The University of Zambia (UNZA) has commenced the Integrated Research Information Management System (IRIMS) training at the UNZA Main Campus, bringing together members of the University’s research and academic community.
The training was officially opened yesterday by the UNZA Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation, Prof. Trywell Kalusopa, who underscored the importance of strengthening research management through the effective use of digital systems, quality research information, and evidence-based decision-making.
IRIMS is expected to enhance the visibility of research projects and grants, publications, innovations, intellectual property, expertise, collaborations, and community engagement.
The system will also make UNZA’s research expertise more discoverable, enabling researchers across different Schools and disciplines to identify potential collaborators and build multidisciplinary teams both within UNZA and with external partners.
Speaking during an IRIMS orientation for the UNZA academic and research community themed “Transforming Research Management, Visibility and Impact through IRIMS”, Prof. Kalusopa said the system will move the University from fragmented, manual processes to integrated, data-driven research management.
“IRIMS is intended to support researchers, not add administrative burdens,” Prof. Kalusopa said.
“It will improve how UNZA captures, manages, and communicates research activities and outputs.”
Prof. Kalusopa added that IRIMS provides UNZA with an opportunity to move away from fragmented and largely manual research processes toward an integrated, efficient, and data-driven system.
“IRIMS will improve how UNZA captures, manages, tracks, communicates, and reports research activities and outputs,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Director of the Directorate of Research and Development (DRD), Prof. Erastus M. Mwanaumo, also highlighted the strategic importance of IRIMS in strengthening UNZA’s research and innovation ecosystem.
He emphasized its potential to improve research information management, support researchers, and enhance the visibility and impact of UNZA’s research outputs.
The 4-day orientation programme is part of ongoing sensitization efforts to help researchers get up to speed on IRIMS and provide practical, hands-on training on submitting and managing research projects, grants, and outputs.