Director Engagement, Research and Innovation

The Director of Engagement, Research and Innovation (ERI) provides strategic leadership in fostering a vibrant research, innovation, and community engagement culture across San Institute of Computing, Management, and Information Science (SICMIS). The Director is responsible for formulating and implementing institutional policies and frameworks that promote high-quality research, innovation, knowledge transfer, and partnerships. The position also oversees the operations of the Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) and the Incubation Center (IC), ensuring they function effectively to achieve the Institute’s Vision and Mission.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Director of Engagement, Research and Innovation

The Director of Engagement, Research and Innovation at San Institute performs the following functions, among others:

1. Strategic Leadership and Policy Development

• Provide strategic direction in the development and implementation of research, innovation, and engagement policies and frameworks.
• Align research and innovation strategies with the Institute’s Vision, Mission, and national development priorities.
• Oversee the development of institutional research agendas, innovation strategies, and community engagement programs.
• Ensure compliance with national and international research and innovation standards and regulations.

2. Research Governance and Coordination

• Develop systems for the coordination, funding, and monitoring of institutional research projects.
• Promote multidisciplinary and collaborative research among schools, departments, and centers.
• Ensure ethical standards and research integrity across all projects.
• Establish and manage institutional research databases, repositories, and publication platforms.

3. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Knowledge Transfer

• Promote a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation among staff and students.
• Support technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and commercialization of research outputs.
• Oversee incubation and startup programs in collaboration with the Incubation Center.
• Strengthen linkages between research outcomes and industry applications.

4. Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop and manage partnerships with government, academia, industry, and civil society to advance research and innovation.
• Represent the Institute in national and international research and innovation forums.
• Coordinate community engagement initiatives, outreach programs, and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Facilitate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and collaboration agreements that benefit institutional growth.

5. Resource Mobilization and Research Funding

• Identify and pursue research funding opportunities from national and international agencies.
• Coordinate grant proposal development and submission processes.
• Manage institutional research funds and ensure transparency in grant administration.
• Support staff and students in developing competitive research and innovation proposals.

6. Oversight of Centers and Units

• Supervise the Assistant Director, Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) and Assistant Director, Incubation Center (IC).
• Provide guidance in project planning, implementation, and evaluation within both centers.
• Ensure the centers operate efficiently, achieve their mandates, and align with institutional goals.
• Review reports, performance indicators, and strategic plans of both centers.

7. Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Promote staff and student capacity development in research and innovation management.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and training in proposal writing, research ethics, and intellectual property.
• Mentor young researchers and innovators to become leaders in their respective fields.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas within the academic community.

8. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating research, innovation, and engagement activities.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports to the Principal and Governing Council.
• Maintain institutional performance metrics on research outputs, patents, publications, and partnerships.
• Document and disseminate best practices in research and innovation management.

9. Institutional Representation and Advocacy

• Advocate for the role of research and innovation in institutional development and national progress.
• Represent the Institute on research councils, innovation networks, and professional bodies.
• Promote the visibility of San Institute as a leading center for computing, research, and innovation in Uganda and beyond.

In executing these responsibilities, the Director of Engagement, Research and Innovation ensures that San Institute remains a dynamic hub of knowledge creation, innovation, and social impact. The role integrates research excellence, technological advancement, and meaningful community engagement — driving the Institute toward its vision of being a Center of Academic and Professional Excellence in Computing, Research and Innovation.