DIRASA – Transforming research governance to unleash Tunisia’s scientific potential

Jun 29, 2022 | News

[Sfax, April 28, 2023] – Scientific research plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges and promoting economic growth and development. By generating new knowledge, driving innovation, and fostering inclusivity, research can contribute to more equitable and sustainable societies. Recognizing the importance of scientific research, Tunisia has made remarkable progress in scientific productivity and collaboration. However, to unlock the full potential of research in the country, there is a need to improve governance, organization, and management.

To support this aim, the Project DIRASA – Définition d’un renouvellement de la gouvernance de la recherche en Tunisie  [Definition of a renewal of research governance in Tunisia] was set up. This transformative initiative brings together:

with the goal of improving the governance of university research in Tunisia through dialogue and scientific cooperation. They will be supported by  UNIMED, CESIE, and the University of Pavia, the University of Pisa, and the University of Rouen Normandy.

Laying the foundation for success at the Kick-off meeting

The DIRASA Project consortium members met in Sfax on April 27–28, 2023, to establish the groundwork for this initiative. The meeting fostered a common vision among stakeholders and defined the working methodology and management mechanisms to be adopted. During the event, participants took part in an initial survey workshop on the current state of research and innovation governance in Tunisian universities.

Examining key areas for improvement and capacity building

The DIRASA Project, funded under the Erasmus+ Program for Capacity Building in Higher Education, targets key areas for improvement in the Tunisian research ecosystem. The initiative seeks to strengthen strategic monitoring and scientific foresight processes by developing university staff competencies, enhancing the visibility of university research, and fostering interactions between research and the socio-economic environment.

Building on the success of the SAGESSE Project

DIRASA builds on the legacy of the Project SAGESSE – Amélioration de la Gouvernance dans le système de l’Enseignement Supérieur en Tunisie [Improving Governance in Tunisia’s Higher Education System]. While the SAGESSE Project aimed to improve governance, academic autonomy, and financial independence of Tunisian universities, DIRASA takes it a step further by advancing in research governance for more impactful outcomes.

A collaborative effort for a sustainable future

The DIRASA Project, funded under the Erasmus+ Program – Capacity Building in Higher Education, targets key areas for improvement in the Tunisian scientific research ecosystem. The initiative seeks to strengthen strategic monitoring and scientific foresight processes by developing university staff competencies, enhancing the visibility of university research, and fostering interactions between research and the socio-economic environment.

Quotes:

Hmaid Ben Aziza, Secretary General of UNIMED, remarked:

“DIRASA is part of the strategic ambition to improve the efficiency, performance, visibility, autonomy, and global positioning of Tunisian research on the global research stage. Research can save the country, but it is the synergy of efforts and collective action that can lead reforms to a successful outcome.”

Abdelwahed Mokni, President of the University of Sfax, added:

“Scientific research must have a societal role. Today, we seek to develop scientific research that has a direct impact on our economic and social environment, using research results for the benefit of society.”

For more information on the DIRASA Project and its objectives, please visit http://dirasa.eu or follow us on:

For any inquiries and further information, please feel free to contact us by email at info@dirasa.eu or through our contact form at http://dirasa.eu/#contact-us. To ensure a prompt and accurate response, please include your full name and the details of your university or organization in your correspondence.