The Research Development Office was originally established as the Postgraduate Research Centre following a University Council decision on 30 January 2012 to strengthen research development at The Maldives National University. In 2015, it was renamed the Research Centre, and in November 2020, it became the Research Development Office (RDO) to reflect its expanded role in advancing research excellence across the University.

The Research Development Office serves as the University’s focal point for research development, governance, and postgraduate research administration. Its mandate is to:

1. Promote, coordinate, and support research activities that contribute to national development and evidence-informed policy and practice.
2. Develop research capacity across the University by organising research training, workshops, seminars, and other professional development initiatives for staff and students.
3. Coordinate and administer postgraduate research programmes, including providing support to Doctoral and Master’s by Research candidates through research training, progress monitoring, examinations, and other candidature-related processes.
4. Administer internal research funding schemes, monitor funded research projects, and facilitate the acquisition and management of externally funded research and consultancy projects.
5. Coordinate the ethical review and governance of research involving human participants and ensure compliance with institutional research policies and standards.
6. Provide institutional support for the development of research proposals, research partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives.
7. Promote the dissemination and impact of research through publications, conferences, symposia, seminars, and other scholarly engagement activities.
8. Plan, coordinate, and support national and international research conferences, forums, and events that enhance research visibility, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
9. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems that strengthen research quality, integrity, and the overall research ecosystem of the University.