The Role of Research Chairs in Fostering Scientific Mobility in Saudi Universities: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the role of research chairs in fostering scientific mobility in Saudi universities through examining their contribution to developing scientific research and holding scientific meetings. This is done by analyzing the views of the heads of academic departments in King Saud University and examining the differences among their views according to four variables: current academic rank, specialization of the department, years of service as head of the department, and participation in some research chair activity. The study has applied the descriptive survey approach and has adopted the questionnaire as a tool for gathering data. The study shows that the mean values of choices of the two questionnaire modules (namely, scientific research and scientific meetings) wavered between 3.35 and 2.55, thus falling within the range of medium to low degrees on the scale. The study also indicates that there were no statistically significant differences among responses that can be attributed to the variables of the study. In the light of the findings, the study concluded by providing some recommendations.