GUL4
Gratis University
Gratis University – Research Vision & 5-Year Strategy
Research Vision Statement

At Gratis University, we envision a world where knowledge is open, innovation is collaborative, and research is driven by impact—not status. Our research community is dedicated to solving real-world problems, promoting inclusive inquiry, and advancing socially relevant knowledge through open science and practice-led research.

We believe that research should be:

  • Accessible to all, regardless of institutional affiliation or geography
  • Applicable to industry, entrepreneurship, and community transformation
  • Accountable through transparency, reproducibility, and ethical inquiry
5-Year Research Strategy (2025–2030)

Goal 1: Strengthen Research Infrastructure

  • 1.1 Develop a dedicated Research Support Unit (RSU) to coordinate activities
  • 1.2 Expand the Gratis University Repository (GU) to host theses, capstones, datasets, and multimedia research
  • 1.3 Offer internal grants and micro-funding for learner-led applied research projects

Goal 2: Build an Open Research Ecosystem

  • 2.1 Publish two peer-reviewed issues per year in the Gratis Journal of Impact and Applied Research (GJIAR)
  • 2.2 Establish editorial and peer-review boards that include both academic and practitioner researchers
  • 2.3 Promote open access and Creative Commons licensing for all research outputs

Goal 3: Promote Research-Led Teaching and Learning

  • 3.1 Integrate action research and innovation labs into all capstone projects
  • 3.2 Train students and faculty in applied research methods through modular workshops
  • 3.3 Incorporate AI tools for literature reviews, data analysis, and writing support

Goal 4: Expand Global Collaborations and Recognition

  • 4.1 Partner with NGOs, think tanks, startups, and impact funds for joint research
  • 4.2 Host annual virtual conferences and research showcases through Gratis Dialogues
  • 4.3 Encourage multi-country, multilingual research to reflect global realities

Goal 5: Focus on High-Impact Research Themes

  • 5.1 Digital Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Business Models
  • 5.2 AI for Social Good, Health, and Education
  • 5.3 Digital Health Innovation & Behavioural Change
  • 5.4 Education Futures & Microcredential Ecosystems
Research Outputs and Recognition

Gratis University will track and celebrate research contributions through:

  • Open publication metrics (downloads, citations, collaborations)
  • Community impact case studies
  • Innovation showcases and live Demo Days
  • Recognition awards for learners and mentors contributing to research

Gratis University is committed to democratising research—making it a tool not only for scholars, but for entrepreneurs, changemakers, and everyday problem-solvers. We will grow a new generation of globally connected, impact-driven researchers who are free to think, free to build, and free to share.

Welcome to a new era of research. Welcome to Gratis.