Publications

Research and knowledge production are central to Arrupe Jesuit University’s mission of
contributing to human and societal transformation. The University promotes a vibrant culture of
research, scholarly publication and knowledge exchange through the Directorate of Research,
Innovation and Industrialisation (DRII).
Research, Innovation and Industrialisation is Key Result Area 3 (KRA 3) of the AJU Strategic
Plan 2024–2029. Its vision is for AJU to be “Globally recognised, impactful and transformative
in research and innovation.” Within this strategic framework, the University seeks to strengthen
research capacity, promote high-quality scholarship, support problem-driven research and
increase the visibility and impact of its research nationally, regionally and internationally.

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Industrialisation provides institutional leadership
and coordination for research and scholarly publication across the University. It works with
academic schools, researchers and students to strengthen research capacity, promote
interdisciplinary scholarship, support research projects and enhance the quality, visibility and
impact of AJU's research.
AJU's strategic direction places particular emphasis on impactful, relevant, and problem-driven
research that addresses real-world challenges. The University seeks to ensure that research
contributes to tangible and measurable outcomes for society, including through policy
engagement, community engagement, partnerships and the application of research findings.
AJU’s research agenda is closely connected to the principles of Education 5.0, which emphasises
the integration of teaching, research, innovation, industrialisation and community impact.
In the context of research, Education 5.0 encourages the University to move beyond knowledge
transmission towards the creation, application and transformation of knowledge. Students and
academics are encouraged to identify real-world challenges, undertake rigorous research and
contribute knowledge that can inform policy, professional practice and community development.
AJU promotes scholarly publication as an essential component of its research culture. The
University encourages academics and students to disseminate research through peer-reviewed
journals, books, book chapters, conference proceedings and other recognised scholarly
platforms.
The Directorate houses Chiedza Journal, which provides a platform for strengthening students'
research, academic writing and publication capacities while encouraging engagement with
contemporary academic and societal questions.
The Directorate also supports Arrupe Insider, which provides students with a platform to share
their experiences, academic reflections and perspectives on contemporary issues. Through these
publications, AJU seeks to nurture a culture of critical inquiry, intellectual engagement,
academic writing and knowledge sharing.
The AJU Strategic Plan identifies the development of peer-reviewed scholarly publications as an
important component of strengthening the University's research profile and visibility.

AJU is committed to ensuring that research contributes beyond academic publication to policy,
professional practice, community development and the common good. The University's Strategic

Plan emphasises problem-driven research, meaningful community engagement and the
translation of research into tangible and measurable contributions to socio-economic
development. The University therefore seeks to build strong research partnerships with academic
institutions, government, civil society, industry and other stakeholders, creating opportunities for
knowledge exchange, collaborative research and greater societal impact.
AJU's research is strengthened through its participation in international and regional networks of
Jesuit higher education institutions. The University belongs to the International Association of
Jesuit Universities (IAJU), the global network of Jesuit universities and colleges, providing
opportunities for international research collaboration, scholarly exchange, joint initiatives and
co-authorship.
AJU is also connected to the JCAM Research Network (JCAM-RN), an initiative of the Jesuit
Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) designed to strengthen collaboration, teamwork
and shared research among Jesuit institutions and formation centres across Africa.
These networks provide opportunities for AJU academics and students to contribute to wider
African and global research conversations and to develop collaborative responses to
contemporary challenges.

AJU's research activities are supported by a number of governance structures that promote
research quality, strategic alignment and ethical integrity.

The Research, Innovation and Industrialisation Committee provides strategic oversight and
coordination of the University's research and related activities. Its core functions include
supporting the implementation of the University's research strategy, promoting research
excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting research projects, monitoring research
performance and outputs, identifying opportunities for research partnerships and funding, and
promoting the dissemination and application of research findings.

The University Research Ethics Committee (UREC) safeguards the ethical integrity of research
conducted at AJU.
UREC reviews research involving human participants and other ethically sensitive research to
ensure that appropriate ethical standards are met. Its responsibilities include reviewing research
protocols, assessing potential risks and benefits, ensuring appropriate informed consent,
protecting participant confidentiality and welfare, monitoring ethical compliance, and providing
guidance to researchers on responsible research practice.
UREC is supported by faculty-level research ethics subcommittees, which facilitate ethical
review and monitoring within the University's academic faculties.

The Research Board provides academic and strategic oversight of AJU’s research activities, with
particular responsibility for the development of research priority areas, processing research
proposals and funding applications, and supporting research grants. It also supports researchers
in accessing funding opportunities and monitors funded research and its outputs.