Analysis, Evaluation and Pathology of Research Grants: A Case Study of Two Universities in Tehran

Resarch grants are one of the new methods for managing research activities in Iranian universities. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the rules and regulations for grants at two public universities (Allameh Tabtaba’i University and Shahed University), both located in Tehran.
Methodlogy: The paper employs an analytical approach and a qualitative methodology to analyse and evaluate the rules and regulations for grants at the two universities.
Findings: Both universities place importance on publishing papers in national peer-reviewed and Web of Science-indexed journals. While the universities exhibit similarities in the matter of grant budgeting, there are differences in certain details, especially in the evaluation of research activities and the rewards accruing from such activities.
The two universities have adopted a European/North American system of grants but have adapted the grant structure, application, and use for Iranian needs. The current system for administering grants has faced many difficulties in Iranian universities, and it has not greatly enhanced research activity