- Manage national and international internships/exchange programs and establishment of Partnerships.
- Promote the publicity and feasibility of research activities in the University and publish research outcomes and publications reports for the University and disseminate on a regular basis.
- Identify opportunities for project development, collaborations, fundraising for research and education scholarships and disseminate the information to schools and units.
- Manage database relating to research activities in Schools and units.