Participating, virtually, as a keynote speaker in the second Research Management & Administration Symposium 2023, Professor De la Rey discussed the pivotal role of research and research managers and administrators.
Before delving into the symposium’s theme, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the University’s close ties with Malaysia; ties that were celebrated during the University’s 150th anniversary with the Alumni Reunion for over 2,000 alumni in Malaysia, and the Malaysian alumni delegation visiting UC.
Despite the many challenges and uncertainties universities are facing nowadays, Professor De la Rey expressed optimism about the future. Reflecting on the history of universities she noted many pivotal changes in the academic mission. “It was only after World War II that research was embedded as a core function of most universities across the Commonwealth.”
Today, there is a strong, new focus on impact and sustainability, as shown by the changes in the scope and range of university rankings systems. But regardless of all the changes, Professor De la Rey says knowledge, ideas and the exchange of ideas will always remain fundamental to the core mission of universities.
“It’s through research that a university can contribute to human knowledge, and it’s through research that universities can help find solutions to the biggest issues confronting us,” Professor De la Rey says.
As highlighted at the United Nation’s third World Congress on Higher Education, Professor De la Rey says research now has a strategic and irreplaceable role to play in building more sustainable, resilient and peaceful societies.
“To meet these great expectations set for institutions and research, it’s important that we find effective ways to support and manage research activities to enhance productivity, quality, integrity, and impact of our research.
“Change happens not because of one big investment but because of a series of incremental efforts that are strategically focused and draws on the importance of organisational culture and values.”
The symposium was hosted by the Malaysian Association of Research Managers and Administrators (MyRMA) with the theme ‘Nurturing Professionalism in Research Management’.