Bringing Research
Leadership to Your Organization
Dr. Karim Abdel-Malek delivers keynotes, workshops, and strategic advisory engagements for research organizations, universities, and R&D leaders — grounded in decades of real-world experience building and funding world-class research programs.
Six signature topics.
Every one built for research leaders.
Each topic is available as a keynote, workshop, or seminar — and can be customized for your audience, event format, and organizational context.
Building, Funding, and Scaling World-Class Research Programs
A strategic framework for researchers who want to move beyond individual projects and build sustainable, high-impact research enterprises. Covers vision, team architecture, funding strategy, and institutional positioning.
Winning Large-Scale Research Funding
The strategic principles behind consistently securing major grants and contracts — from proposal positioning and funder intelligence to building the organizational credibility that makes awards nearly inevitable.
From Researcher to Research Leader
The critical transition from technical expert to organizational leader — what changes, what stays the same, and the exact frameworks that accelerate the journey for STEM professionals.
Building Research-Industry Partnerships
How to identify, structure, and sustain high-value partnerships with industry and government — turning external relationships into a durable competitive advantage for your research program.
Commercializing Research: From Lab to Market
A practical guide to technology transfer, startup formation, and licensing — helping researchers understand the pathways from discovery to commercial impact without abandoning their research mission.
The Research CEO Mindset
The operating philosophy that separates research leaders who build lasting institutions from those who plateau. Covers strategic thinking, organizational influence, and the personal leadership architecture of the most effective research executives.
Built for the organizations
that advance research.
Research universities and academic medical centers
National laboratories and federal research agencies
Industry R&D organizations and corporate research centers
Professional associations and research conferences
Government agencies and defense research programs
Foundations and research-funding organizations
A track record across the
full research ecosystem.
National Science Foundation
Research Leadership Summit
Federal Program Officers & Research Directors
Association of American Universities
Research Enterprise Leadership Program
University Research VPs & Center Directors
IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society
Annual International Conference
2,400+ Researchers & Engineers
Department of Defense
DARPA Program Manager Orientation
Incoming Program Managers
Big Ten Academic Alliance
Faculty Research Leadership Academy
Early & Mid-Career Faculty
National Institutes of Health
Intramural Research Leadership Forum
NIH Principal Investigators
What organizers and
participants say.
"I have known Dr. Karim Malek for decades and can attest to his understanding of grantsmanship and his ability to communicate a vision to funding agencies. Dr. Malek shares a comprehensive and immediately practical approach to strengthening any research enterprise, from building entrepreneurial partnerships to scaling up from projects to sustainable programs. I highly recommend this book to both researchers and funding decision-makers."
P. Barry Butler, Ph.D.
President, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
"The challenge of securing sustained funding for a research program is fundamental to building a successful academic career today in any STEM field, and there are very few references that address this topic in rigorous and thorough ways. Faculty and researchers with a goal of building an impactful research program will need this book to achieve their vision."
Richard K. Miller, Ph.D.
President Emeritus & Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Olin College — Jerome C. Hunsaker Visiting Professor of Aerospace Systems, MIT
"I have watched Professor Malek work with the US Army to deliver significant value to the core mission of improving Soldier performance. Sharing his method and strategy with others is to be commended and greatly appreciated."
Major General Stewart Wallace
US Army (Retired)
Advisory engagements for
research organizations that want to lead.
Consulting engagements are selective and limited in number. Each engagement is customized to the specific strategic challenge — not a packaged program. Inquire to discuss fit and availability.
Research Program Strategy
Strategic advisory for research leaders building or scaling their programs. Covers research agenda development, competitive positioning, funding strategy, and organizational design.
Funding Strategy & Proposal Development
End-to-end support for major funding pursuits — from opportunity identification and positioning strategy to proposal architecture and review preparation.
Research Organization Design
Structural advisory for universities, national labs, and R&D organizations building or restructuring research centers, institutes, and multidisciplinary programs.
Industry & Government Partnership Development
Strategic guidance on identifying, structuring, and negotiating high-value partnerships with industry sponsors, government agencies, and defense organizations.
Research Leadership Development
Customized coaching and advisory for individual research leaders navigating career transitions, organizational challenges, or strategic inflection points.
Technology Commercialization Advisory
Strategic support for researchers and institutions pursuing technology transfer, startup formation, licensing, or research-to-market pathways.
Ready to bring this
to your organization?
Engagements are booked on a selective basis. Use the contact form to describe your event, audience, and goals — and we will be in touch within 2–3 business days to discuss fit and availability.
Submit an InquiryWhat to Include in Your Inquiry
The Research CEO
The foundational text behind every speaking topic and consulting framework.
Learn MoreThe Five Signature Frameworks
Explore the strategic models that anchor every keynote and workshop.
View FrameworksCareer Research Path Analysis
A free 12-question diagnostic for individual researchers — share with your team.
Start Free Analysis