Investigating the quality of university research services; a mixed research study

Background and Aim: The quantitative growth of research in recent years in the country's university system, if accompanied by mechanisms for improving the quality and targeting of research, will pave the way for achieving knowledge-based development. As a national university with a research approach, the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili must take fundamental steps to improve the quality of research services.
Methods: Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the quality of research services at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili from the perspective of postgraduate students at this university. The present study was conducted using a mixed method and in three consecutive stages; in the first stage, to identify indicators for evaluating the quality of research in universities, evidence was reviewed, research history was reviewed (20 cases) and interviews were conducted with experts in the field of higher education (6 people), and the components of evaluating the quality of research services in universities were identified and classified.
Results: Based on the results of this study, the factors effective in improving the quality of research services include: appropriate to the needs of the community, holding educational workshops, supporting research projects, educational facilities, creating research enthusiasm in students, cooperation between organizations, guidance of students by professors and instructors, and research needs assessment
Conclusion: The results showed that research needs assessment in universities and higher education centers can significantly contribute to improving the quality of research services by identifying research weaknesses.