This course is specifically designed for a newly established NURA to support researchers, grant administrators, and academic staff in managing  the award operations, research dissemination, and ethical publication practices.

This opening module provides a foundational understanding of the critical role that pre- and post-award operations and effective project administration play in the research publication process. It begins by exploring why these functions are essential in ensuring compliance, transparency, and successful dissemination of research outcomes. Participants will also be introduced to Nazarbayev University’s (NU) research policies and strategic goals, with a focus on how responsible and ethical publication practices contribute to the university's academic reputation and long-term grant success. The module will outline key expectations for the course, helping learners understand the skills and knowledge they will gain. To benchmark current understanding, a short pre-test will be administered at the end of the module.

Module 2 equips researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to strategically select high-impact journals for their research publications. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key journal metrics, including Impact Factor, h-index, and CiteScore, and learn how these indicators reflect a journal’s influence and reach. The module also demystifies quartiles and percentiles, explaining their significance in journal rankings and research visibility. Emphasis will be placed on the responsible use of research metrics, encouraging ethical and informed decision-making in journal selection that aligns with institutional values and global best practices.