Core Objectives
Advance Scientific Knowledge
Conduct and support cutting-edge research across diverse scientific disciplines, pushing the boundaries of human understanding. Increase the number of publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals by 25% over the next five years.
Drive Technological Innovation
Foster the development and application of new technologies, translating research findings into practical solutions for societal challenges. Conversion of 30-40% of innovations to live projects and businesses solving societal challenges.
Promote STEM Education
Enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels, cultivating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Grow the number of
Foster a Culture of Innovation
Create an environment that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration among researchers, innovators, and industry partners. Increase the number of research projects jointly executed among researchers by 30% over the next 5 years.
Develop Key Technologies
Prioritize research and development in strategically important technology areas, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nanotechnology, or renewable energy. Grow the adoption of these technologies by creating new solutions every year.
Support Economic Development
Contribute to economic growth by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of new technology-based businesses. Through policy advocacy and engagement with relevant stakeholders in public and private sectors, grow the impact innovation and technology-based solutions have on the national economy, with implementation of at least 3 major government policies in that regard promoted by the Academy in the next 5 years.
Enhance National Competitiveness
Strengthen the nation's scientific and technological capabilities, promoting its competitiveness in the global economy. Making results and products of our research not only useful in Nigeria but can be adopted globally, ranking us among the top 10 research institutions in the world by 2035.
Attract and Retain Top Talent
Recruit and retain leading researchers, scientists, engineers, and staff through competitive salaries, research opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Grow the number of researchers in the academy by over 50% in the next 5 years.
Secure Sustainable Funding
Establish diverse and sustainable funding sources, including government grants, industry partnerships, philanthropic donations, and endowment funds. Ensure all research and projects initiated are fully funded.
Foster Collaboration and Partnerships
Establish strong collaborations and partnerships with universities, research institutions, industry, government agencies, and international organizations. The academy must have at least signed MOU with 10 institutions yearly to promote her work and grow the purpose of her establishment.
Promote Knowledge Dissemination
Disseminate research findings and scientific advancements through publications, conferences, workshops, public outreach activities, and technology transfer initiatives. Our publications should rank among the top 3 research publications in Africa and top 20 globally by 2030.
Ensure Ethical Conduct
Establish and enforce high ethical standards in all research and innovation activities, promoting responsible conduct of science and technology.
Measure and Evaluate Impact
Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of the academy's research, innovation, and educational programs.
AcIRSTD will achieve its objectives through a combination of strategic actions, effective resource allocation, and a commitment to excellence. Here's a breakdown of the key approaches:
A. Strategic Planning and Execution
Developing a comprehensive strategic plan
This plan should outline the academy's vision, mission, goals, and specific objectives, as well as the strategies and actions needed to achieve them. It should be regularly reviewed and updated.
Prioritizing key initiatives
Focusing resources and efforts on the most promising research areas and innovation projects that align with the academy's strategic objectives.
Establishing clear performance metrics
Defining measurable indicators to track progress toward achieving objectives and to evaluate the impact of the academy's activities.
Implementing effective project management
Utilizing robust project management methodologies to ensure that research and innovation projects are completed on time and within budget.
B. Resource Mobilization and Allocation
Securing diverse funding sources
Developing a diversified funding strategy that includes government grants, industry partnerships, philanthropic donations, endowment funds, and other revenue-generating activities.
Allocating resources strategically
Distributing funds and other resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, personnel) to support the highest-priority research and innovation projects.
Investing in infrastructure
Developing and maintaining state-of-the-art research facilities, laboratories, libraries, and other resources necessary to support cutting-edge research and innovation.1
Managing finances responsibly
Ensuring sound financial management practices, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting, to maximize the impact of the academy's resources.
- Talent Acquisition and Development
Recruiting top talent
Attracting and retaining leading researchers, scientists, engineers, and staff through competitive salaries, research opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
Providing professional development opportunities
Supporting the professional growth of researchers and staff through training programs, mentorship, and career development opportunities.2
Fostering a culture of excellence
Creating an environment that values innovation, creativity, collaboration, and high-quality work.
Building a diverse and inclusive workforce
Promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the academy's operations, from recruitment to research and innovation activities.
- Collaboration and Partnerships
Establishing strategic partnerships
Collaborating with universities, research institutions, industry, government agencies, and international organizations to leverage resources and expertise.3
Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration
Encouraging collaboration between researchers from different disciplines to address complex challenges.4
Building strong relationships with industry
Connecting researchers and innovators with industry partners to facilitate technology transfer and commercialization.
Engaging with the community
Communicating the importance of science and technology to the public and promoting scientific literacy.
- Knowledge Dissemination and Technology Transfer
Publishing research findings
Disseminating research results through publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other channels.
Promoting technology transfer
Facilitating the transfer of research findings and technologies to industry and other potential users.
Supporting spin-off companies
Encouraging the creation of new technology-based businesses based on research conducted at the academy.
Engaging in public outreach
Communicating the importance of science and technology to the public through workshops, lectures, and other outreach activities.
- Continuous Improvement and Evaluation
Monitoring performance
Regularly tracking progress toward achieving objectives using established performance metrics.
Conducting program evaluations
Evaluating the impact of the academy's research, innovation, and educational programs.
Adapting to change
Remaining flexible and responsive to changes in the scientific and technological landscape.
Embracing innovation in operations
Continuously seeking ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the academy's operations.
By consistently implementing these strategies, we will effectively achieve objectives and make significant contributions to the advancement of science, technology, and society.