University Government Joint Research Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to producing independent, high-quality research that informs public policy and serves national development priorities in Palestine. To this end, the University:

• Actively pursues research partnerships with government entities at the local, national and regional levels.

• Conducts all joint research with academic freedom, scientific integrity and full transparency, free from any influence over findings.

• Requires every partnership to be governed by a written agreement approved through the Deanship of Scientific Research.

• Protects research participants, government data and the intellectual property rights of all partners.

• Upholds researchers' right to publish findings, subject only to agreed safeguards for confidential information.

• Translates research findings into practical recommendations and policy briefs accessible to decision-makers.

• Monitors and reports on the impact of these partnerships on policy and society.

All University members engaged in research with government entities shall comply with this policy and its related procedures.

Purpose

This policy governs research and advisory projects that An-Najah National University carries out in partnership with government entities. It aims to link research to national priorities, support evidence-based policymaking, and ensure integrity, transparency and protection of all parties' rights.

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty members, researchers, centers, units and graduate students taking part in any joint activity with a government entity, including:

• Research agreements with national institutions.

• Joint research projects, studies and consultancies.

• Conferences, workshops and roundtables organized with government entities.

• Exchange of data and expertise for research purposes.

Definitions

• Government entity: Any ministry, authority, official institution or local government body, Palestinian or regional.

• Joint research: Any research activity in which a government party takes part in its design, funding, implementation or use of results.

• Principal Investigator (PI): The faculty member accountable to the University for the project.

• Policy brief: A short document presenting research findings and recommendations for decision-makers.

General Principles

1. Academic independence: Researchers follow sound scientific methods, and results may not be steered toward a predetermined conclusion.

2. Alignment with priorities: Preference goes to projects aligned with national plans, the University's strategic plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. Transparency: Roles, responsibilities and funding sources are set out in a written agreement.

4. Mutual benefit: Each project delivers value to the government entity and society, and scientific and educational benefit to the University.

5. Conflict of interest: Every researcher discloses in writing any relevant personal, financial or professional interest.

Procedures for Establishing and Implementing a Partnership

1. The PI submits a project proposal to the Deanship of Scientific Research through the relevant faculty or center, covering objectives, methodology, duration, budget and team.

2. The Deanship reviews the proposal scientifically, financially and legally, and checks its fit with university priorities.

3. Projects involving human participants, personal data or animals are submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

4. An agreement or memorandum of understanding is signed by the University's authorized signatory. No researcher may sign on the University's behalf.

5. The project is implemented according to the approved plan, with periodic progress reports to the Deanship and the partner.

6. A final report and an Arabic policy brief are submitted, and the project is archived at the Deanship.

Required Contents of Agreements

Each agreement must specify, at a minimum:

• Scope of work, deliverables and timeline.

• Each party's obligations, including data provision and field access.

• Funding, disbursement mechanism and the University's overhead rate.

• Ownership of data, intellectual property and publication rights.

• Confidentiality and data protection.

• Dispute resolution and termination terms.

Data and Confidentiality

• Government data is used solely for the agreed project purposes.

• Personal data is stored securely and anonymized before analysis and publication.

• No data is shared with third parties without the owner's written consent.

• Data is destroyed or returned at project end, as the agreement specifies.

Intellectual Property and Publication

• The University's Intellectual Property Policy applies unless the agreement states otherwise.

• Researchers may publish results in peer-reviewed journals after giving the government entity prior notice, within a period set in the agreement (30 days suggested), solely to review confidential information.

• No party may block publication of scientific results because of their content or direction.

• All publications acknowledge the University, the partner and the funding source; authorship reflects actual scientific contribution.

Funding and Financial Matters

• Project funds are managed by the University's Finance Department under its regulations.

• The University's approved overhead rate (TBD) applies unless waived by decision.

• A financial report accompanies the final technical report.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Deanship of Scientific Research: Apply the policy, review proposals, keep the partnership register, monitor implementation

• Faculties and centers: Nominate projects and support research teams

• Principal Investigator: Scientific delivery, compliance with the agreement, reporting

• Legal Affairs: Review agreements before signing

• Finance Department: Manage budgets and disbursements

• Research Ethics Committee (IRB): Ethical approval of relevant projects

Monitoring and Impact

The Deanship issues an annual report on government partnerships covering:

• Number of active agreements and projects, and their funding value.

• Peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs produced.

• Recommendations adopted by government entities in policies, programs or legislation.

• Joint conferences and workshops, and number of participants.

• Number of students involved in projects.

Violations

Violations of this policy are handled under the University's disciplinary regulations and Research Integrity Policy.
 

Effective Date: October 12, 2016

Review Date: Feb 19, 2026