Research Strategy

The Ilia State University Research Strategy is guided by the Law of Georgia on Higher Education, the ISU Charter, normative and administrative acts of Georgia, and ISU regulations. It seeks to underpin the development of ISU by promoting:

1. a) successful, high-impact research;
2. b) important research for the region and the country;
3. c) research inspired by the University's responsibility towards community development, including social responsibility.

Through the Research Strategy, the University develops a vision of strengthening its solid scientific directions, supporting important growing areas, developing open and responsible research practices, and introducing research innovations. As a result, high-quality research output will be created, which will be the basis of the University:

• Creating and maintaining the environment necessary for carrying out international-level research, supporting the University's academic and scientific community, and actively involving students and young researchers in it;
• Developing research in less developed directions in Georgia;
• Supporting relevant research cooperation with local and foreign universities, national and international organisations, and businesses;
• Promoting research and growth of science communication channels.

The University's Research Strategy is based on the University's Strategy for 2024-2030 and shares the values, mission, and vision declared in it as the University's priorities and most important goals for 2024-2030.

Research Coordination Office

Within its competence, the Research Coordination Office supports the university's academic units and academic and scientific staff in attracting and implementing national research projects (Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, various governmental or non-governmental agencies) and planning and organizing the activities identified in the internal research grants. The Research Coordination Office is a centralized unit that reports to the Deputy Rector for Research.

Functions and Responsibilities:

• Strategic planning: Development of research strategy, analysis of international scientific databases and placement of information, SWOT analysis and positioning;
• Collaboration with the partners: Establishing relationships with international and local partners, non-profit, industrial, and scientific foundations and assisting in the formation of consortia;
• Sharing information: Sharing of information related to the grant competitions;
• Project coordination: Support to the project manager (Principal Investigator) and the project team in project management, as well as in the process of developing grant proposals;
• Gather information/editing: Collect institutional data and information and share it as needed;
• Review and editing: Review and edit the grant proposal, interim, and final reports, and adjust the grant application and budget as necessary.

Development Office

The Office of Development advances Ilia State University’s mission by supporting professors, administrative staff, and students to help secure external funding for institutional and research development. It acts as a central office for the development and outreach of the university's major strategic initiatives to its partners at home and abroad. The office is considered an intermediary between the donor and the international grants team at the university.

The activities of the development office include the following:

• To find a donor and funding opportunity for institutional and research support;
• To find local and foreign HEI and private sector partners;
• To write the grant proposals, namely:
  • Provide consultations to fill the grant applications;
  • Agree on the final version of the grant proposal with the University administration;
  • Support in creating consortia and establishing partnerships with the staff of international Donors;
  • Edit grant proposals and their budget when necessary;
  • Review of the final draft of the grant proposal before submission;
  • Coordinate the negotiations regarding financial support, including budget revisions.

International Relations Office

The International Relations Office's chief mission is to facilitate the process of internationalization in the academic sphere and raise the university's profile. Particular priorities are cooperation with international institutions, the participation of Ilia State University faculties and students in international cooperative or exchange-based projects, and raising the university's profile in international networks.

The basic functions and goals of the office include:

• To facilitate the internalization of the programs administered at Ilia State University, The establishment, and development of contacts with foreign institutions of higher education.
• To facilitate cooperation with foreign universities.
• To encourage and facilitate the participation of students, researchers, faculty, and administrative staff in international exchange programs and projects.
• To aid in the establishment of a multicultural environment at the university.
• To host the delegations of foreign universities.