This Policy shall apply to all Intellectual Property created on or after the date of approval by the Council of the University of Cape Coast and all IP Rights associated with them.

This Policy shall apply to all Researchers/Inventors/Innovators/Creators who have established legal relationship with the University based on which the Researchers/Inventors/Innovators/Creators are bound by this Policy. Such a legal relationship may arise pursuant to the provision of law, collective agreement or individual agreement.

One of the goals of the University of Cape Coast, as set out in the research policy, is to encourage creativity and prompt and open dissemination of ideas and inventions by recognising and rewarding individual members of faculty, non-teaching staff and students. The commitment to develop new knowledge includes facilitating the practical application of that knowledge for public use. The University wishes to demonstrate that the public and private investments in funded research at UCC result in the creation of ideas and inventions that benefit society.

The mission of the University of Cape Coast (“UCC” or the “University”) is supported by wellestablished academic values and practices, including academic freedom; promotion of excellence and innovation in teaching and research; support of the ability of staff, particularly faculty to publish, share information, collaborate in research activities, innovate and develop technologies that benefit the public; and support of students in full participation in these and other educational activities. This policy was developed in consultation with best international practices.

• DRIC has the oversight responsibility of monitoring and enforcing the implementation of the Research Policy in the University of Cape Coast. 
• The policy shall become operational as soon as it is approved by the University Council on the advice of the Vice-Chancellor. 
• This policy shall be implemented in a manner consistent with the mandate, mission, vision and the strategic plan of the University. 
• The Board of DRIC on the advice of the Vice-Chancellor shall review the Policy periodically. 

Funds for the conduct and enhancement of research skills as well as management/administration of research-related activities shall be generated both within and beyond the University. 

The University management recognizes the need to offer support to promote research activities and therefore seeks to create an enabling environment for the conduct of research and use of research findings and also, to strengthen research management and coordination. 

The University, through DRIC and in collaboration with other relevant sections in the University, will provide the following research support services: 

• Set University-wide research agenda; 

DRIC is obliged to play a key role in providing information on the contextual environment to ensure the operationalization of the Research Policy. For the Research Policy to be binding on faculty in the University, DRIC will collaborate with Provosts and other relevant Sections/Boards/Committees of the University such as the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA), Appointments and Promotions Boards and the Directorate of Finance. 

The University instructively acknowledges and more importantly, takes sance of the explicit relationship between research, innovation and consultancy. In this respect, providing operational definitions to demarcate the areas of overlap and independence are important for developing its Research Policy. Thus, for the avoidance of doubt, the following definitions/explanations have been adopted for the operationalization of the Research Policy.