Scientific Research At Kurdistan Universities:Fundamental Issues And Pragmatic Solutions

This study based on the author’s 25 years experience in studying, researching and teaching at universities in the UK and Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. The author attempts to compare the role of scientific research between these two countries within the dedicated budget, funding process, types of research, the strategy of research, following up of the results, etc. The study shows the pragmatic issues in the research planning systems, regulations, and funding at universities in Kurdistan. The study shows clearly that, so far, the Kurdistan government has not a clear strategy for engaging the universities, researchers and academic staff in a wellorganised plan of research. The achievements, nowadays, are personal efforts, which will be used for promotional purposes of the academic staff. In general, the two main essential requirements for activating the role of research in any society are, funding and establishing proper regulations. The dedicated budget needs to be utilized in the infrastructure, and funding the research that leads to the society’s ambitions, based on their priorities.