Research is one of an academic institution’s four fundamental functions. It plays an essential role in the growth and development of higher education institutions, serving as a cornerstone for innovation, excellence, and societal impact. It involves creating new knowledge and applying it innovatively to generate new concepts, methodologies, and understanding (Western Sydney University, 2024).

In the context of the rapidly evolving global landscape, universities assume a pivotal role as centers of learning and as catalysts for sustainable development, community empowerment, and innovation. Research constitutes the foundation of Bicol University’s commitment to these principles. It represents a dynamic and purposeful endeavor, as delineated in the BU Code of 2016 (BOR Resolution No. 130 s. of 2016), which aims to address real-world challenges, enhance instructional quality, and contribute to both regional and national development. Bicol University leverages the potential of research to foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future for the Bicol region and beyond.

Guided by a strong mandate to address pressing societal challenges, the University, through its Research and Development Management Division (RDMD), champions a research culture that empowers faculty, staff, and students, prioritizes sustainability, fosters active community engagement, and drives meaningful investigation across diverse fields. From developing eco-friendly technologies to empowering local communities through research, Bicol University positions itself as a leader in producing knowledge that is not only academically sound but also socially relevant and impactful.

The Research and Development Management Division (RDMD) serves as the central research and development arm of Bicol University, playing a vital role in fostering a culture of innovation and scholarly inquiry across the institution. The RDMD leads in preparing a comprehensive and integrated R&D plan, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the University and its external partners.

The division initiates research programs to promote a dynamic research environment that engages various colleges, units, and the specialized Development-Based Research Centers (DBRCs). It also establishes a Technical Panel of Experts (TPEs) tasked with evaluating research, development, and extension (RDE) proposals to ensure their quality. This panel helps create a sound system for managing and assessing project submissions.

The RDMD also oversees the allocation and release of funds for approved R&D undertakings, ensuring that resources are efficiently distributed to support innovation and discovery. To continually strengthen research capabilities, the division conducts in-service training, workshops, conferences, and consultations aimed at enhancing research processes, methodologies, and outcomes.

RDMD coordinates and monitors ongoing and completed research projects across the University’s colleges and DBRCs. It acts as a central repository and databank for all faculty and staff research activities, facilitating access to valuable information and promoting collaboration. Further, it is responsive to the needs of the University by performing other duties assigned by higher authorities, maintaining its integral role in advancing BU’s research agenda and institutional development.

The RDMD Director. The day-to-day operation of the RDMD is the responsibility of the Director appointed by the University President, subject to existing rules and regulations. The RDMD Director formulates a comprehensive and integrated research and development plan based on the priorities identified by national/regional agencies and by Bicol University; establish linkages with the public and private sectors or entities for continuity, consistency, and concrete assistance of research on various commodities and disciplines; recommends viable staff development programs (degree or non-degree), both foreign and local, that would enhance the research capability of the University; and coordinate closely with concerned colleges/units of the University to ensure synergy in RDE implementation and act as ex-officio co-chairperson of the University Research and Extension Council (UREC).

The Technical Panel of Experts (TPEs), composed of a minimum of three members/experts whose membership depends on the disciplinal coverage of the proposal tasked to ensure the quality and relevance of the proposed RDE undertaking based on an established set of criteria. They shall be randomly drawn from the qualified list of evaluators prepared by the OVPRDE within and outside Bicol University. A Memorandum designating the experts in a TPE to review the proposal with the corresponding set of criteria and usual monitoring and confidentiality safeguards will be issued. An honorarium shall be provided for each proposal reviewed by a reviewer.

As members, they shall evaluate whether the RDE design is appropriate to answer the RDE problems/objectives, and decide on the cost-effectiveness of the financial requirement of the RDE undertaking vis-à-vis the proposed RDE design; and rate and endorse the RDE proposal through the OVPRDE for approval by the University President.

The College RDE Coordinators. A College RDE Coordinator can either be a Research (CRC) or Extension (CEC) coordinator designated in a college/unit by the University President upon the recommendation of the Dean/Director, endorsed through the OVPRDE by the RDMD or EMD Director, respectively. CRC shall coordinate with the CEC of the college/unit in formulating and implementing appropriate strategies to effectively disseminate RDE outputs to end-users and utilize them to inform or improve the functions of the University, along with instruction and production. They also assist the chairperson of the Instructional Department in the conduct and evaluation of student RDE activities; act as the college’s Intellectual Property (IP) focal person who also serve as a representative of the college/unit to RDMD or EMD; and prepare and submit to the Dean and the RDE Directors the reports of the college that the University and other agencies may require, and perform related duties and functions that higher authorities may assign.