Introduction

The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) has been established under the directives of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad. A separate structure and establishment for ORIC in the Examination Block has been made functional in the University of Gujrat since October 2011.

In view of the significant increase in number of post-graduate students involved in research, enhancement in research projects, increase in publications and enhanced possibility of commercialization of research; it is equally important to build up the capacity of the academic institutions of University of Gujrat to manage all research-related activities. ORIC will positively set the pace to match up to the challenges in the field of Research and Innovation. ORIC provides end-to-end services for all matters pertaining to research and development, innovation, inventions, commercialization, patents, collaborations, and for arranging seminars/symposium/ conferences/ workshops, etc.

Mission

• To promote and strengthen the research culture in all disciplines of UOG to bring it at par with other institutions of higher learning within the country and abroad and maintain the highest standards of research by both students and faculty.
• To positively contribute in developing research leadership to play their singular role in transforming the economic focus of the country through internationally-recognized research outcomes and in line with the ongoing policy of “National Research Program for the Universities” for building the national economy.

Purpose

The purpose of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) is to develop, expand, enhance and manage the university’s research programs and to link research activities directly to the educational, social and economic priorities of the university and its broader community. The ORIC is also responsible for assuring that the quality of research reflects the highest international standards and advances the stature of the university among the world’s best research institutions.

In pursuit of this mission the ORIC has the responsibility of guaranteeing that all research programs and policies reflect the core values of academic freedom, professional integrity and ethical conduct and full compliance with all policies, legal requirements and operational standards of the university.

Objectives

To facilitate the development of the university, increase brand recognition, improve the quality of management, guarantee success in research and development and increase the university's volume and efficiency.

The fundamental objectives of the department are to:

• represent the university's interests in research and development,
• coordinate development projects and competitions in the university,
• administer databases for research and development, which is essential for the management of the university, to undertake related analyses,
• disseminate information on research and development and related funding opportunities,
• consult applicants for R&D projects and of the participants in such projects, and manage related contracts,
• organize reporting on research and development activities.
• identify research opportunities for faculty members
• facilitate faculty to apply for research grants
• provide legal, administrative and financial management support of research grants
• support commercialization, licensing etc, of the university research products
• promote the research culture
• encourage the publishing of the subject journals
• develop focal point for all the research related works in connection with funds/liaison with the funding agencies
• support in patent filing
• Identify new ways and opportunities of collaborations.
• create awareness regarding the ongoing research in UOG and also encouraging University-Industry linkages
• arrange Training and Development programs

In the light of above-mentioned functions/activities, ORIC is responsible for providing assistance and guidance to the faculty members/PhD scholars in the research projects and also responsible to interact with Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, and other funding/donor agencies in respect to above mentioned functions/activities.

Faculties/Departments /Institutes of UOG are therefore requested to send/route all research grant applications/ funding requests for research activities to any funding agency through Office of Research.