The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the
American University of Beirut (AUB) recently held its first-ever Faculty Research Retreat, an initiative designed to strengthen OSB's research culture, foster collaboration, and set a strategic vision for the future of academic research. Led by Professor
Lama Moussawi, associate dean for research and faculty development, the retreat brought together faculty members for a full day of insightful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and strategic planning, reaffirming OSB's commitment to research excellence.
Setting the Vision for Research at OSB
The retreat opened with an in-depth look at OSB's research strategy roadmap, presented by Professor Moussawi, outlining key priorities and initiatives to elevate OSB's global research impact. Prof.
Yusuf Sidani, OSB dean, reinforced the school's dedication to impactful and relevant research, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of business and academia. Prof.
Elie Akl, AUB vice provost for research, provided valuable insights into AUB's broader research ecosystem, offering guidance on institutional support and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Diving into Research Impact and Strategy
- Throughout the retreat, faculty members engaged in discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in academic research. The agenda featured multiple sessions focusing on key areas:
- Research Impact & Resources – Professor Lokman Meho explored OSB's research visibility, presenting bibliometric analyses and key performance metrics that assess the school's growing academic footprint
- Navigating a Successful Research Career – A thought-provoking panel discussion tackled career progression, tenure expectations, and UPTC requirements, moderated by Prof. Moussawi and featuring insights from Prof. Victor Araman, Prof. Krzysztof Fleszar, and Prof. Assem Safieddine.
- OSB Centers of Excellence – Directors of OSB's leading research hubs shared their ongoing initiatives and impact:
- Darwazah Center for Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship – Prof. Bijan Azad
- Center for Women in Business – Nada Khaddage-Soboh
- Rami Makhzoumi Corporate Governance Initiative – Nada Naufal
Business Policy and Practice Initiative: Connecting Research to the Real World
As part of its ongoing commitment to research with real-world impact, OSB recently launched the
Business Policy and Practice Initiative, which aims to bridge faculty expertise with business practice and policymaking. The initiative focuses on:
- Roundtables on key economic and business issues, including taxation, fighting corruption, family business, and budget policies.
- Policy reports and briefs that translate academic insights into actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders.
- The 'Knowledge to Practice' newsletter, designed to share faculty research and its practical implications with a wider audience.
This initiative underscores OSB's role as a thought leader in the region, driving meaningful dialogue and shaping business policies that matter.
Collaborative Working Groups
The retreat also featured collaborative working groups, where faculty engaged in focused discussions on critical research themes, including:
- Leveraging AI tools for research and publication
- Enhancing research visibility and global academic recognition
- Faculty recruitment strategies to attract top research talent
- Bridging academia with industry to maximize real-world impact
Honoring Excellence in Research
A special highlight of the retreat was the recognition of Prof.
Ibrahim Othman, who was honored for his outstanding contributions to research at OSB. Dr. Othman's dedication to advancing knowledge and driving impactful.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
The retreat concluded with a shared commitment to fostering a research-driven culture at OSB. The discussions and strategic insights from the event will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the school's academic influence and global reach.
As OSB continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, this retreat marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one where research is not just an academic pursuit but a driving force for real-world impact.
To stay updated on OSB's research initiatives, impactful studies, and faculty contributions, visit
OSB Impacts