Vice President of Scientific Research

Vision

To provide an academic environment for professors, students, and researchers at the International Islamic University that fosters innovation through research and scholarly projects, generates new knowledge, and nurtures a research culture that strengthens the national economy and elevates Afghanistan’s standing in global knowledge production.

Mission

The International Islamic University of Afghanistan strives to be among the world’s leading universities in innovative academic research, to play a constructive role in the creation of new knowledge and technologies, to generate economic opportunities, and to be a pioneer in training the leaders of the future.

Duties / Responsibilities

  • Enhancing the research skills of the university's academic staff through educational workshops and symposia.
  • Providing all necessary facilities for the university's academic staff in the field of research.
  • Developing mechanisms and policies for implementing collaborative research projects across various academic disciplines.
  • Signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with national and international research centers and providing research opportunities and funding for faculty members and researchers through these centers.
  • Providing consultancy to all government institutions in the field of natural and social sciences research.
  • Standardizing scientific research based on international academic principles.
  • Collaborating with university faculty and students to publish scientific research results in national and international journals.
  • Developing laws and guidelines to support research and other research-related activities.
  • Informing researchers about suitable research opportunities announced by scientific, research, industrial, and governmental organizations.
  • Collaborating with all government ministries to conduct scientific research, creating journals, organizing academic conferences, and overseeing the university's budget and other research activities.

Academic Journals

The International Islamic University of Afghanistan publishes an academic journal called "Fajr al-Afghan Shariah and Legal Journal," which is issued biannually. This journal publishes scientific and research articles in various fields of Shariah and law. It is published in accordance with the policies and guidelines approved by the Ministry of Higher Education. It serves as an essential platform for scholars, researchers, and students to engage in discussions and developments related to Shariah and legal studies.

In addition, the university is in the process of establishing another journal in the field of natural sciences, which will soon begin publishing online. This new journal will disseminate research and scientific information across various branches of the natural sciences, thereby further strengthening the university's academic endeavors.

Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars

One of the key responsibilities of universities is to promote academic growth through conferences, seminars, and workshops. In line with this, the Afghan International Islamic University successfully organized the National Conference on Strengthening Research in Academic Institutions in November 2024.

The conference aimed to address the challenges faced by Afghan universities in developing strong research programs despite the Islamic Emirate’s emphasis on research. It provided a platform for university professors, policymakers, research institution staff, and professionals to share their insights and contribute scholarly papers aligned with the conference's themes.

Conference Objectives

  • Share the current state of research, identify priorities, and propose solutions.
  • Improve the quality and impact of research and education.
  • Gather expert recommendations for enhancing research efforts.

Key Themes

  • Research Methodology: Challenges and Solutions.
  • Comparison and evaluation of library, field, and laboratory research methods.
  • The role of technology and tools in enhancing research.
  • Research data analysis and rational usage.
  • The ethical dimension of research.
  • Research based on societal needs and its development impact.

Research Projects

One of the key responsibilities of the Vice Chancellor for the Academic Research Office is to provide the necessary financial support for research projects, whether from the government or other national and international organizations. Currently, the office plans to assist the university's Master's and PhD students with their research projects. More than 30 research projects will be organized across various disciplines to support students in their academic and professional development.

Additionally, the office is working to secure funding from both local and international organizations to support research, ensuring that students have the opportunity to conduct high-quality research.

Laboratories

The university consists of four faculties: Agriculture, Sharia Law, Medicine, and Engineering. Of these, all faculties except Sharia Law are equipped with lab facilities essential for research. Laboratories provide controlled environments for experiments, practical applications, and the development of new technologies, fostering innovation and scientific progress.

Libraries

The university has two well-equipped libraries, each with over 10,000 books covering a wide range of disciplines. Libraries serve as vital resources for students and faculty, supporting research, learning, and intellectual growth. These libraries provide essential tools to expand knowledge, skills, and scientific contributions across various fields.