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At Beirut Arab University, we are committed to promoting high-quality research and enhancing activities both nationally and internationally, aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future and to better serve our community. Our goal is to achieve global recognition as a leading research institution by fostering innovation, generating insights to address critical issues, and nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment.

1. Increasing the Quality, Quantity, and Impact of our Research:

a. Commitment to Excellence

  • BAU is dedicated to conducting research that addresses critical global and local challenges.
  • We adhere to the highest international standards of research integrity and quality.
  • This commitment is reflected in our outstanding achievements, including being ranked #1 in Lebanon by Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for 2022 and 2023.

b. Quality Assurance:

  • We prioritize rigorous research methodologies and invest in the continuous professional development of our faculty.
  • Our research aligns with international best practices and adheres to globally recognized quality benchmarks.
  • We foster a culture of excellence through:
    • DAAD Info Sessions: Collaborations with organizations like the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provide valuable insights into international research standards and opportunities for collaboration.
    • Vibrant Research Community: Regular BAU Research Talks foster a dynamic research environment, encouraging knowledge exchange and critical feedback.
    • Impactful Research Agenda: Our research focus aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that our work contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.

c. Building Bridges and Fostering Collaboration:

  • We cultivate strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading institutions worldwide.
  • We foster a collaborative environment within our university as well:
    • BAU Research Talks: These events facilitate interdisciplinary research and foster a deeper understanding of research across departments.
    • BAU Research Equipment Handbook: This valuable resource enhances research efficiency by providing access to information regarding available equipment in laboratories across the university campuses.

d. Research Output: A Focus on High-Quality Publications:

To demonstrate our commitment to research excellence, we track and analyze the quality of our research output. Below is a summary of BAU’s research publications categorized by quartile rankings (Q1-Q4) according to Scopus classification. This reflects our emphasis on publishing in high-impact journals and ensuring the academic relevance and quantity of our work.

The following chart shows the total number of ranked publications from 2016 to 2024, highlighting a significant rise in ranked publications over this period.

Figure 1 Bar chart showing the total percentage of ranked publications from 2016 to 2024.

This number of publications highlights BAU’s strong focus on publishing in Q1 and Q2 journals, which are recognized for their high impact and rigorous peer-review processes. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we ensure that our research contributes significantly to academic discourse and societal progress.

This area graph below illustrates the overall proportion of top-ranked publications appearing in Q1 and Q2 journals. The graph clearly highlights the significant increase in high-impact publications observed in recent years.

Figure 2 Area chart showing the overall proportion of top-ranked publications appearing in Q1 and Q2 journals

2. Supporting Active Researchers

a. Fostering a Dynamic Research Environment:

  • BAU researchers actively engage in a vibrant research community through participation in and hosting numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars.
    • "Where to Publish" Workshop: A workshop that focused on identifying and targeting high-impact journals for research publications, providing valuable guidance on publication strategies and best practices.
    •  "The Future of Academia in Light of Artificial Intelligence," a thought-provoking seminar that served to enlighten Faculty members and to empower them with artificial intelligence tools applicable in academia.

b. Securing Research Funding and Partnerships:

  • Beirut Arab University has demonstrated a strong commitment to securing vital research funding.
  • Through proactive efforts, BAU established a repository of significant funding bodies, enhanced research capabilities, and fostered international collaborations.
  • This strategic approach enables researchers to pursue innovative projects and advance the frontiers of knowledge.

c. Cultivating Global Research Connections:

  • BAU fosters a global perspective through a variety of exchange programs and joint research initiatives with renowned institutions worldwide.
  • These collaborations promote cross-cultural learning, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and enhance the international visibility of BAU research.

d. Recognizing and Rewarding Research Excellence:

  • BAU actively supports its researchers through several means, whether in the form of awards or service support:
    • Financial Rewards: Competitive financial incentives are awarded for publications in highly-indexed journals.
    • Recognition and Awards: Outstanding research achievements are celebrated through awards and recognitions to deserving Faculty members.
    • Research Support: Grants are provided to support attendance at international conferences and workshops.
    • Access to Resources: Researchers have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources to support their innovative endeavors.

3. Engaging Research with Business, Industry, and Community

a. Building Bridges for Broader Impact:

  • Beirut Arab University (BAU) fosters a dynamic research environment through a network of national and international collaborations. These partnerships extend beyond academia, engaging with businesses, industries, and the wider community.
  • Collaborations are established with leading institutions around the world, including:
    • National Partners:
    • International Partners:

b. Fostering Synergy and Success:

  • These collaborations serve a multitude of purposes:
    • Enriching Student Experience: Partnerships broaden student learning opportunities through exchange programs and joint research projects.
    • Faculty Development: Collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange and professional growth for faculty members.
    • Enhancing Research Impact: Joint research efforts lead to ground-breaking discoveries and solutions with wider societal impact.
    • Securing Funding: Collaborations can unlock access to external funding opportunities for research projects.
    • Industry Engagement: Partnerships with businesses and industries translate research findings into practical applications.
    • International Visibility: Collaboration with institutions enhances BAU's global reputation.

c. Cultivating Meaningful Partnerships:

  • BAU recognizes the importance of fostering strong, collaborative relationships. Collaborations often begin with informal interactions, evolving into formalized agreements that clearly define expectations and responsibilities for each partner.
  • These partnerships create a platform for:
    • Developing Common Research Practices: Collaboration fosters the exchange of best practices and methodologies, leading to advancements in research quality.By aligning with BAU’s research themes and subthemes, partners contribute to and benefit from the university’s commitment to exploring new ideas, challenging opinions, and creating knowledge that serves Lebanon and the world.
    • BAU Research Themes and Subthemes:
      Our four research themes inspire our researchers to push boundaries and address global challenges. These themes are integral to our mission and provide a framework for meaningful partnerships:
    • Increased Mobility: Collaborations facilitate the exchange of researchers and staff, promoting cross-cultural learning and knowledge transfer.

    4-  Marketing our Research Findings and Updates to the Community

    a. Showcasing Research Excellence:

    • BAU actively showcases its research achievements through various channels, highlighting innovative projects that address critical global and local challenges.
    • These projects demonstrate the university's commitment to advancing knowledge and making a tangible impact on society.
    • As this typically aligns with the vision of BAU's Deanship of Graduate Studies as a leading institution in delivering excellence and relevance in research, recognized nationally and internationally as a center for innovative research.

    b. Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technologies:

    • BAU provides its researchers with access to state-of-the-art technologies and tools, empowering them to conduct cutting-edge research at the forefront of their fields.
    • BAU's research activities are supported by advanced technologies and tools, enabling researchers to pursue innovative projects in fields such as pharmaceutical nanotechnology, digital forensics, and environmental studies.

    c. Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

    d. Embracing the Future of Research:

    • BAU is committed to staying at the forefront of research advancements.
    • By continuously monitoring emerging trends, embracing new methodologies, and fostering a culture of innovation, BAU ensures that its research remains relevant, impactful, and contributes to a better future.
    • BAU's commitment to future research is reflected in its focus on emerging trends and new methodologies. The university supports innovation through technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes
    • This commitment is reflected in the university’s focus on addressing pressing global challenges and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby playing a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
    • Through these efforts, BAU not only advances knowledge but also ensures that its research has tangible, real-world applications, driving positive change and sustainable development on a global scale.