Introduction
Research is an essential tool for entering into the arena of latest knowledge .It also provides a unique insight into teaching of higher education in a scientific way. Research in science and technology must be relevant to local, social and industrial needs, leverage the regional and local competitive advantage and be goal oriented. The research must be aimed to cultivate a research culture among the researchers and scientists of the country. The latest research in general and the research in science and technology in particular can lead to provide fuel to education towards national development.
Realizing the acute shortage of highly qualified researchers and scientists and to enhance research culture among the CIIT Faculty, the Research and Development (R&D) Division (Currently ORIC) was established in January, 2005 in COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT). From its very inception, the R&D Division under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Rector, CIIT is playing an active and vital role to enhance and encourage the CIIT Faulty to contribute and share in promoting the research activities by submitting their research proposals in all the disciplines.
The promotion of research happens to be the core and strategic aim of Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the same goes for CIIT. As per HEC’s new thinking, the focus of academic research in the future will be on developing economic and social factors benefitting the masses at large. This will be achieved through innovation which is the creation of better products, processes, technologies and ideas that are commercialized in a way to benefit the society.
After receiving the intimation regarding establishment of ORIC, CIIT transformed the Research and Development Division into ORIC in March 2011, with some administrative modifications as per the requirements of HEC for establishing ORIC. The result is that now CIIT has a fully functional and operational ORIC setup at the Principal Seat. The ORIC is aimed at transforming pure knowledge into products and production processes with ultimate goal to give the research spectrum a more vibrant and strong stature.
The purpose of the department is to develop, expand, & manage the university’s research programs and to link research activities directly to educational, social and economic priorities of the University and its broader community. The ORIC is also responsible for assuring that the quality of research conducted is of highest international standard and advances the rank of the university among world’s leading research Institutions.
The mission of the ORIC is to establish a strong research culture, Commercialization and Innovation within a dynamic, efficient and effective team of scientists and researchers and to motivate them to play an active role to plan, strategize and to materialize the vision and mission of the CIIT. In addition, the ORIC welcomes and creates good working relationship with other higher learning institutions, industries and donor agencies especially HEC, PSF, British Council and ICT R&D Funds etc. in the activities that can enhance entrepreneurship, academic and research excellence. It also focuses towards achieving technological competitive edge and a world class status for the CIIT.