The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) was ranked among the top five research centers in the Arab world in 2017, according to the latest rating by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).
This is a significant achievement for the Derasat Center that reflects its professionalism and commitment to excellence.
The evaluation was based on a number of objective and impartial criteria, as follows:
First: Criteria related to the institution itself, such as the size of the budget and general resources, the proportion of such resources allocated for research and training, the diversity of research and the number of researchers employed by the institution,
Second: The activities of the research institution and its success in achieving the objectives for which it was established, the volume of its research activities and its ability to attract elite international and regional decision-makers, intellectuals, researchers, academics, and experts to participate in its activities, its openness to other research institutions and capacity to respond immediately to local, regional, and international events and developments,
Third: The ability to support decision and policy makers, including the level of communication between the research institution and national decision and policy makers in the concerned country, and
Fourth: The ability to make effective academic contributions and the issuance of quality publications.
“The listing of Derasat among the best regional and international research and strategic centers is a positive achievement and indicates that the center is proceeding in steady and sure steps to achieve its goals and aspirations,” said the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. He expects Derasat Center to attain more advanced international rankings upon the completion of its development plans and adoption of international standards in all areas of its work.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research. ECSSR is a leading regional and international research center, which gives credibility and great value to the ratings that it awards, especially that such ratings are based on objective criteria.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees said that the Derasat Center will, during the year, organize many international events and research activities that will consolidate its position as a leading center in the Middle East. To begin with, the Center has already held the “Derasat” Annual Forum which achieved great success in terms of the quality of attendance, participation and outcomes.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa hailed the freedom and openness enjoyed by the Kingdom of Bahrain as a result of the comprehensive democratic scheme launched by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. These freedoms opened the way for developing and widening the horizons of academic research and as such help the Derasat Center in keeping pace with sustainable development efforts and its quest for forging an effective community partnership and contributing to the strengthening of security and stability in the Gulf region.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees said that the Derasat Center places a high priority on investing in knowledge and the training of national staff to serve the objectives of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, especially after the implementation of an advanced and efficient administrative, organizational and research system in Derasat Center.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said that this achievement is a major incentive for Derasat to continue its efforts. As His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said “The year 2018 is the year of gold.” Based on its commitment to excel, Derasat Center will follow this motif and seek attain leading positions in the Arab world and the region. His Majesty the King spares no effort in supporting any work to serve the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people. Derasat Center is committed to working on fulfilling the wishes of the wise leadership of the country.