Introduction
In an era where knowledge and innovation drive progress, the role of faculty research in academia cannot be overstated. The development of a strong research culture among Faculty of Engineering members is essential for Kotelawala Defence University to flourish and contribute meaningfully to society. Senior Professor CAN Fernando, an eminent scholar and visionary leader, conducted an insightful session on fostering the development of a vibrant faculty research culture at Conference Hall, Faculty of Engineering, Kotelawala Defence University on 20th July 2023.
During the session, Senior Professor Can Fernando shared valuable insights and practical strategies to develop and sustain a thriving faculty research culture:
Leadership Support and Vision: Prof. Fernando stressed the importance of strong leadership support in promoting research culture. University administrators and department heads must champion research endeavors and establish a clear vision that emphasizes the value of research.
Incentives and Recognition: Recognizing and rewarding research achievements are crucial for motivating faculty to engage in research. This includes offering financial incentives, awards, research grants, and opportunities for advancement based on research contributions.
Facilitating Collaboration: Prof. Fernando highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration among faculty members. Encouraging interdisciplinary research and providing platforms for researchers to share ideas can lead to more innovative and impactful research outcomes.
Research Infrastructure: A conducive research environment requires robust infrastructure. This involves providing access to state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, data repositories, and research tools.
Mentorship and Support: Establishing mentorship programs for junior faculty can be instrumental in nurturing research talent. Senior researchers can guide and inspire early-career academics, helping them navigate the research landscape successfully.
Promoting a Research Culture Among Students: Prof. Fernando emphasized the need to involve students in research activities. Integrating research opportunities into the curriculum can instill a research-oriented mindset among students from an early stage.
Engaging with the Wider Community: Encouraging faculty members to engage with the broader community through outreach programs and collaborative projects can lead to research with more significant societal impact.
Conclusion
Senior Professor CAN Fernando"'"s session on the development of faculty research culture serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role research plays in shaping academia and society. By implementing the strategies outlined in the session, universities can create an environment where faculty members are inspired and supported to pursue their research aspirations actively. As institutions embrace and foster a strong research culture, they move closer to becoming hubs of knowledge creation and engines of societal transformation.
