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Research at the COE Department. COE Workshop September 2009. Team Members. Dr Baroudi Dr Abdel-Aal. Additional contributions from:. Dr Mayez Dr El-Rabaa Dr Ahmed Al-Mulhem. Note: Aspects related to funded research activities are handled by a separate report. Status: Structure.
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Research at the COE Department COE Workshop September 2009
Team Members • Dr Baroudi • Dr Abdel-Aal Additional contributions from: • Dr Mayez • Dr El-Rabaa • Dr Ahmed Al-Mulhem Note: Aspects related to funded research activities are handled by a separate report
Status: Structure • Four informal research groups: Networks & Communication Computer Architecture VLSI & Digital Design Computer Applications • No regular research seminars by faculty
Status: Publication Products Annual figures based on 2-year data for 2006 & 2007 Journals/Conferences Ration for COE is about a 1/3 that for SE 80% of COE journal publications are in ISI journals
Status: Group Productivity Comparison 2-year data for 2006 & 2007 Based on paper topic Not group affiliations
Concerns • Emphasis on conference rather than journal publications • Some use of low quality journals • Level of research activities varies widely among the four groups • Groups mainly tackle teaching rather than research activities • Lack of regular research seminars by faculty • Poor attendance of faculty in graduate student research seminars/proposals/defenses • Inadequate showcasing of faculty research activities for the benefit of graduate students • Hassle in meeting DGS requirements when forming thesis committees • Poor dissemination of research results and insights gained from conference attendance • Do we have enough good topics for the increasing number of graduate students? • Inadequate record keeping of data on research activities at the Department level
Recommendations • Encourage multidisciplinary and applied research that addresses the needs of, and leads to applications for, the kingdom • Need established senior research leaders in core areas who can steer visionary research in topical areas and guide activities of junior faculty and graduate students • Reorganize groups to reflect changes in research priorities • Define research groups more formally: Group coordination, regular meetings/seminars, pool of graduate students, website, etc. • Improve dissemination through enhancing the culture of giving/attending seminars: Regular seminars + seminars on: Project/Thesis Proposals, End of project, Return from conference, Return from sabbatical, etc. • Provide guidance to junior faculty in areas such as: grouping with others, utilizing conferences, selecting journals, attracting graduate students, applying for research funds (DAD style support) • Establish a web page for each research group that provides links to published papers, lists of funded projects, patents, current topics available for graduate research, etc. • Promote use of open-source (versus commercial) software in our research for improved learning, collaboration, and continuity, as well as reduced cost • Improve quality of record keeping of research activities/products by the department