KCST Research Strategy

Research excellence and innovation are integral to the vision of the Kuwait College of Science and Technology. Our goal is to address fundamental and strategically important questions, and to deliver economic, social and cultural impact at national, regional and international levels. We engage in internationally leading research activities and collaborations.

Our Strategy is informed by the following set of values, by which the University/College will judge the merits of planning and investment decisions for research:
  • Research excellence contributes significantly to building our reputation as a University, both at a national and international level.
  • We engage in high quality research, both basic and applied, to answer fundamental and strategically important questions and to benefit the people and economy of Kuwait.
  • Research informs our teaching and we seek to engage students in our research in all programs.
  • We value the expertise of our staff and students, and are committed to supporting them to reach their full research potential.
  • We are committed to maximising the income associated with our research and through this providing the sustainable environment needed to enhance our research.

  • Support the highest quality research and develop collaborations that enhance the contribution of research to the broad portfolio of our activities;
  • Support and develop excellent researchers within a sustainable research culture;
  • Promote and publicise the contributions that our research makes to the advancement of knowledge with impact to a wider economic and societal benefit.
  • We will engage in strategic research planning to ensure that research makes a significant contribution to the College/University’s

Strategic objectives:

KCST Research Strategy is presented as a series of objectives:

  • To identify and develop emerging areas of research excellence, including those that cross traditional subject or discipline boundaries.
  • To support the effective dissemination of original and significant research outputs through high quality outlets.
  • To understand, influence and respond to external research priorities at both national and international levels.

  • To promote and support collaboration in order to extend the quality and breadth of our research.
  • To provide support for collaborations that address strategically important priorities, including interdisciplinary research.
  • To develop sustainable collaborations nationally and internationally, working with other universities, research institutions and other organisations, including industry and other commercial partners. Our collaboration will build to extend on the currently signed agreement with Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Japan.

  • To recruit, develop and retain high-quality postgraduate research degree students and to provide them with a stimulating and supportive research environment and career development opportunities.
  • To direct targeted investment towards key infrastructure and an agile research support system which fosters and sustains high quality basic and applied research and responds promptly to emerging opportunities.
  • To enhance the resilience of our research base by diversifying our engagement with external funding streams.

  • To attract, retain and reward high quality academic and research staff who are able to make a significant contribution to our research profile.
  • To make research performance a key criterion for academic promotions.
  • To encourage all staff and degree students to reach their full research potential and to support their career development.
  • To facilitate best practice in research leadership and management, including equal opportunities and diversity.
  • To make good use of our collaborations to develop opportunities for career and skill development.

  • To ensure that the curriculum is informed and enriched by research.
  • To engage research-active academic staff at all levels in teaching.
  • To foster the development of research skills in students and to engage them in research, where appropriate, through taught programs.

  • To engage with partner organisations and communities in making widely known our research and in delivering social, cultural and economic benefits.
  • To exploit the potential of the University’s research so as to generate resources for the Institution and to offer solutions to real- world problems. Priority will be given to research that has direct benefit to Kuwait.
  • To promote the impact and value of our research and to generate public understanding and awareness of the University as well as its contribution to society.
Measures of Success

Delivery of the University Research Strategy will be measured against a series of key University-level indicators and targets that will be set out in an Operational Plan. Faculties will be required to develop their own research strategies and set milestones that are aligned with the objectives identified in this University/College Research Strategy. Faculties will be asked to report progress against their own strategies and targets and these will be reviewed on a regular basis by the University’s Research Committee.

Important note

KCST Research Strategy 2016–2020 is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.