RUB Research Policy for Researchers
Introduction
Research is one of the dual objectives specified by the Royal Charter and the Statutes of the Royal University of Bhutan as:
To promote and conduct research, to contribute to the creation of knowledge in an international context and to promote the transfer of knowledge of relevance to Bhutan.
Research as a crucial responsibility of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in its services to the nation, high importance shall be placed on encouraging researches that require skills and expertise not available in the country through joint research projects.
The main purpose/intention of this paper shall be to inform the researchers, both national and international, on the research policies, guidelines and processes of the university to facilitate them to undertake research studies in the country.
Terminologies used in this policy document
1 Joint Research means
· a research undertaken by a foreign organization or its employee in partnership with a RUB staff
· a research undertaken by RUB in partnership with other agencies within Bhutan
· a research undertaken in partnership by two or more RUB colleges
2 External Researcher means a researcher outside RUB.
3 Co-researcher means an employee of RUB engaged in a research in partnership with an external researcher.
4 Parent Institute means the university or college/faculty/school/organisation that currently employs the external researcher.
5 Host Institute means the institute in which the co-researcher is currently employed.
6 RIC is the Research and Innovation Committee, a standing committee of the University Academic Board, responsible for university research.
7 CRC is the College Research Committee responsible for all research and consultancy services at the college level.
I. College Researchers
Policy
The researchers in the colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan will be governed by the following:
1. As a member of the institute of higher learning in Bhutan, he/she shall be encouraged to engage in research.
2. Research proposal shall, as far as possible, be relevant to one’s own academic area.
3. Research proposal shall require to be approved by the CRC of where he/she is currently employed.
4. The materials from the research shall be the property of the college and RUB or as required under the University Intellectual Property Policy.
5. Engaging in research shall not be at the cost of his/her students’ progress in studies.
6. A research funded by a Bhutanese organization other than the employing institute shall require prior approval of the institute in writing.
7. In case the funding agency is other than the employing institute, the RGoB financial procedures shall be followed (in the absence of RUB financial rules and regulations).
8. Research funded by foreign organizations that have or do not have relations with Bhutan shall require prior approval of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
9. Presentation of papers that require traveling outside Bhutan shall be governed by the rules and regulation in force.
10. A final report of the research shall be submitted to the Research and Innovation Committee or the Director of Research at the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
11. Any deviation from the initially approved research proposal and/or the University research policies, procedures and guidelines shall again need clearance from the CRC/OVC
II. External Researcher
1. Policy
1.1 The University shall encourage/facilitate international researchers to conduct research studies in the country in areas that it may deem essential.
1.2 Any conduct of research by universities, organizations or individuals of foreign origin shall require a Co-researcher and therefore the identification of a Co-researcher shall precede the Office of the Vice Chancellor’s/College’s invitation of research experts from foreign university or an individual.
1.3 The ownership and patenting shall be in accordance with the relevant University research policies in place.
1.4 All joint research or studies shall require prior approval of RIC.
1.5 Database of researches/studies conducted shall be maintained by the Department of Research at the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
2. Initial requirements
An external researcher wishing to carry out research in Bhutan shall be required to submit the following:
2.1 A copy of the research proposal
2.2 A brief resume or curriculum vitae
2.3 Duration required for completion of the research
2.4 Indication of source of research funding
2.5 A letter of consent from the supervisor/parent institute indicating approval of the research proposal
2.6 All foreign researchers in Bhutan shall conduct their research in collaboration with a member(s) of the faculty of RUB
3. How to apply
3.1 The proponent shall either apply to the Director of Research at the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) or apply directly to the host institute or the Co-researcher.
3.2 Outcome of the application shall be intimated within 45 days (from the date of receipt of application).
4. Acceptance of a proposal
The acceptance of the proposal shall be based on, but not limited to, the following conditions:
4.1 Relevance and usefulness of the research for Bhutan either at present or in the future
4.2 Availability of Co-researcher
4.3 Ethical approval from both the parent and host institutes are cleared between the external researcher and the co-researcher/the host institute
4.4 A letter of financial guarantee to ensure adequate financial support to meet the expenses of the external researcher while in the country
5. Other conditions
5.1. Entry into the country shall depend upon fulfillment of conditions as required by the appropriate authority in Bhutan.
5.2 The external researcher shall abide by the University research policies, procedures and guidelines in place.
5.3 A Terms of Agreement (given as an attachment for use as a guideline) shall be signed between the external researcher, co-researcher and the host institute/Office of the Vice Chancellor.
5.4 The external researcher shall make an oral presentation of the proposal to the respective CRC before the commencement of the study to allow incorporation of any changes suggested by the host institute and agreed upon during the presentation.
6. Terms and Conditions for the Co-researcher
6.1. The co-researcher shall be responsible for ensuring proper conduct of the research.
6.2. The co-researcher shall ensure that his/her college responsibilities and duties are not hampered during the time away on research.
6.3. The co-researcher shall ensure that all financial arrangements have been confirmed before commencement of the research.
6.4. The co-researcher shall abide by the Research Code of Conduct of the University.
6.5. The co-researcher shall be supportive to the external researcher as a guest of the college and the Kingdom during his/her stay in the country.
6.6. All financial transactions shall be based on the standard procedures prevailing in the country.
6.7. The co-researcher shall not receive any payments from the external researcher/intern or parent institute for the research covered under this Agreement unless a system to that effect is instituted and approved within the University
6.8. The co-researcher, the intern or the external researcher shall be answerable to the head of the host institute/Research Director, OVC.
7. Acceptance letter
In case of the research hosted by the host institute, the CRC will be involved in all the procedures described above. The host institute will then write an invitation letter to the external researcher and initiate all requirements for the visit through proper channel. By way of information, a checklist of all appropriate documents and communication materials should be sent to the Director of Research, Office of the Vice Chancellor.
In case of the research initiated by the Office of the Vice Chancellor, the Department of Research at the Office of the Vice Chancellor will take all necessary steps as per the existing norms.
TERMS OF AGREEMENT (ToA)
(Attachment)
The external researcher shall agree to and abide by the following terms and conditions:
1. The external researcher shall agree to work closely with the co-researcher until completion of research.
2. The external researcher shall have met the requirements for human subjects’ research of the parent and host institutes.
3. The external researcher shall meet all personal and incidental expenses for himself/herself including visa fees, living and transportation, while those of the co-researcher shall be met by the host institute (where applicable).
4. The researchers shall make a presentation of the research at the end of the study.
5. The external researcher shall not involve in commercial activities.
6. The host institute, subject to availability, may provide basic minimum amenities to enable the external researcher to work comfortably. These may include work space, desk top computer (in case the external researcher does not have a laptop), internet, telephone (only local calls) and stationery items.
7. The external researcher shall have access to necessary relevant materials and information to complete the research study.
8. The external researcher, while using the research findings for dissemination purpose, shall acknowledge the host institute and the Co- researcher.
9. The external researcher shall abide by the University research policies, procedures and guidelines in place.
10. Any deviation from the initially approved research proposal and/or the University research policies, procedures and guidelines shall again need clearance from the CRC/OVC.
11. In case of incomplete research study while in Bhutan, the external researcher shall involve the co-researcher through electronic mail services in all matters concerning the completion of the study.
Signature and Name of:
1. External Researcher:
2. Co-Researcher:
3. Head of Institute/College/
Office of the Vice Chancellor:
Note: The ToA is provided as a guideline and the ideas given there may be used by the colleges while preparing their own ToA with the external researcher and the co-researcher.
Page 7 of 7