RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY

UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA


1. PREAMBLE

The Research and Development Policy of the University of Malaya is a document
that provides a framework for the development of a research culture in the
University of Malaya for quantitative and qualitative improvement in research
performance and output as well as for responsible research practice and conduct.

The University of Malaya aims to be a premier research university known
internationally. The University is committed to the use and perpetuation of high
international standard in both basic and applied research activities and research
training, including programmes whereby the University fulfills its responsibility
as stated in its mission and vision.


2. DEFINITION

Definition:

Research is broadly defined as the systematic and disciplined activity
undertaken to create and advance knowledge. It may take many forms across the
discipline base including scientific and social investigation and discovery, the
creation or refinement of concepts and theories, techniques or compositions, or
the extension of current understanding through critical analysis. The common
features of research are the systematic and disciplined methodology and the
commitment to the publication of the outcomes and their peer review. The
publication element of research also varies with discipline and can range from the
publication of outcomes in journals or monographs to the performance of creative
compositions.

Researcher includes staff or student doing research in the course of duty.

Staff means any person employed by the University under the Universitys
Constitution and any other Statutes and includes any officer, teacher or employee
of the University.

Student means a registered student of the University.

The University means the University of Malaya.

Kod Etika Akademik Universiti Malaya means University of Malaya Code of
Ethics for Academic Staff.

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Abbreviation:

IPPP Institut Pengurusan Penyelidikan dan Perundingan
(Institute of Research Management and Consultancy)

UPP Unit Perkembangan Penyelidikan
(Research Development Unit)

UPDiT Unit Penyelidikan DiTaja
(Sponsored Research Unit)

UPUM Unit Perundingan Universiti Malaya
(Consultancy Unit)

UPTK Unit Pemindahan Teknologi dan Komersilisasi
(Technology Transfer and Commercialization Unit)

MPUM Majlis Penyelidikan Universiti Malaya
(University of Malaya Research Council)

Any term that is used in this Policy and not defined here shall be referred to the
University Constitution for definition.


3. POLICY STATEMENT

3.1 VISION

To be a leading research university that will actively contribute to the
generation and dissemination of new knowledge and the enhancement of
the quality of life.

3.2 MISSION

To promote full and active participation of all university researchers.

To administer and coordinate optimally all fully and partially funded
research.

To establish centres of excellence in strategic research areas.

To provide consultancy services and excellent collaborative research to
public and private sectors through strategic partnerships.






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4. OBJECTIVES

In pursuing this policy, the University seeks to:

4.1 Excel as a premier research university in Malaysia as well as
internationally.

4.2 Develop and promote specialized research areas in the frontier of
knowledge and cutting edge technology in which it is, or has the potential
to be, a national and international leader.

4.3 Foster multi- and inter-disciplinary collaborative research within and
outside the University.

4.4 Support and provide research opportunities in the spirit of academic
freedom and integrity.

4.5 Develop the research skills of its researchers.

4.6 Continually improve the quality of its research monitoring and output.

4.7 Provide quality learning and research opportunities and resources.

4.8 Promote good research practice and conduct.


5. RESEARCH STRATEGY

In line with its mission and vision as a premier research university, the University
must encourage and develop a strong research culture based on the following
strategies:

(a) The University must be committed to continuously improve its basic
infrastructure and amenities for research.

(b) The University should recruit lecturers with good research track record.

(c) The University may grant academic staff leave of absence to undertake
research overseas.

(d) The University should encourage research by providing sufficient and
competent support staff.

(e) The University should devise an appropriate reward system to encourage
excellence in research.

(f) University staff are strongly encouraged to spend their sabbatical leave
abroad.
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(g) University staff are encouraged to participate in group research towards
achieving excellence and to disseminate their research findings
internationally.

(h) The University should, in consultation with the Academy/Faculty/
Institute/Centre, identify their research strength and capitalize upon it to
develop centres of excellence. The designation of the Centre of
Excellence is as described in Appendix 1.

(i) The University should attract researchers of high standing including
foreign researchers to undertake research in the University.

(j) The University should appoint external assessors to evaluate the
performance and output of research programmes.


5.1 RESEARCH-TEACHING SYNERGY

In its effort to internationalise the postgraduate programme and research,
the University should provide an avenue for students to conduct part of the
research programme overseas. They should also be encouraged to apply
for financial support from the University of Malaya Research Fund (see
paragraph 7.3) to attend conference, workshop or seminar. In line with the
concept of internationlisation of the University, the University should
encourage foreign researchers and students to participate in the
postgraduate research programme.


5.2 RESEARCH MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

To strategize its research policy, the University shall be committed to
develop a strong research management team of international standard.

The University should determine quality objectives based on the following
factors:

5.2.1 The percentage of researchers involved in research receiving
financial assistance from within and outside the University.

5.2.2 The number of research publications in relevant International
Citation Index.

5.2.3 The number of publications per staff per year in peer reviewed
journals.

5.2.4 The number of patent applications per year.

5.2.5 The percentage of consultancy projects completed per year.

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5.2.6 The number of research projects and the level of funding in the
University per year.

5.2.7 The output of postgraduate research students per year.


6. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESEARCH

The University, recognized as a premier research university, is committed to the
highest standard of accountability and integrity in research practices. As such, the
University in 1997 published the Kod Etika Akademik Universiti Malaya which
addresses the following research related issues:

Teaching and learning
Research
Publication
Consultancy
Participation in conference, seminar, etc

This document, which has been approved by the then University Council, shall be
the guidelines for the Code of Conduct for Research in the University.

Intellectual property rights arising from research and development shall be
governed by the Intellectual Property Policy of the University.


7. ORGANIZATION

The University of Malaya Board of Directors on October 11, 2000 approved the
Research Governance of the University in its aspiration to develop the University
as a premier research university in Malaysia. The Governance addresses three
main issues: the University of Malaya Research Council, the formation of the
Institute of Research Management and Consultancy (IPPP), and the setting up of
the University of Malaya Research Fund.

The organization chart of research and development is shown in Appendix 2.


7.1 UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA RESEARCH COUNCIL (MPUM)

The University of Malaya Research Council oversees the Universitys
research policy and has the following functions:

7.1.1. To set out direction of research policies and activities in the
University.

7.1.2 To review policies in the management of research in the
University.
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7.1.3 To monitor progress of research in the University, especially the
implementation of annual audit for research activities.

7.1.4 To promote research in the University.

7.1.5 To develop strategy for expanding research activities within and
outside the University.

MPUM comprises members as listed in Appendix 3.


7.2 INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH MANAGEMENT AND
CONSULTANCY (IPPP)

The primary function of the Institute of Research Management and
Consultancy is to promote, monitor and assess research among researchers
and to provide consultancy services to various public and private agencies.
There are four units within IPPP, each with its own mandate and function.
These are the Research Development Unit, the Sponsored Research Unit,
the Consultancy Unit and the Technology Transfer and Commercialization
Unit.


7.2.1 DIRECTORS OFFICE

The Director of IPPP is assisted by the Deputy Director in
providing effective leadership, development of policy,
implementation of research, commercialization, and consultancy
activities. The Director of IPPP is responsible for inter alia, the
following:

(a) Providing strategic planning and on-going management
leading to continuous improvement in research
performance of the University.

(b) Leading and managing researchers to enhance their
contributions to the University.

(c) Providing appropriate support for higher research
performance of individual researchers and the University.

(d) Providing and enhancing systems to support researchers in
the internationalisation of the University.

(e) Providing and enhancing systems to identify, develop and
maintain effective relationships with organizations that
develop and support the University research efforts,
whether nationally or internationally.
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(f) Providing and enhancing systems projecting the image of
the University as a premier research university.


7.2.2 IPPP RESEARCH WORKING COMMITTEE

The IPPP Research Working Committee comprises the
Deans/Directors of all Academies/Faculties/Institutes/Centres. The
Committee shall assist IPPP and each Academy/ Faculty/Institute/
Centre in the management of research and implementation of
research policy including:

(a) Planning and development of research programme in each
Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre.

(b) Management of research.

(c) Monitoring of research progress.

(d) Publication and dissemination of research information.


7.2.3 ACADEMY/FACULTY/INSTITUTE/CENTRE RESEARCH
COMMITTEE

Every Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre shall establish a Research
Committee with the primary objective of stimulating and
encouraging research among its staff members. This committee
shall assist the Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre to plan the
research programme of the Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre.

The committee will also evaluate proposals submitted by
researchers.

The terms of reference of this committee are further provided in
Appendix 4.


7.2.4 RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT UNIT (UPP)

The Research Development Unit has the following objectives:

(a) To promote training to researchers in various aspects of
research.

(b) To increase staff contribution in research activities.

(c) To identify research areas.
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(d) To seek potential funding agencies.

(e) To encourage and establish national and international
linkages.

(f) To disseminate information about research opportunities.

(g) To process applications for research funding.


7.2.5 SPONSORED RESEARCH UNIT (UPDiT)

The Sponsored Research Unit is to manage internal and external
sponsored research programmes. The functions of the Sponsored
Research Unit are as follows:

(a) To manage research grant accounts, such as procurement of
equipment and expenditure payment claims.

(b) To administer the appointment of research personnel.

(c) To manage and up-date on-line Research Information
System for the convenience of researchers and
administration.

(d) To organize exhibitions, seminars and discussions on
research outputs as well as compilation of related
publications.

(e) To coordinate international research programmes.

(f) To manage national and international collaborative research
programmes.


7.2.6 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION
UNIT (UPTK)

This Unit has the following objectives:

(a) To commercialize research findings and technology
developed in the University.

(b) To generate income for University through
commercialization of research.

(c) To monitor all activities in relation to commercialization
and cooperation.
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(d) To help establish a society knowledgeable in science and
technology through transfer of technology.

(e) To implement the Intellectual Property Policy of the
University.

The Unit through its commercialization activities of research and
resources in the university provides a role for:

(a) Patent management and transfer of technology.

(b) Commercialization of products and ideas.

(c) External and financial resources for commercialization of
contract.

(d) Contracts, consultation and project collaboration for
production.

(e) Preparation of business proposals for commercialization of
research findings.

(f) Managing and implementing commercialization projects.

(g) Managing intellectual property of the University.

(h) Conducting seminar/workshop/conference in connection
with commercialization and intellectual property.


7.2.7 CONSULTANCY UNIT (UPUM)

The Consultancy Unit has the following objectives:

(a) To provide consultancy services to various government
departments, industries and professional bodies.

(b) To offer professional, academic and technical services to
public and private sectors.

(c) To promote interaction with industries and professional
bodies.

The Consultancy Unit offers its expertise from the University by:

(a) Providing consultancy and specialised services.

(b) Carrying out contract assignments.
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(c) Undertaking collaborative projects with other industries or
government agency.

As the Consultancy Unit is one of the service providers of the
University, it acts as a specialized consultant, providing a complete
range of integrated services including:

(a) Feasibility studies.

(b) Technical and advisory research assistance.

(c) Fact-finding missions and site-specific surveys.

(d) Monitoring, processing and analysis of field data.

(e) Impact assessment studies.


7.3 UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA RESEARCH FUND

The University of Malaya Research Fund is to enhance research activities
in the University.

7.3.1 The University shall allocate a specific amount from its annual
operating budget to this Fund.

7.3.2 All income-generating units of the University shall contribute a
specific amount from their revenues to this Fund.

7.3.3 A portion of the revenue generated from the Universitys
investment shall be allocated to this Fund.

7.3.4 All unspent research grants shall form part of this Fund.

7.3.5 The University shall make a strong effort to solicit contributions
from alumni for purpose of research funding.

7.3.6 The utilization of this Fund is subject to the approval of MPUM
and implemented by IPPP.

7.3.7 This Fund is to be used to support various research activities
including:

(a) Support of The University Centres of Excellence.

(b) University initiated research.

(c) Development of research infrastructure.
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(d) Acquisition of specific research equipment.

(e) Attendance of seminar/conference/training programmes.

(f) Promotion and exposition of research findings.

(g) Initiation of technology transfer.

(h) Publications.

(i) Approved research-related activities of IPPP.


This policy shall be read together with all previous guidelines related to research and if
there are any inconsistencies, this Policy shall prevail.




























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Appendix 1

UM CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The University of Malaya recognizes that a key role of a modern and progressive
institution is the initiation and advancement of knowledge and understanding through the
conduct of high quality research. It believes strongly that research must feed into the
Universitys teaching programmes and that only by engaging in research can the design
and delivery of its curriculum maintain the necessary high standards and remain both up-
to-date and relevant to the needs of industry, commerce, public sector and other
establishments. Thus, the University views research as vital to the provision and creation
of a challenging and stimulating environment for its academic staff and students alike. It
seeks to encourage and provide opportunity for its staff to remain and become active in
research.

The setting up of the Institute of Research Management and Consultancy (IPPP) in 2000
has the primary function of promoting research, monitor and assess research among the
academic staff and to provide consultancy services to industry. The theme of IPPP is
Beyond the Frontiers of Knowledge and its vision is to be the leading institute of
excellence in research that will actively contribute to the generation and dissemination of
new knowledge and the enhancement of the quality of life. Among its mission statements
is to ensure full and active participation of all university academic staff through research
promotion and to establish centers of excellence in strategic research areas.

In conjunction with the recognition of the University as a premier research institution in
the country, IPPP will establish Centres of Excellence based on a set of selection criteria,
including the following:

1. An established and well-balanced team of researchers with excellent track record
2. A current and active research programme with sufficient scope and depth
3. Adequate existing infrastructure, manpower and funding
4. National and international recognition
5. Publications in peer-reviewed journal of international standing
6. Undertakes research that is world-class and that can contribute to national
development
7. Maintains high quality innovative research programme and research training

Advantages of a UM Centre of Excellence

The establishment of a UM Center of Excellence connotes the recognition by the
university of the research team and its high standing in the institution. The advantages to
this designation include:

1. Commitment by the university and IPPP to support the activities of the Centre
2. Assistance to attract funding and collaboration from public and private sector
3. Nomination to research panels, committees and national and international prizes
4. A one-off budget to initiate the establishment of the Centre

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Expectations

Following its establishment, the UM Centre of Excellence is expected to make major
contributions to research in the university by:

1. Enhancing the image of the university in the forefront of research
2. Attracting research funding locally and internationally
3. Forming research linkages with leading international institutions
4. Increasing the output of high quality postgraduates
5. Gaining recognition through awards, prizes, invitations, consultancy, etc
6. Publishing in international journals with high impact factor
7. Disseminating information through publication, seminar, workshops
8. Commercialization of research results through developments of patents/diagnostic
kits/softwares/machine tools/etc



































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Appendix 2


ORGANIZATION CHART OF UM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT










































UM Research
Council
Institute of Research Management and Consultancy
Director
IPPP Research
Working
Committee
Academy/Faculty/
Institute/Centre
Research Committees
Head
Research Development
Unit
Head
Sponsored Research
Unit
Head
Technology Transfer
& Commercialization Unit
Head
Consultancy Unit
Deputy Director
Vice-Chancellor



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Appendix 3





MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA RESEARCH COUNCIL




Vice-Chancellor - Chairman

Director, Institute of Research Management & Consultancy - Secretary

9 members from University of Malaya (6 Professors and 3 Emeritus/
Adjung Professors recommended by Senate)

2 members from the Public Sector (to be chosen from Agencies
such as SIRIM, MOSTE, IMR, MARDI, NBD, MSN and others)

2 members from the Private Sector or Industries (to be chosen from
Companies such as MDC, Petronas, Telecom, TNB, Hicom, FMM,
MTDC and others)

l member from the Professional Bodies (to be chosen from
professional bodies such as MMC, IEM, PIAM, MIA, IKM and others)






















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Appendix 4



TERMS OF REFERENCE OF ACADEMY/FACULTY/INSTITUTE/CENTRE
RESEARCH COMMITTEE


1. Every Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre shall elect a Research Committee
comprising of at least five (5) senior academic staff members who shall not
include the Dean/Director.

2. The term of office of all committee members shall not be more than three (3)
years for each term up to a maximum of 2 terms continuously.

3. In the event of a dispute, the matter shall be referred to an Appeal Committee
which shall be chaired by the Dean/Director.

4. The Deputy Dean/Deputy Director (Research) shall be the Chairman of the
Committee.

5. The Chairman or Deputy Chairman can co-opt members of
Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre to render expert assistance.

6. The Committee reserves the right to invite researchers and/or Heads of
Departments to their meetings.

7. The Committee shall meet at least once in two months.

8. Members who are on sabbatical leave or prolonged leave of 3 months or more
may be replaced by the Committee with co-opted members during the period of
the said leave.

9. A member who is absent for three (3) consecutive meetings without valid reasons
will be replaced. A new member will be co-opted and hold office until the end of
the term of the Committee.

10. There should be a quorum of 50% membership at each meeting.

11. The Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre should provide secretarial assistance to the
Committee.


Guidelines:

The following are guidelines of the Research Committee:

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(a) All research proposals shall be submitted to the Dean/Director of
Academy/Faculty/Institute/Centre.

(b) For scientific review, detailed proposals from researchers, complete with
literature review, methodology, budget justification and evidence of ethical
approval (for human and animal studies), should be submitted to the Committee
in appropriate forms.

(c) The recommendation of these proposals will be submitted to the Dean who shall
forward the recommendation to IPPP.

(d) The principal researcher of an approved project shall be required to submit an
annual report to the Committee in the appropriate form, irrespective of whether
he/she is requesting for further funding of the project. Researchers requesting for
further funding should submit a more detailed progress report along with their
application.

(e) If a proposal is not supported, the researcher may appeal to the Committee or
directly to the Dean.

(f) Minutes of all committee meetings shall be kept with relevant comments on
research proposals discussed. Copies of these minutes will be submitted to the
Dean.

(g) Only in exceptional situations, the Chairman or Deputy Chairman has the right to
circulate proposals to the Committee for evaluation without first convening a
meeting.

(h) Equipment and instruments purchased with grant money should be made available
for all researchers within the University.













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