Research and research activities in a university in eastern Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to obtain the views of faculty members regarding various aspects of scientific research, which is one of the essential functions of a University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January and June 2001, using a standardized questionnaire to obtain the views of faculty members in both basic and clinical departments on issues related to scientific research. The questionnaire consisted of 41 items and the responses were assessed on a 5 point scale. The variables included specified objectives for research by administration, quality of research, process of application for funding, available facilities for research, constraints to meaningful scientific research and mechanisms that would enhance its quality. Results: The response rate was 67% (74 of the total available 110): Professors 22, Associate Professors 27, Assistant Professors 23 and Lecturers 2 in 24 departments (6 basic sciences, 18 clinical sciences). The number of completed research projects was judged inadequately by 50 (68%), and 31 (42%) thought the quality could be improved upon. The process of the application for funding was cumbersome. The major identified constraints were inadequate infrastructure, additional administrative duties (89%) and teaching schedule overload (82%). The major strategies suggested to enhance the quality of research included simplifying the process for application for research (approval and funding), provision of defined quality time for faculty members to engage in research and the establishment of adequate support and infrastructure facilities. Conclusions: Most faculty members aspire for a higher quality of biomedical research. The following were identified strategies to improve research goals and quality: Provision of starting seedling packages for new faculty members, simplifying research application processes, establishing efficient and adequate infrastructures, and providing protected research time.