The Office of Research at AUB launched on February 18, 2025, the University Research Grants Administrators Community of Practice (UrCOP) intiative, under the leadership of Ms. May Awar. UrCOP will be an informal voluntary network and a collaborative platform for research grants administrators to exchange best practices, and exchange ideas about how to enhance efficiency, and navigate the complexities of grants administration. By building a strong network of professionals, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, this initiative will streamline funding processes, promote compliance, and support the university's mission to advance impactful research and its commitment to excellence.
The first meeting for the launching of this initiative featured a speed networking activity for all members to connect. An exchange on the structure of the community engagement, including the frequency of meetings and communication channels was also agreed upon, to ensure effective and sustained collaboration moving forward and setting the stage for future meetings.
The 2nd UrCOP meeting was held on March 27, 2025, during which VP Mrs Mary Jaber gave supporting opening remarks and members turned activities, into colourful canvas of creativity during
"Paint Your Challenges at Work"! 🎨
The members' engagement, humour, and wild brushstrokes of brilliance brought the session to life.
From the melting clocks of Dali's painting reminding us of proposals submissions and reports deadlines, to the stars in Van Gogh's “starry night" calling out their major role in finding funding opportunities, they all painted and presented a picture of challenges that are faced in supporting the conduct of research at our institution, that was real, relatable, and
totally UrCOP.
The third UrCOP meeting was held on May 21, 2025 on “Self-care and mindfulness facing challenges at work", during which the story telling series under the initiative were launched by the inspiring story of Ms. Basma Zeidan, Director of the Office of International Programs at AUB.
Ms. Zeidan shared with the group her personal and professional journey facing challenges and coping mechanisms a person can adopt in the face of hard times.
She introduced the support that her office can provide to the research community, and stressed on authenticity in a person's day to day interactions.
“When you are faced with a challenge, focus on the process" was her message to the Community, because challenging times are the ones to bring out innovation and creativity in a person, she said.
Corporate mindfulness practitioner Ms. Dana Abou Zeki covered then, a session on corporate mindfulness tips, and the group developed a self-care workplan, topped at the end of the activity by a pledge wall, on which UrCOP members included their commitment to taking care of themselves.
The fourth UrCOP meeting was held on July 3, 2025 on “Lightening Walk & Summer Wellbeing Boost".
In our final UrCOP gathering of the academic year, UrCOP members came together for a refreshing “Lightening Walk & Summer Wellbeing" event.
The event featured an inspiring talk by the HR Talent Manager Mr. Samer Hankir, who highlighted the essential support services available to the research community.
Members set their “summer bucket list intentions", and took a mindful campus stroll, sparking casual chats and shared reflections on workplace self-care.
We ended on a relaxing note with a rejuvenating yoga session led by our very own Zen UrCOPer Ms. Yumna Maalouf, followed by a healthy fruit cake, some refreshments, and a fun tombola draw.
A joyful close to a dynamic year—recharged and ready for what's ahead!