The Chairs are the smallest and most empowered functional units in the academic structure of EiABC, have full academic autonomy and are led by their respective Chair Holders. The chair system forms the academic nucleus of EiABC structure and are formed based on the various areas of specialization within a given core study area or discipline. The appointment of a Chair Head is based on academic and research merits and also on practical experience and professional merits. He or she must have an academic rank with relevant publications in the area of specialization in order to qualify for the position.  

Duties and Responsibilities of the Chairs

The Chairs are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the teaching-learning process is focused on academic principles that are up to date and emphasize research and an enquiry-based approach
• Focusing on bridging the gap between theory and practical knowledge through strong partnerships between the academic staff, students and industrial partners
• Planning, implementing and monitoring research activities
• Autonomously administering budget allocated by the Institute and funds obtained from external, third-party research and development activities
• Negotiating and securing funding in addition to the budget from the Institute, the university as well as potential external funding sources
• Initiating and executing interdisciplinary research and the development of centers of excellence
• Integrating student research and projects in order to increase their relevance and ensure that the results of such efforts benefit the stakeholder sponsors
• Regularly conferring with members of the unit on such matters as the courses they will teach, their scheduling and the selection of textbooks and laboratory manuals
• Periodically revising the course listings, course contents, the scheduling of courses and securing supplementary teaching materials
• Recruiting and selecting new staff members, counseling of new and junior staff members, carrying out necessary performance assessments and making arrangements for the professional development of all staff
• Allocating equitable staff workloads, taking the balance of the staff member's engagement in teaching, research, consulting, scholarly publication, committee activity and relevant off-campus activities into account

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