The conduct of research is one of the three core activities undertaken by faculty in the University hence this Research Policy provides guidelines with the aim of promoting adherence to good practices in the industry and to systematically track research engagement undertaken in the University. With reference to section four of this Research Policy document, research can be classified into unsolicited research, research grants and research contracts. These research engagements are expected to lead to the following: peer reviewed journal articles, working papers, publication in either reviewed or non-reviewed conference proceedings, news briefs, policy briefs and technical reports. 

Faculty members engaging in research activities are expected to: 

• Inform DRIC and follow due processes and standards such as research ethical considerations in the submission of proposals and undertaking of research activities; 

• Submit their proposals through DRIC; 

• Disclose complete and perfect information regarding the conduct of any research to the University through DRIC; 

• Indicate to DRIC the use of both tangible and intangible resources of the University; 

• Submit a copy of all outputs that will result in the engagement of the research exercise; 

• Archive all research data through DRIC in collaboration with the Centre for Data Archiving, Management, Analysis and Advocacy (C-DAMAA); 

• State institutional affiliation on all research outputs; and 

• Outline both the immediate and wider benefits of the research to the University. 

The following expectations are specific to faculty engaging in research contracts: 

• Ascertain clearance from the University legal team through DRIC on the terms of the research contract; 

• Include five percent of the personnel cost as overheads for DRIC; and 

• Include five percent of the personnel cost as overheads for the department in which the faculty belongs. 

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. 

Unsolicited Research

This is in two categories. The first relates to scientific inquiry initiated and wholly funded by an academic faculty in the University. The second evolves as a result of a faculty submitting a research proposal to an organization, a group or individual for support beyond the proposed areas. For the purposes of this Research Policy, the second case shall be considered as a Research Grant if contractual funds are received for the conduct of the research. 

Research Grant 

This refers to contractual funds received to conduct scientific inquiry either from the University or an external institution or individual. Grants received for research are geared to deepen our understanding of a phenomenon and advance the frontiers of knowledge. Funding received is premised on the view that academic faculty need either financial or technical support to engage in their research activities. The implicit assumption is that some level of commitment in the form of counterpart funding either from the faculty or the University is expected. 

Research Contract 

This refers to contractual funds received by faculty of the University to conduct scientific inquiry. Research contracts are targeted at addressing a specific concern of an entity. The entity seeking the services of an academic faculty expressly spells out the terms of reference. This implies that research contracts are tied to specific deliverables and timelines. Failure to deliver has legal implications both for the academic faculty involved and the University. 

Consultancy 

This refers to services including research, training and advisory activities demanded by either an external or internal entity from a faculty in the University. The engagement in this service attracts a commercial fee for both the faculty involved and the University. Faculty using resources of the University shall expressly seek permission from the University through DRIC. In such a circumstance, the entity demanding the service shall financially compensate the University for the use of its resources as enshrined in the University of Cape Coast’s Consultancy Policy, Section 14, sub-section 14.4 and 14.6. 

While the link between consultancy and research grant/contract is duly recognized (see Figure One), this Research Policy focuses on Unsolicited Research, Research Grants and Research Contracts. In a separate document, the guidelines on the consultancy engagements in the University have been documented (University of Cape Coast Consultancy Policy). 

Innovation 

This refers to a discovery of any new idea or devise emanating from a scientific inquiry or a technological creativity or intervention. 

Intellectual Property 

This refers to legal rights resulting from the creation of the mind, which leads to inventions, scientific discoveries, literary and artistic works. 

Figure One: Types of Research and Linkages with Consultancy and Innovation 

The overall purpose of this Research Policy is to provide a framework for the governance and conduct of both basic and applied research, as well as, promote the positioning of research as a priority pursuit in the University of Cape Coast. 

The specific objectives are to: 

• Streamline research activities; 
• Create an enabling environment for the conduct of research; 
• Strengthen research management and coordination; 
• Improve research culture and practice; 
• Mobilize and manage funds for quality research and innovations; and 
• Increase the returns for the conduct of research to achieve international researcher visibility and attract of both human and financial resources to the University.