Last Update on: 5 November 2023

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1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Definitions and Acronyms
4. Objectives
5. Eligibility Criteria
6. Selection Criteria for Award
7. Applications
8. Selection
   
9. Criteria for Numerical Ratings
   
10. Award Benefits
    
11. Implementation, Compliance, and Reporting
    
12. Document Amendment Information
    
13. Appendix
    

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of these guidelines is to support the administration of the Early Career Research Award.

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2. SCOPE

1. These guidelines apply to the Early Career Research Award (the award).
2. These guidelines apply to all KFUPM faculty and researchers.

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3. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 

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4. OBJECTIVES

1. The primary function of the University is the creation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge. Thus, a successful university provides fertile ground where knowledge is advanced. Through imaginative and relevant research, faculty contributes to and provides leadership in the solution of many of the problems faced by society. It is a truism that the quality of teaching at the University, and the viability of its graduate programs are directly related to the quality of research and scholarship of its faculty.
2. The objective of this award is to reward research achievements and foster an environment in which significant and meaningful research can blossom, by recognising early career researchers.

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5. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. All KFUPM professional-ranked faculty members and equivalent level of researchers are eligible for the award where:
   • they have had their PhD conferred within five years from the date of application (excluding the period applicants had for a Postdoc fellowship);
   • they have served at least two continuous academic years with KFUPM;
   • they score a minimum of 100 points according to the relative numerical rating (see Appendix 1). Citations is capped at 30 Points.
2. An applicant may receive the Early Career Research Award only once during their entire service with the University.

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6. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR AWARD

1. The selection criteria for the award, as detailed in Appendix 1, includes the following:
   1. Research Impact and Productivity:
      • publications in ISI/Scopus-indexed journals and conferences;
      • citations;
      • h5-index.
   2. Other Research Accomplishments:
      • research-oriented books or volumes;
      • other publications in ISI/Scopus-indexed journals and conferences;
      • patents.
   3. Research Leadership:
      • external funded research projects;
      • internal funded research projects;
      • MS thesis and PhD dissertations;
      • overall leadership and recognition in research.
   4. International & Sustainability:
      • joint publications with international scholars;
      • publications contribution to UN SDG (Click Here).
2. As detailed in the relative numerical rating, the main criteria for the award shall be the quality and impact of research accomplished during the applicant’s stay at KFUPM, as evidenced by publications in reputed, refereed scientific and/or professional journals.
3. Research grants, development of intramural research programs, R&D work, patents, design and planning of nationally and internationally recognized projects shall also be taken into consideration.

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7. APPLICATIONS

1. Faculty members and researchers may nominate themselves for the award.
2. Applicants should complete the application form.
3. Applications should be submitted to the Chair of the Research Committee via DROC.

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8. SELECTION

1. The Research Committee shall appoint an ad-hoc committee representing the areas of specialization with applicants for the award. This ad-hoc committee shall comprise senior faculty members having outstanding research records.
2. Each application should be reviewed by one member from the applicant’s department preferably from the same specialty. If the member is not in the area of specialization of the applicant, the member, as a part of the review process, should consult with an expert from the area of specialization of the applicant.
3. The main task of the ad-hoc committee is to evaluate the research output of each applicant as per the criteria. The committee shall critically review duplications of any research activity and eliminate credit claimed more than once for essentially the same activity. The committee may request additional input from leading applicants.
4. The top four applicants with the highest scores will be nominated by the ad-hoc committee for the award. The final recommendations should be made in a meeting of the Research Committee on the basis of nominations of the ad-hoc committee. If necessary, the chair of the ad-hoc committee may be asked to defend the ad-hoc committee’s recommendations in a meeting of the Research Committee. Recommendations shall be forwarded to the VPRI for approval.
5. After approval of the VPRI, DROC will forward its recommendations to the Chair of the CHPE.
6. The Chair of the CHPE will inform the applicants selected for the award, under intimation to the Dean/Chair concerned.

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9. CRITERIA FOR NUMERICAL RATINGS

1. The most important objective of this award is to encourage excellence and productivity in research from young researchers.
2. This objective is best demonstrated through original and significant research in the form of publications, books, patents, designs and planning projects and related academic output.
3. The numerical ratings for this award keep the relative importance of various achievement criteria in view.

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10. AWARD BENEFITS

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11. IMPLEMENTATION, COMPLIANCE, AND REPORTING

1. The Research Committee is responsible for monitoring the implementation of these guidelines, using the following performance indicators:
   • the number of Early Career Research Awards allocated annually;
   • the number of issues reported in relation to the Early Career Research Awards scheme.
2. Deans and Chairs are responsible for ensuring compliance with these guidelines.
3. Non-compliance with these guidelines shall be immediately reported to DROC.

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12. DOCUMENT AMENDMENT INFORMATION

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13. APPENDIX

Appendix 1 - Relative Numerical Rating

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