Vision
A globally connected, innovation-driven and research-intensive university whose discoveries and partnerships contribute significantly to human development and sustainable transformation.
Connecting Knowledge, Innovation and Impact Directorate of Linkages,
Contact the Directorate
Directorate of Linkages,
Innovation and Research
The Directorate of Linkages, Innovation and Research (DLIR) is the strategic unit of Anchor University that promotes research excellence, builds institutional partnerships, supports innovation and translates knowledge into solutions for local, national and global challenges. It is the University’s single point of engagement for universities, industry, government, development agencies, foundations, professional bodies and communities seeking to collaborate, in line with Anchor University’s mission of raising ethical, innovative and purpose-driven leaders.
Mission
To coordinate and promote impactful research, strategic linkages and innovation, creating an enabling environment for collaboration, funding, technology development, entrepreneurship and measurable societal value.
Our Objectives
- Promote high-quality, ethical and multidisciplinary research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Nigeria’s development priorities.
- Facilitate local, national and international academic, industry and government partnerships.
- Support innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer and commercialisation of research outputs.
- Secure research grants, fellowships, scholarships and investment, and strengthen the University’s global visibility and reputation.
Strategic Priorities
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Research Excellence
Rigorous, relevant and responsible research, with support for competitive grant proposals, publication in reputable outlets and multidisciplinary collaboration. Priority areas: data and computational sciences; health and life sciences; environment and climate resilience; agriculture, food security and biotechnology; digital transformation and emerging technologies; education and leadership; business and economic development; social policy, ethics and culture; faith, values and sustainable development.
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Strategic Linkages and Partnerships
Mutually beneficial partnerships with universities and research institutes, government agencies, industry and start-ups, international development agencies, NGOs, professional associations, foundations and faith-based and community groups. Modes include collaborative research, joint publications, staff and student exchange, contract research, consultancy, shared facilities, internships and externally funded projects.
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation challenges, research-to-product development, mentoring, business model and prototype development, market validation, pitch development and investor engagement, start-up and spin-off support, and access to incubators and accelerators.
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Research Funding and Grant Development
A coordinated grant cycle covering opportunity identification, concept development, proposal review, budgeting, compliance, submission and post-award monitoring. Sources include national research agencies, TETFund, international and multilateral bodies, diplomatic missions, foundations, industry and fellowship programmes. Researchers should engage the Directorate early.
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Knowledge Transfer and Research Impact
Policy briefs, technical reports, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, institutional repositories, media and digital communication, training and consultancy, with systematic documentation of impact on policy, practice, technology, livelihoods and community well-being.
Intellectual Property and Commercialisation
The Directorate works with university authorities and external professionals to identify, protect and responsibly manage intellectual property. Pathways include copyright, patents and utility models, trademarks, licensing and technology transfer, contract research, University-supported enterprises, industry co-development and open-access dissemination where appropriate, all in line with university policy, contractual obligations and national and international regulations.
Partner With Us
Ways to collaborate
Joint and sponsored research; commissioned studies; grants and philanthropy; scholarships and fellowships; staff and student mobility; internships; joint conferences; laboratory and infrastructure support; innovation programmes; technology commercialisation; community development; consultancy and executive education; endowed chairs and research centres.
Value to partners
Access to academic expertise and research talent; talented undergraduate and postgraduate students; multidisciplinary problem-solving; opportunities to test, validate and scale ideas; evidence for policy and decision-making; joint visibility; a platform for Corporate Social Responsibility and community impact; and a pipeline of future employees and collaborators.
Support for Researchers and Students
The Directorate identifies funding and research opportunities, reviews concepts and proposals, connects researchers with collaborators, facilitates partnerships, advises on research visibility and dissemination, supports innovation and commercialisation, runs seminars and capacity-building activities, encourages student participation, and maintains records of projects, partnerships, outputs and impact. Proposals should be problem-driven, evidence-based, ethically sound, financially realistic and aligned with national or global priorities.
Quality, Ethics and Integrity
The Directorate upholds research integrity and academic honesty; ethical review and responsible innovation; transparency and accountability; inclusiveness and respect for diversity; confidentiality and responsible data management; fair recognition of contributions; professional project administration; and monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement. Collaborations are governed by mutual respect, clear objectives, appropriate governance structures and responsible stewardship of resources, in compliance with university, national and international requirements.
Get in Touch
Partner with Anchor University.
Together, we can transform ideas into knowledge, knowledge into innovation, and innovation into sustainable impact. Contact the Directorate to explore research, innovation, knowledge exchange and social investment opportunities.
Directorate of Linkages, Innovation and ResearchAnchor University, Ayobo-Ipaja, Lagos State, Nigeria
Character, Competence and Courage.