It has long been recognized that academic research plays an important role in promoting technological progress and economic growth. In particular, universities play two key roles: they contribute to economic growth through training of skilled personnel, especially in science and engineering; and they produce, store, and disseminate research results, which form the basis for follow-on R&D by firms.

Promotion of research is one of the core strategic aims of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK). To organize and support research activities, UAJK has established a fully functional ORIC (Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization). ORIC provides strategic and operational support to the university’s research programs and plays a central role in facilitating the commercialization of research outcomes.

The objective of establishing the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) is to develop, expand, enhance, and manage the university’s research programs, and to align research activities with the educational, social, and economic priorities of the university and the broader community.

In pursuit of this mission, ORIC ensures that all research programs and policies reflect the core values of academic freedom, professional integrity, ethical conduct, and compliance with all university policies and legal standards.

In short, ORIC seeks to enhance the environment for research and learning by:

• Devising and implementing policies regarding Intellectual Property and commercialization.
• Supporting UAJK’s strategic research directions and policies.
• Promoting cooperative research with enterprises and attracting funding from government and private bodies.
• Improving the integration of research and education at all academic levels.
• Enhancing the translation of research into public benefit.
• Strengthening university-industry relationships through collaborative projects.
• Promoting commercially viable interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Ensuring access to up-to-date scientific and technical equipment.
• Facilitating opportunities for faculty and students to engage with industrial technology and management systems.
• Encouraging interaction between higher education departments and employers for technology-oriented degree programs.
• Organizing industrial internships for students.

Recently, ORIC has undertaken various impactful activities, including seminars on disaster management, environmental and climate change awareness, and a hepatitis screening campaign. Workshops and training sessions on social issues, intellectual property rights, patents, and project proposal writing have also been successfully organized for faculty and staff.

ORIC facilitates linkages with national and international academic and industrial organizations. It has signed MoUs with several Turkish universities to support scholarships and student exchange programs. As a result, twelve scholarships have been awarded to UAJK faculty members and students. Additionally, MoUs have been signed for the Mevlana Student and Faculty Exchange Programme, benefiting many departments. More collaborations are currently in progress.

At the national level, ORIC has signed an MoU with the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) under the Prime Minister Youth Skill Development Programme. Courses in Computer Skills and Textile Designing are being successfully conducted at UAJK for unemployed and unskilled youth from various areas of AJK.