Interdisciplinary Science and Cross-Faculty Science Activities
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is committed to fostering interdisciplinary science and research to address complex global challenges, drive innovation, and enhance its contribution to sustainable development. This policy outlines the framework for promoting collaboration, optimizing resources, and supporting high-impact interdisciplinary initiatives.
Sharing of High-Precision Equipment’s and Facilities
UTM will facilitate the sharing of high-precision equipment and specialized research facilities among faculties, schools, and external partners to maximize their utilization. Key aspects include:
- Establishing an online inventory and booking system for research equipment accessible to all university researchers.
- Allocating dedicated technical support staff to assist with equipment usage and maintenance.
- Prioritizing interdisciplinary and collaborative projects for access to shared facilities.
This is a selection of shared Intrerdisciplinary Equipments and Spaces:
List of Equiments-Excel Sheet
University Innovation Centre and Shared Space
The UTM Innovation Centre will serve as the primary hub for launching initiatives and projects focused on interdisciplinary science and research. The Centre’s roles include:
- Hosting workshops, conferences, and hackathons to foster collaboration.
- Supporting start-ups and spin-offs derived from interdisciplinary research.
- Facilitating partnerships with industry, government, and international organizations.
Please check the list of our innovation centres:
https://valotechlab.com/event-puit
Administrative Structure for Interdisciplinary Science and Research
Centralized Rectorate Administrative Unit: A dedicated administrative unit within the Rectorate will manage strategic and administrative processes for interdisciplinary research. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing policies to encourage interdisciplinary projects.
- Coordinating resource allocation and cross-faculty collaboration.
- Monitoring and evaluating the impact of interdisciplinary initiatives.
Main Administration Office:
UTM Shared Services Office, directed by
Mr. Khalifa Harbaoui,
General Administrator of Interdisciplinary Science
and Research at the University of Tunis El Manar,
The rectorate
email: khalifa.harbaoui@utm.tn
Faculty/School-Level Administrative Units:
Each faculty or school will establish a specialized administrative unit to support interdisciplinary activities locally. These units will:
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with other faculties and external stakeholders.
- Provide administrative support for interdisciplinary grant applications and project implementation.
- Act as a liaison with the Rectorate’s central unit.
Please check the list of our units:
https://enit.rnu.tn/unites-de-services-communs
https://fmt.rnu.tn/unites-de-recherche
https://fst.rnu.tn/uploads/files/Liste%20USCR-FST%202024%20(1).pdf
Project Management Office (PMO): The Project Management Office plays a pivotal role in supporting interdisciplinary science and research through:
- A dedicated team for project proposal writing and grant management.
- Assistance with compliance and reporting for funding frameworks.
- Training sessions on project management best practices.
Financing of Interdisciplinary Projects
UTM will prioritize cross-faculty projects and leverage diverse funding frameworks to support interdisciplinary research. These include:
- National Funding: Programs such as the PRF (Programme de Recherche Fédérée).
- European Funding: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and Interreg frameworks.
- Bilateral and International Funding: Partnerships with global institutions and organizations.
- Internal seed grants to incentivize and pilot innovative interdisciplinary projects.
The PRF for promoting Interdisciplinary science Framework:
Other National Frameworks could be found here:
Governance and Accountability
- An Interdisciplinary Research Council (IRC) will be established to provide strategic guidance, evaluate proposals, and oversee project implementation.
- Annual reports detailing the achievements and impact of interdisciplinary initiatives will be published.
- Performance metrics, including publications, patents, and societal impact, will be tracked to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Promotion and Capacity Building
UTM will actively promote interdisciplinary science and research through:
- Training programs for faculty and students on interdisciplinary methodologies.
- Recognition and awards for outstanding interdisciplinary projects.
- Communication campaigns highlighting the societal and scientific contributions of interdisciplinary research.
More details could be found at this guide:
https://utm.rnu.tn/utm/documents/Guide%20Pratique%20de%20l’UTM.pdf