American University of Beirut

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Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut is a teaching-centered research university based on the American liberal arts model of higher education. AUB has over 8,000 students and 800 faculty members. The University encourages freedom of thought and expression and seeks to graduate men and women committed to creative and critical thinking, lifelong learning, personal integrity, civic responsibility, and leadership.

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AUB is accredited in the US by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and includes six faculties: Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Architecture, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Health Sciences, and Business. AUB offers more than 130 programs leading to bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees. The main language of instruction is English.

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Learn more about how you can join the American University of Beirut. AUB seeks applicants with a proven record of academic excellence, intellectual vitality, and civic responsibility. In accordance with its founding mission and its equal opportunity policy, the University admits students regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or nationality.

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The vibrant and dynamic research environment at AUB enhances the educational experience for all and serves the wider communities—local and global—by advancing knowledge in a wide range of disciplines.

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Recognizing and honoring our responsibility for others has been an integral part of AUB’s mission since the earliest days. Today, AUB is at the forefront of addressing the most pressing concerns of this country, this region, and its people.

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To ensure the University can continue to inspire current and future generations of smart and able students who can rise to this challenge, we are embarking on a transformative capital campaign, BOLDLY AUB: The Campaign to Lead, Innovate, and Serve.

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American University of Beirut

Home > Office of Research > UrCOP

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UrCOP

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Office of Research at AUB launched on February 18, 2025, the University Research Grants Administrators Community of Practice (UrCOP) intiative, under the leadership of Ms. May Awar. Ur​COP will be an informal voluntary network and a collaborative platform for research grants administrators to exchange best practices, and exchange ideas about how to enhance efficiency, and navigate the complexities of grants administration. By building a strong network of professionals, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, this initiative will streamline funding processes, promote compliance, and support the university's mission to advance impactful research and its commitment to excellence.

The first meeting for the launching of this initiative featured a speed networking activity for all members to connect. An exchange on the structure of the community engagement, including the frequency of meetings and communication channels was also agreed upon, to ensure effective and sustained collaboration moving forward and setting the stage for future meetings.

The 2nd UrCOP meeting was held on March 27, 2025, during which VP Mrs Mary Jaber gave supporting opening remarks and members turned activities, into colourful canvas of creativity during "Paint Your Challenges at Work"! 🎨​

The members' engagement, humour, and wild brushstrokes of brilliance brought the session to life.

From the melting clocks of Dali's painting reminding us of proposals submissions and reports deadlines, to the stars in Van Gogh's “starry night" calling out their major role in finding funding opportunities, they all painted and presented a picture of challenges that are faced in supporting the conduct of research at our institution, that was real, relatable, and totally UrCOP.​​

The third UrCOP meeting was held on May 21, 2025 on “Self-care and mindfulness facing challenges at work", during which the story telling series under the initiative were launched by the inspiring story of Ms. Basma Zeidan, Director of the Office of International Programs at AUB.

Ms. Zeidan shared with the group her personal and professional journey facing challenges and coping mechanisms a person can adopt in the face of hard times.

She introduced the support that her office can provide to the research community, and stressed on authenticity in a person's day to day interactions.

“When you are faced with a challenge, focus on the process" was her message to the Community, because challenging times are the ones to bring out innovation and creativity in a person, she said.

Corporate mindfulness practitioner Ms. Dana Abou Zeki covered then, a session on corporate mindfulness tips, and the group developed a self-care workplan, topped at the end of the activity by a pledge wall, on which UrCOP members included their commitment to taking care of ​themselves.

The fourth UrCOP meeting was held on July 3, 2025 on “Lightening Walk & Summer Wellbeing Boost"​.

In our final UrCOP gathering of the academic year, UrCOP members came together for a refreshing “Lightening Walk & Summer Wellbeing" event.

The event featured an inspiring talk by the HR Talent Manager Mr. Samer Hankir, who highlighted the essential support services available to the research community.

Members set their “summer bucket list intentions", and took a mindful campus stroll, sparking casual chats and shared reflections on workplace self-care.

We ended on a relaxing note with a rejuvenating yoga session led by our very own Zen UrCOPer Ms. Yumna Maalouf, followed by a healthy fruit cake, some refreshments, and a fun tombola draw.

A joyful close to a dynamic year—recharged and ready for what's ahead!

On November 25, 2025 the University Research Grants Administrators Community of Practice (UrCOP) held its first meeting of the academic year and it's fifth meeting overall, bringing together colleagues from across units to share bes​t practices in proposal development. The session explored the “Proposals Season," highlighting services the Office of Research offers to support funding opportunities, sharing best practices for proposal development, and concluding with a creative wrap‑up on crafting winning proposals—beautifully illustrated through the art of storytelling within a structure and purpose, with guitar playing. UrCOP members active participation and enthusiasm made the exchange truly enriching.

Please save the date for our next meeting on January 26, 2026.

The University Research Community of Practice (UrCOP) held its first event of the year on January 26, titled "It Takes Two to Tango: Post-Award Management Tales." We were thrilled to see 61 members come together to explore the vital synergy between inter-unit operations and the successful fostering of research conduct within our community. Expert presenters shared essential guidelines and practical tips to streamline post-award processes. Insights were provided by: Office of Research post award unit team represented by Ms Dounia Bazzi & GHI Ms.Jana Rahal. HR Department: Ms Rima Kalaany and Ms Raquelle Bardawil. Ms Sarah Rafeh from Comptroller's Office and Mr Amin Baitamouni from Procurement Office. The session focused on best practices and ensured that all attendees are equipped with the knowledge to navigate institutional support effectively.

In a memorable finale, Mr. Amin Baitamouni led a beautiful Tango demonstration. He drew a brilliant parallel between the dance and grants management: both require two partners, synchronized music, and a shared floor to succeed.​

Participants even got on their feet to learn the basics, proving that while post-award management can be complex, we're all dancing toward the same goal!"

"PSHEA at the ❤️ of Safe Partnerships"

Empowering Our Research Community Through Safety and Respect

On February 18th 2026​, the University Research grants administrators community of practice (UrCOP) hosted a pivotal session bringing together members to discuss an important process: Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (PSHEA). The day marked the one-year anniversary of this initiative. 60 AUB participants attended along with guests from USJ and BAU.

The event, titled "PSHEA at the ❤️ of Safe Partnerships," featured a deep-dive collaboration with Ms. Mitra Tauk (Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator) and her team. The session moved beyond mere compliance, focusing on how we can actively collaborate together to foster a truly inclusive and safe research environment.

Highlights from the Agenda:

• The Big Picture: Ms. Tauk and Mr. Mohamad Ghalayini provided a comprehensive overview of the PSHEA process, clarifying the roadmap for reporting and the institutional frameworks that protect every member of our community.
• Post-Award Deep Dive: A critical segment was presented by Ms. Rania Tohme from the Office of Research, focusing on the PSHEA requirements integrated into post award grants research management. This "technical" session helped community members understand the global compliance requirements undertaken by the team that safeguard both our funding and our people.
• Interactive Finale: The workshop concluded with a lively trivia game, “Because respect is the best work language", proving that while the topics are serious, building a culture of dignity is a shared, engaging mission. The winning team got awards for their active participation, and everyone enjoyed heart-shaped chocolate.

UrCOP: Anchor session through connection was held online on Thursday 12 March 2026

The University Research Grants Administrators Community of Practice (UrCOP) convened for a vital online one hour session that focused on both operational continuity and collective well-being. During the meeting, members shared critical updates on unit operations, demonstrating the inspiring resilience of the university's research infrastructure. A highlight of the gathering was a reminder from Ms. Yumna Maalouf that "connecting with others is therapy." To support this, the session included grounding and breathing exercises that offered members a much-needed moment of peace and mental clarity.

Despite current challenges, the dedication within UrCOP ensures that research remains vital, and operations continue to move forward through robust mutual support. By keeping communication lines open and prioritizing the mental wellbeing of the professional community, the Office of Research remains well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the current landscape.

UrCOP: From Research to Impact: Raising Awareness on Intellectual Property Protection was held on Thursday 30 July 2026

On July 30, 2026, the Technology Transfer Unit (TTU) at the American University of Beirut's Office of Research, in collaboration with Lebanon Innovate & Berytech hosted a UrCOP knowledge-sharing session "From Research to Impact: Raising Awareness on Intellectual Property (IP) Protection."

The session brought together research administrators, grants officers, and research coordinators from across the University to strengthen awareness of intellectual property protection and its essential role in maximizing the societal and commercial impact of research. As key facilitators throughout the research lifecycle, these professionals play an important role in helping researchers recognize innovation opportunities, avoid premature public disclosure, and connect with the appropriate institutional support for protecting intellectual assets.​​

Check the full event here.

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​​for any information on UrCOP, please contact Ms. May Awar Ammar:​ ma117@aub.edu.lb​

or UrCOP facilitators by theme:

• Ms. Razan Ghoussaini, Post Award Facilitator re38@aub.edu.lb
• Ms. Leen Haydar, Pre Award Facilitator lh44@aub.edu.lb​
• Ms. Jamal Itani, Compliance Facilitator ji13@aub.edu.lb

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