The Researcher

Developed by associate professor Imad Bou-Hamad at the Olayan School of Business (OSB), The Researcher is a television show that simplifies complex research for public consumption, bridging academia and society across fields like health, business, artificial intelligence (AI), and economics.

Call to Action

The motivation behind The Researcher was primarily a fervent desire to bridge the gap between academic research and society. Professor Bou-Hamad recognized a critical need to make the valuable insights generated by academic research accessible to the broader public.

The motivation was rooted in the belief that academic knowledge shouldn’t remain confined within the walls of academia. Instead, it should be shared and understood by the general public, as it has the potential to create positive impacts on society. The Researcher was born of a commitment to effective communication, education, and community service. It aims to present complex research topics in a simple and engaging manner, making them accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Furthermore, the initiative has been driven by a dedication to the American University of Beirut (AUB) and its mission to contribute positively to society. The Researcher serves as a platform to showcase AUB’s research prowess and its commitment to fostering knowledge that has a tangible and beneficial impact on business and society at large. In essence, the innovation aspires to democratize knowledge, foster understanding, and promote positive change in the community through accessible and engaging education.

Innovation Description

The Researcher is an innovative educational television show that strives to effectively communicating complex academic research to the general public in an engaging and straightforward manner.

The show has featured a wide variety of topics, such as business, AI, women’s economic empowerment, data science, and mental health. It employs a captivating framework that involves elements of suspense as well as cultural entertainment, making it not only informative but also compelling to watch.

Key aspects of the innovation include the following:

• Time Frame: The Researcher began as a 10-minute social media interview and evolved into a one-hour television show with various engaging components.
• Structure: The show has featured AUB researchers, discussing their latest scientific advances in different fields. It also involves the younger generation by conducting competitions related to guests’ research areas.
• Objectives: The project’s primary objective was to make complex research accessible to a broad audience, fostering understanding and interest in various critical topics.
• Process: Bou-Hamad uses his broadcasting skills to present the show on a regional television channel, LBCI, which is well known in the Middle East.
• Activities: The show has featured student competitions and discussions with AUB researchers, and it also encourages interactions with the general public through various media channels.

Innovation Impact

The Researcher has had a profound and multifaceted impact, demonstrating significant value for both business school stakeholders and the broader community. Its primary impact includes the following areas:

• Educational Value: The Researcher has served as a nontraditional educational platform, providing valuable insights to learners of all ages. It has empowered students by involving them in discussions and competitions related to cutting-edge research topics. This innovative approach to learning has enriched the educational experience at the business school and at AUB overall, fostering problem-solving skills and promoting a deeper understanding of critical subjects.
• Community Engagement: The show has contributed to bridging the gap between academia and society, making complex research accessible to the general public. It has fostered community engagement by creating awareness of key topics. Such engagement has a lasting positive impact on society by encouraging informed discussions and decision-making.
• Academic Recognition: The Researcher has garnered attention and accolades from prestigious organizations, such as the United Nations Development Program and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. This recognition not only highlights the innovation’s success but also opens doors to potential collaborations and grant opportunities, benefiting both the business school and AUB.
• Future Prospects: The Researcher is poised to continue its role as a catalyst for knowledge dissemination and societal change. By further expanding its reach and influence, it can create a lasting legacy of accessible education and impactful research communication.

Reference Link

• The Researcher, Season 3, Episode 7, American University of Beirut (video)