Strategy & Progress

Research Support Strategy

Our strategy follows a phased approach, building capacity incrementally without requiring new institutional resources.

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1–3, Feb–Apr 2026)

Theme: Build the infrastructure without new resources

The focus is on deploying core tools, creating a funding database, establishing the research baseline, and connecting with Comenius University’s central research office.

Phase 2: Activation (Months 4–9)

Theme: Generate early wins and build momentum

Support 2–3 grant applications, develop narrative CV templates, create an impact documentation system, and identify international consortium partners.

Phase 3: Institutionalization (Months 10–18)

Theme: Embed research support into faculty culture and processes

Review outcomes, seek formal recognition, develop a faculty research strategy document, and submit the first collaborative European application.

Current Progress

Current phase: Phase 2 — Activation

Technical Infrastructure

The Research Office runs on a GitHub-based infrastructure that combines automated monitoring, AI-assisted analysis, and structured documentation.

| Component | Status | |———–|——–|

Repository skeleton + utils ✅ Complete
YAML configs validated ✅ Complete
Scraping feasibility study ✅ Complete
Pytest suite + CI ✅ Complete
Auto-sync site data (GitHub Actions) ✅ Complete
GDPR guardrail + pre-commit hooks ✅ Complete
Base scraper implementation ⬜ Planned
Analyzer + end-to-end test ⬜ Planned

Measuring Success

We use a balanced scorecard approach that combines quantitative indicators with qualitative measures — recognizing that the societal impact of theological research often defies simple metrics.

Quantitative: Grant applications submitted and success rate. External funding secured. Publications. International co-authorships. PhD students graduated.

Qualitative: Influence on church policy and practice. Media engagement and public theology. Interreligious dialogue contributions. Educational impact. Community service.

The Role of AI

AI adoption in research offices has surged globally — 57% of research offices now see AI as a major change driver. We take a balanced approach: AI as a tool for efficiency, not a replacement for human judgment.

AI does: Identify funding opportunities. Draft and improve grant text. Handle routine documentation. Track deadlines and costs.

Humans do: Make strategic decisions. Ensure theological integrity. Build relationships. Review all AI-generated content. Exercise ethical oversight.