Recognizing the crucial role of research and publication in advancing knowledge and contributing to societal progress, the University of Burao (UoB) established the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRCS) in 2009. The DRCS identified research publication and community service as two key areas for improvement. Despite limited financial resources, the directorate has made significant achievements in these areas.

         The DRCS has gone through different stages, but it has been operating effectively since 2018 after undergoing a significant reform that year. This reform included hiring research officers and installing all necessary facilities. While the directorate previously focused more on community services, it now also strongly emphasizes research publication, leveraging the expertise of its researchers. The DRCS has developed standards and regulations for conducting research at UoB. These measures have enhanced the directorate’s research capacity, which will continue to be strengthened. In addition, these reforms have enabled the DRCS staff and UoB lecturers to write an average of five research papers per year for the past five years. In November 2022, the DRCS held a multidisciplinary research conference presenting 14 research papers that addressed critical issues in education, agriculture, human health, family dynamics, and employment. Moreover, the DRCS staff have made three publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals in the last two years.

         Partnerships with both international and domestic organizations are crucial for the directorate’s success. We currently collaborate with various foreign universities, NGOs, and local entities on a range of activities. Moreover, the DRCS is committed to actively participating in the country’s ongoing development initiatives. In this regard, we strive to partner with governments and NGOs to conduct baseline, end-line, and other critical evaluations. We are also eager to collaborate with organizations and individuals who share our goal of enhancing the well-being of the Somaliland people. We remain open to any form of collaboration that can contribute to this objective. The DRCS annually issues a call for research proposals exclusively for UoB’s academic staff. The most promising proposals are selected for funding following a rigorous evaluation process.

          The DRCS offers skill-based training programs to both public and private organizations. Highly qualified experts lead these trainings from the University of Burao (UoB). Appendix A of this document outlines skill development courses tailored to different professions. As a result, the DRCS is well-equipped to meet the training needs of non-profit, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in Burao City.