Well-known universities consider research to be an integral part of professors' work. Only a professor actively engaged in science stays informed about the latest research in their field and therefore understands the material they teach more deeply.
On the other hand, teaching is very important for scientific research. That is, to explain complex materials to students at a comprehensible level, the lecturer must have a better and deeper understanding of the problematics and scientific paradigms. Teaching and conducting research should complement each other.
Research universities established within the framework of the world's higher education systems play an important role in training professionals, scientists, researchers, as well as in producing new knowledge to support the national innovation system.
In Azerbaijan, two research universities will be established on the basis of two universities with high research potential. This is reflected in the "Social-Economic Development Strategy of the Azerbaijan Republic for 2022-2026," approved by President Ilham Aliyev. What work should be done to move towards this status? What are the distinctive qualities of a Research University?
Studying and analyzing important resources in this area is extremely important. One of the fundamental works written in this direction is Roger Geiger's book "Knowledge and Money."
Professor Roger Geiger conducted research at 99 research universities for 20 years. Geiger analyzed four important areas of market forces' influence on universities: finance, basic higher education, scientific research, and the impact of scientific research on regional and national economic development.
Geiger writes: "Research universities in the United States have stepped into the 21st century. The world's best students and scientific workers strive to be part of the teaching process in this country. The scientific community considers these universities the most comfortable places to conduct research. Renowned sponsors continuously increase financial resources to universities. Universities, in turn, consciously and successfully strengthen their activities to provide more benefits to society."
The book analyzes universities' special qualities such as creating, improving, and disseminating knowledge. Modern universities are places where knowledge is preserved. This knowledge is stored in libraries, museums, archives, and institutes. However, the main fund of knowledge is located in the minds of teachers and specialists. In most universities, the connection between the quality status of basic higher education and the quality status of scientific-research activity is weak. How can these connections be strengthened? Geiger analyzes this paradox. Universities compete to attract the best students and teachers. The financial capacity of research universities plays an important role here.
Money comes first.
Etibar Aliyev,
education expert
