The University of Mindanao acknowledges the vital role of research as a catalyst in the promotion of instruction and extension in higher education. As such, it focuses its strategic direction on the development of a strong research culture that would enable its faculty, staff and students to be engaged in research that is responsive to the local, regional and national development needs.
The Research and Publication Center (RPC) was established to manage and implement the research program of the University. It provides inputs to administrators for policy and/or decision-making through conduct of analyses and evaluations of programs and projects. It spearheads capacity development activities aimed at building and upgrading the research skills of faculty, staff and students. It exercises monitoring and facilitating functions for the research projects of the University. It aims to upscale the horizon of knowledge generation and utilization in the sphere where the University of Mindanao is significantly contributing as an academic institution and as a kernel of new knowledge.
A leading research institution recognized for its significant contribution in the generation of new knowledge for the improvement of the quality of human life.
To nurture research culture among faculty, staff, and students demonstrating the love for truth and upholding the values of rigor, artistry and ethics.
In light of the emerging directions under the new Institutional Strategic Plan for 2017-2022, the Research and Publication Center developed its new agenda framework to address the third key result area “Excellence in Research”. The research excellence indicators include: international research reputation, production of high quality research outputs which have demonstrable and measurable impacts, sustained support from external funders, and a supportive research environment for both faculty and students.
1. Research Reputation
The RPC shall be a highly responsive research center by providing focus and capitalizing on its critical mass and interdisciplinary capabilities. It shall establish and earn reputation through the establishment of the following institutes: 1.1 Biodiversity and environmental studies 1.2 Economy and enterprise studies 1.3 Social welfare and well-being studies 1.4 Emerging technologies These institutes shall practice the highest standards of research integrity which are essential elements of quality.
2. Research Impact
The RPC shall maximize knowledge exchange between the University and the wider society. It aims to do this through its regular public lectures where research findings are shared with stakeholders for utilization. It shall continue to publish its research journal in the world-wide Open Directory of Open Access Journals. It shall sustain its dissemination activities through paper presentations in various research conferences. It shall also maximize the impact of its research on public policy, and political stakeholders through its Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) which shall take massive efforts to produce policy papers and press releases. RPC shall also seek to bring to market the intellectual property arising from our faculty/students’ works through its Innovation Technology Support Office (ITSO).
3. Research Funds
The RPC shall draw upon its already established linkages, increase research collaborations with external experts in order to augment its funding resources. Research proposals shall be regularly submitted to funding agencies.
4. Support for Research
The RPC shall upscale its research arsenal through the acquisition of current software and technology. It shall enhance its training program to capacitate faculty and students to produce quality research and effectively communicate their findings.
Based on the evaluation of UM’s Sustainable Development Agenda Framework (2012-2017) and aligned with the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) of the DOST and the research priority clusters of the National Higher Education Research Agenda(NHERA), UM shall focus on the following interdisciplinary research themes for the next five years:
fundings
Scope
The policy applies to all teaching and non-teaching personnel involved in research activities, graduate and undergraduate students, visiting scholars and research fellows affiliated with the University of Mindanao.
Guiding Principles
Academic Freedom and Autonomy. Researchers have the right to choose their own research topics, methodology, collaborators, and dissemination platforms as long as their choices are in line with the University`s research agenda and core values, policies, standards, and ethical norms.
Intellectual Integrity. Researchers are expected to carry out their job with honesty, responsibility, and transparency adhering to the research standards and ethics policy of the institution and the other relevant national and international standards.
Transparency and Accountability. Researchers are expected to declare to the UM administration through the Head of RPC any possible conflicts of interests and maintain open records of their study procedures, funding sources, and other pertinent information.
Rights and Responsibilities.
Researchers. Researchers have the right to exercise research independence responsibly without interference from outside forces including the right to choose their topic, methodologies, and collaborators based on academic merit and relevance. They are expected to uphold academic integrity and professional standards including the conduct of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Moreover, they are anticipated to seek ethical clearance in all aspects of their research; thus, any related academic misconduct shall be dealt in accordance with the operational procedures and policies of the institution. Also, they are encouraged to seek external funding to support their research endeavors, provided that such funding does not compromise the independence or objectivity of the research process, and that transparency and accountability are upheld regarding funding sources and potential influences on research outcomes. When in doubt, they should consult and/or see advice from the RPC on particular concerns pertaining to research independence.
Research and Publication Center. RPC, as the competent research arm of the University, shall keep an eye on adherence and mediate conflicts pertaining to research independence. It is expected to uphold and defend researchers` independence in line with the accepted norms and legal safeguards. Also, RPC is expected to provide researchers with the necessary resources, training, and support – including access to libraries, laboratories, funding opportunities, and regular workshops on research methodologies, ethics, and best practices – to uphold academic freedom, integrity, and impartiality in their scholarly activities. Research management and operations of the University is guided by its research manual and operational procedures manuals.
Compliance
All individual conducting research within the University are required to abide by this policy. Any violation may lead to the proper disciplinary measures, which may include written warnings, the suspension of research privileges, or in, extreme situations upon due process, the termination of employment or academic standing in the University (See Employees` Manual). The Research and Publication Center accepts confidential reports of non-compliance or concerns via valid written complaint and can be channeled through email or in-person consultation.
Implementation and Review
The Research and Publication Center shall be responsible for the supervision of the implementation of this policy in collaboration with the relevant authorities across the institution. This policy shall be reviewed annually to make sure it remains applicable, appropriate, efficient, and relevant with the objectives of the institution and with the changing research standards and practices. Feedback from the academics, researchers, students, and external collaborators/partners will be actively solicited. The review process will be headed by the Head of the Research and Publication Center. Changes of this policy shall be recommended to the Management for consideration and approval. All authorized modifications shall be formally communicated to interested parties and shall take effect as soon as approved.