The Research Center of the Riyadh Elm University was established in 2009 by the then Dean (now Chairman of Board of Trustees) Prof. Abdullah R. AlShammery who was the first Chairman of the Center.
The center was established with the goal of promoting and facilitating research in what was then the Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy. At that time he quoted William Gies, biochemist, dentist and pioneer founder-editor of Journal of Dental Research, in Vol 1 No 1 of the Journal in 1919, stating “Research in its highest expression is open-minded inquiry for truth, to be found and revealed unreservedly for the information, instruction, advantage and welfare of all.”
To this day this spirit of free inquiry remains the backbone of the research center in REU.
Since its inception as the Riyadh College, research has played a key role in the strategic plan of the Riyadh Elm University. The current strategic plan for research highlights the different strategic opportunities for research at the institution based on 2030 vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Active contribution in increasing knowledge through scientific research”.
“To provide a stimulating environment for scientific research and continuous support for faculty and student researchers”.
- To make the Research Center in REU an effective, productive and distinguished center.
- Promote and enhance research in REU in biomedical, genetic, and applied sciences, as well as in clinical dentistry, public health and education.
- Coordinate, facilitate and monitor scientific and ethical standards in all registered research activities within REU.
- To guide researchers about funding opportunities available inside and outside the University.
- To enhance collaboration with other research centers.
- To issue a peer reviewed scientific and professional journal.
- To provide research courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as organizing continuous education courses in research methodology and scientific writing.
The Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences
The Research Center has also been charged with the task of publishing scientific journals in the name of Riyadh Elm University. The production of scientific journal, monographs and pamphlets in health sciences is exemplified by the launch of the Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences (SJOS) in 2013. SJOS is a peer reviewed, indexed semi-annual journal that has a national and international readership. The journal is available free online and hard copies are distributed free of cost to the libraries of all dental schools in the Kingdom. The institution hopes to use this journal as a means to promote the name recognition of the REU both nationally and internationally using a self-sustaining model of production.
Annual Research Day
REU conducts annually a research day that has been regularly organized since 2010.