ORIC

Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC)

Introduction

HEC aims to develop and sustain a dynamic and internationally competitive research sector in Pakistan that makes a major contribution to economic prosperity, national wellbeing and the expansion and dissemination of knowledge. Promotion of Research is one of the core strategic aims of HEC. Through the program and initiatives launched by HEC for strengthening research and the process of knowledge creation, the quality and research output emanating from the universities and institutes in the country have shown tremendous improvements and Pakistan has been acknowledged as rising star in a number of research disciplines in terms of percentage increase in internationally cited research publications. Yet, this is no more than an end of a beginning and we need not only to sustain and improve this trend but also contemplate on questions of relevance and economic, social and academic impact of the research. In pursuit of this end, HEC has started working to organize the research activities of universities/HEIs ensuring availability of well-established and fully functional ORIC (Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization). The ORICs will provide strategic and operational support to the University's research activities/program, and will have a central role in facilitating the University's research outcomes.

Goals
The ORIC seeks to enhance the environment for all research and scholarship by:

1. Supporting the university's strategic research directions and policies
2. Increasing and diversifying external research funding
3. Improving recruitment and retention of top faculty
4. Improving integration of research and education at all levels of the university
5. Improving translation of research into the public benefit
6. Strengthening university-industry relationships
7. Promoting entrepreneurship, technology-transfer and commercialization activities that energize and support the local and national economy
8. Promoting and enhancing cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary research initiatives
   
   

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.

Structure of ORIC
The following are the administrative structure of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) which also reflect the key functions of the ORIC:

1. Responsible to oversee all aspects of the operation of the ORIC including research administration (budgeting, auditing and accounting, human resources, management and maintenance of facilities and equipment, implementation of research contracts and human resources)
2. Develop programs and activities that will increase funding for research from all public and private sources, establish and maintain excellent relationships with donors and stakeholders, oversee proposal development and submission.