On 26 June 2025, the Georgian International University (GIU) held the Commission Session of its Thematic Scientific Research Grant Competition. The sectoral commission was composed of representatives from both the administrative and academic bodies of the university, including:
- Eliso Elisashvili – Rector of GIU (Chair),
- Sofiko Tevdoradze – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs,
- Mariam Darbaidze – Vice-Rector for Quality Assurance,
- Giorgi Matiashvili – Academic Staff,
- Prof. Grigol Kalandadze – Head of International Relations,
- Prof. Akaki Beridze – Head of the Research Facilitation Centre and Secretary of the Commission.
The commission undertook a thorough evaluation of each application, which included detailed project presentations. Methodological and substantive questions were posed by the committee members, followed by a rigorous academic assessment in line with established criteria.
Following comprehensive deliberation, the Commission selected two winning projects, both of which have been awarded funding.
Winning Projects are:
- “Personal Data Protection in Higher Education Institutions”
Project Lead: Tatia Dolidze
Funding Awarded: 5,000 GEL
This project responds to global challenges surrounding personal data protection in the digital age. It seeks to analyse the legal frameworks governing information security within academic institutions, with reference to both European and national legislative contexts. Grounded in empirical methodology, the research aims to enhance university data governance in Georgia and promote alignment with emerging international standards.
Strategic objectives include:
- A comparative analysis of the GDPR and Georgian national regulations;
- The formulation of recommendations based on stakeholder engagement mechanisms;
- Active involvement of students in the scientific-analytical process.
- “Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovative Sectoral Governance”
Project Lead: Nino Chanturia
Funding Awarded: 2,000 GEL
The aim of this project is to bridge and enhance entrepreneurial skills with artificial intelligence capabilities within the fast-evolving digital economy. It focuses on the development and adaptation of innovative management models in a regional economic context. The research is particularly valuable at the intersection of education and business.
Key strengths of the project include:
- The development of sector-specific innovations and the integration of AI mechanisms for the optimisation and improvement of business processes.
Evaluation Criteria :
Both projects were assessed according to the following academic benchmarks:
- Thematic relevance and alignment with global trends;
- Applicability of research outcomes to the public and private sectors;
- Budgetary efficiency and sustainable resource management;
- Student involvement and inclusiveness of the research process;
- Contribution to strengthening the university’s scientific research potential.
The results and findings from both projects are expected to be published in internationally recognized, Scopus-indexed scientific journals. Notably, GIU students will be actively engaged in the implementation phase, reinforcing knowledge-transfer mechanisms and empowering a new generation of researchers.
GIU places high value on its research potential, viewing it as a cornerstone of the university’s intellectual mission. The selected projects underscore the institution’s commitment to multi-disciplinarity, innovation, and alignment with the highest international academic standards.