As part of the extension of its strategy of opening towards Moroccan research centers, The Menassat center for research and social studies has been the guest of the HART center for social research and development on 26 december 2023 at Tetouan.

The meeting, moderated by Professor Zakriti Abderrahmane, founding member of the HART center, saw the effective presence of several representatives of the two centers, and was an opportunity to build the milestones of a constructive partnership between the two entities.

MECHOUAT : Institutionalizing the scientific research becomes a necessity

Opening the discussions of this meeting, the director of Menassat Aziz Mechouat insisted during his intervention “Research centers in Morocco, Issues and Challenges'', on the importance of institutionalization of the scientific research between various moroccan research centers.He also stressed that it was wise to organize ourselves in order to be able to broaden the perspectives of scientific research in Morocco. The challenge is to think together, to exchange experiences, and to work in a climate of constructive cooperation, in order to develop scientific research, and thereby contribute to the development of Moroccan society.

IGAMANE: Strategic planning of research centers is essential for their development.

From the same perspective, Saadeddine Igamane, director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Social Sciences, estimated that to achieve cohesion between the research centers, it would be important to establish strategic planning likely to give visibility around the work and orientations of these academic centers. Igamane explained that the decompartmentalization of research centers, outside academic enclosures, is becoming a necessity, because this would allow a great margin of flexibility in terms of the formation of research groups, and better management of human resources, which, according to the same interlocutor, the strength and distinction of the research centers.

ADNANI: Work undertaken in a research center to develop public policies.

 In another intervention Ikram Adnani, professor of political science at Ibnou Zohr University in Agadir, and founding member of the Menassat center, shared her experience within the research centers. These experiences contributed to her being able to take the reins of management of one of the political science centers in Morocco, and to understand the mechanisms of its smooth running. In this sense, she believes that working in a research center implies commitment, lasting membership and hard work. The result of this committed work is likely to guide the decisions of institutional actors, to contribute to the development of public policies, but also to attract foreign subsidies.

IKA: Communication and organization for the smooth running of a research center.

For her part, Fatima Ika, the project manager at the Menassat center, discussed the terms of her mission which, she said, is based on two main concepts: communication and organization. At this end, she explained that communication within the center involves understanding the specificities of this center, its field of investigation, its objectives, and its overall vision. Furthermore, organization is also essential to ensure the smooth running of a research center. Whether internal or external, organization and communication, Ika believes, should convey the brand image and identity of the center in question.

As a reminder, a first similar meeting had already brought together several presidents of Moroccan research centers on November 26 at the Novotel Mohammedia. The meeting was initiated by the Menassat Center for Research and Social Studies, with the aim of focusing on the current state of these centers, knowing their vulnerable points in order to strengthen them, and their strong points for consolidation. It was also a matter of finding the appropriate means and mechanisms to consider strategic partnerships, and of organizing into a consortium of centers specializing in the human sciences. The ultimate challenge of this coalition is to contribute to the development of scientific research in Moroccan society.