Lessons learned from the implementation of University Research Grants (2017−2018) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh

Abstract

Research is the key to knowledge generation and innovation. It is a key assessment criterion for university ranking systems, which emerged globally in the early 2000s. These ranking systems are used by many national governments to inform the process of allocating public research funds. While this practice is not yet in place in Cambodia, the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), one of the oldest and largest universities in Cambodia, is attempting to promote a research culture within the institution through the provision of the University Research Grants (URGs). This policy brief illustrates how RUPP has managed the launch, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of its first URG cycle and share what has been learned.