AQR research deputies strengthen international synergy 

Under the auspices of the AQR International Affairs Department, research deputies from various AQR subsidiaries held a strategic meeting at the Islamic Research Foundation.
The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination and promote a unified international approach across the organization’s subsidiaries.
According to Mahmoud Maleki, Scientific Deputy of the Islamic Research Foundation, “There is a need for greater inter-departmental cooperation. We want every organization within AQR, including those currently focused primarily on domestic activities, to learn how to approach their work from an international perspective. Our goal is to create the necessary motivation and incentives for all sectors to move toward international platforms.”
Addressing challenges in project management, Maleki noted: “Ambiguity over resource allocation often hinders research.”
He explained: “We are addressing this by applying three key criteria: international audience, geographical relevance, and institutional impact. Research at this level must demonstrate that it genuinely serves an international audience or enhances AQR’s standing on the global stage.”
Maleki further underscored the importance of clearly defined Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
“To achieve tangible results, the needs of the commissioning body—the AQR International Affairs Department—must be clearly articulated before universities or research centers submit their proposals,” he said.
He added: “This marks the end of purely theoretical research and the beginning of an era focused on applied, problem-oriented studies.”
The Scientific and Research Council for International Affairs, comprising research deputies from AQR subsidiaries, holds weekly sessions to facilitate research initiatives, evaluate submitted projects, and ensure continued strategic alignment in the international sector.