RUA — Research Unit Accreditation (Industry) · IFPASA

Research Unit Accreditation — Industry (RUA)

For corporate and industrial research units. The RUA validates your organization's commitment to research excellence within the industrial landscape — covering research centers, research divisions, and industry research units of all sizes.

About RUA

What is RUA accreditation?

The Research Unit Accreditation (RUA) recognizes and validates your organization's commitment to research excellence within the industrial research landscape. RUA accreditation extends beyond individual units to encompass research centers, research divisions, and industry research units — highlighting commitment to maintaining high standards across various research entities.

Earning RUA accreditation signifies not only a validation of your institution's dedication to research excellence, but also a recognition of the pivotal role that research leadership plays in driving innovation and achievement. It positions your organization within a distinguished network that values groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Who qualifies

Target institutions

  • Corporate research centers and R&D divisions
  • Industry research units within manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance
  • Startup and scale-up research departments
  • Government-affiliated research organizations
  • Think tanks and applied research institutes
  • Innovation hubs and accelerator research arms
Add AI governance alongside your accreditation

AIRGC certifies your organization's AI governance maturity — a powerful complement to RUA for technology-forward research units.

Explore AIRGC →
Process

RUA accreditation roadmap (3–6 months)

1

Self-assessment & preparation (Months 1–2)

Review the RUA framework and criteria. Conduct an internal self-assessment, identify gaps, and prepare documentation demonstrating compliance — including strategic plans, research policies, output data, and evidence of research impact.

2

Application & eligibility (Months 2–3)

Confirm eligibility. Complete the official RUA application form with detailed information about your research unit, environment, and achievements. Attach all required documentation and submit the application fee.

3

Peer review & site visit (Months 3–4)

A mentor is assigned. A peer review panel with relevant expertise conducts a comprehensive on-site assessment including presentations, facility tours, and interviews with management and staff.

4

Decision & feedback (Months 4–5)

The RUA Accreditation Committee issues a final decision with a detailed feedback report providing recommendations for further improvement where applicable.

5

Continuous improvement (Every 3 years)

Accredited units follow a renewal process every 3 years, participating in networking events and knowledge-sharing platforms to maintain and enhance research excellence.

Ready to elevate your research unit?

Contact IFPASA to request the RUA framework documents and start the accreditation process.