The mission of the University Research Board (URB) is to encourage and support quality research across all disciplines at the American University of Beirut. The URB promotes basic, innovative and applied research; inter- and multi- disciplinary research; production of scholarly and creative works. In accordance with the mission of the University, the URB supports research that addresses the multiple challenges faced by the region. The URB recognizes the crucial importance of freedom of thought and expression to research excellence and the advancement of knowledge. It serves as an advocate for adherence to high standards of research ethics, integrity and conduct.  

Composition and Function 

The composition and functions of the URB are as follows:

1.      Composition

a.       Two representatives from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (one from the Humanities/Social Sciences and one from the Sciences) and one representative from each of the other faculties, all of whom are elected by their respective faculties for terms of three years.

b.      The provost or his/her designee, ex-officio, as a non-voting member.

c.       The director of the Office of Grants and Contracts, by invitation.

d.      The chair is appointed by the President of the University.  

2.      Functions 

a.      Consider and recommend to the Senate policies for the allocation of internal funds for research. Internal funds include URB grants as well as research grants initiated through AUB endowment funds and open for competitive grant application.

b.      Advise the provost on the implementation of policies pertaining to research funding, long-term faculty development and visiting scholars supported by URB funds.

c.       Prepare, edit and publish the biennial research report of the University.

d.      Arbitrate and recommend action to the provost on any disputes or differences on intellectual property issues related to proposals, deliverables, publications, or other research products.

e.      Advise the provost on matters concerning research ethics, integrity and conduct.

3.   Types of Funding

Currently, the URB supports AUB faculty by providing:

a.    Short and Long Term Faculty Development grants which primarily support short-term travel to conferences and workshops to present research, or long-term visits to research facilities.

b.    Faculty Research Grants.

 Short-term and long-term Faculty Development Grants

These grants include primarily short-term travel to conferences and workshops to present research or long-term visits to research facilities. These Grants are administered by the Office of the Provost. For more information on application forms and guidelines see the "Guidelines" and "Applications" pages. Faculty of Medicine members (except for the School of Nursing) are not eligible to apply for such grants.

 Faculty Research Grants

URB provides grant support for innovative research activities. These grants are competitively awarded to support individual or group research projects and are administered by the Office of Grants and Contracts.

For applying to the Faculty Research Grants please refer to the section on URB Funding Guidelines.