Rapid Development: Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant urban development and infrastructure expansion, driven by Vision 2030. This includes mega-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project, offering students exposure to large-scale, cutting-edge projects.
Employment Opportunities: The booming construction industry creates ample job opportunities for graduates, both during and after their studies.
Reputable Institutions: Saudi universities offer high-quality education with modern facilities, experienced faculty, and comprehensive curricula. Institutions like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and King Saud University are well-regarded for their engineering and architecture programs.
Accreditation: Many programs are accredited by international bodies, ensuring the education meets global standards.
Unique Architectural Style: Saudi Arabia offers a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, providing students with a diverse learning experience.
Sustainability Focus: Increasing emphasis on sustainable and green building practices aligns with global trends and enhances students' knowledge and skills in these areas.
Rich Heritage: The country’s rich cultural and historical background offers students unique perspectives on architectural design influenced by Islamic art and heritage.
Landmark Projects: Study opportunities may include involvement in the preservation and restoration of historical sites, adding a valuable dimension to their education.
Technological Integration: Saudi Arabia’s investment in advanced technology in construction, including smart cities and AI, provides students with exposure to the latest industry trends and innovations.
Research Opportunities: Universities often collaborate with industry and government on research projects, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge research.
Scholarships: Numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available for international students, making education more accessible.
Government Funding: The Saudi government invests heavily in education, ensuring well-funded programs and facilities.
Global Hub: Saudi Arabia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa provides easy access to other major markets and architectural styles.
International Exposure: Studying in Saudi Arabia offers a multicultural environment with students and professionals from around the world.
Industry Connections: Strong connections with the construction and architecture industries facilitate internships, job placements, and networking opportunities.
Professional Development: Students can attend conferences, seminars, and workshops, enhancing their professional skills and knowledge.
Modern Amenities: Saudi Arabia offers a high standard of living with modern amenities, making it a comfortable place for international students.
Safety: The country is known for its safety and security, providing a stable environment for study.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Construction Management |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Construction Engineering, Environmental Design |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture |
Interior Design, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Interior Architecture, Urban Planning |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Construction Management |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Construction Engineering, Environmental Design |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture |
Interior Design, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Interior Architecture, Urban Planning |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Urban Design, Environmental Design, Construction Technology |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Construction Management |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
Jeddah College of Advertising |
Bachelor of Interior Design |
Interior Architecture, Furniture Design, Sustainable Design |
Qassim University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Urban Planning, Architectural Design, Construction Management |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Scholarships |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
English |
Available |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Construction Management |
English/Arabic |
Available |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Construction Engineering, Environmental Design |
English |
Merit-based scholarships |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture |
Interior Design, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
English |
Various scholarships |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Interior Architecture, Urban Planning |
English |
Available |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Urban Design, Environmental Design, Construction Technology |
English/Arabic |
Financial aid and scholarships |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Construction Management |
English |
Various scholarships |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
English/Arabic |
Available |
Jeddah College of Advertising |
Bachelor of Interior Design |
Interior Architecture, Furniture Design, Sustainable Design |
English/Arabic |
Financial aid options |
Qassim University |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Urban Planning, Architectural Design, Construction Management |
Arabic/English |
Scholarships and financial aid |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Scholarships |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Master of Science in Architecture |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
English |
Available |
King Saud University |
Master of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Construction Management |
English/Arabic |
Available |
Prince Sultan University |
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Construction Engineering, Environmental Design |
English |
Merit-based scholarships |
Effat University |
Master of Science in Urban Design |
Sustainable Urbanism, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning |
English |
Various scholarships |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Master of Architecture |
Interior Architecture, Urban Planning, Sustainable Design |
English |
Available |
Al Yamamah University |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Design, Environmental Design, Construction Technology |
English/Arabic |
Financial aid and scholarships |
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University |
Master of Science in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Construction Management |
English |
Various scholarships |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Master of Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
English/Arabic |
Available |
King Abdulaziz University |
Master of Architecture and Planning |
Urban Design, Environmental Design, Construction Management |
English/Arabic |
Scholarships and financial aid |
King Faisal University |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Planning, Architectural Design, Construction Management |
Arabic/English |
Available |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Scholarships |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning, Architectural Design |
English |
Available |
King Saud University |
PhD in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Construction Management |
English/Arabic |
Available |
Prince Sultan University |
PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Design, Construction Engineering, Environmental Design |
English |
Merit-based scholarships |
Effat University |
PhD in Architecture |
Sustainable Urbanism, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning |
English |
Various scholarships |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
PhD in Architecture |
Interior Architecture, Urban Planning, Sustainable Design |
English |
Available |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
PhD in Architecture |
Architectural Design, Building Technology, Urban Planning |
English/Arabic |
Available |
King Abdulaziz University |
PhD in Architecture and Planning |
Urban Design, Environmental Design, Construction Management |
English/Arabic |
Scholarships and financial aid |
King Faisal University |
PhD in Architecture |
Urban Planning, Architectural Design, Construction Management |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Institution |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Scholarships |
---|---|---|---|---|
Riyadh College of Technology |
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
Architectural Drafting, Building Technology, Construction Management |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Jeddah College of Technology |
Diploma in Building Technology |
Building Construction, Project Management, Environmental Design |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Jubail Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering |
Structural Design, Construction Technology, Urban Planning |
English |
Available |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering |
Building Technology, Sustainable Design, Construction Management |
English |
Available |
College of Technology at Dammam |
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
Drafting and Design Technology, Construction Management, Building Technology |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Technical Trainers College |
Diploma in Architectural Drafting and Design |
Drafting Technology, CAD Design, Construction Technology |
English |
Available |
Al-Baha University |
Diploma in Building Engineering Technology |
Construction Technology, Project Management, Environmental Design |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Taibah University |
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
Building Construction, Sustainable Design, Urban Planning |
Arabic/English |
Available |
King Abdulaziz University Community College |
Diploma in Architectural Engineering |
Architectural Drafting, Construction Management, Sustainable Building Practices |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Aljouf University |
Diploma in Building and Construction Technology |
Construction Management, Environmental Design, Building Technology |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Institution |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Scholarships |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
King Abdulaziz University |
Certificate in Sustainable Architecture |
Green Building Design, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Materials |
6 months |
English/Arabic |
Available |
Riyadh College of Technology |
Certificate in CAD Design |
Computer-Aided Design, Drafting Techniques, 3D Modeling |
3 months |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Jeddah College of Technology |
Certificate in Construction Management |
Project Planning, Cost Estimation, Quality Control |
4 months |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Prince Sultan University |
Certificate in Urban Planning |
Urban Design, Land Use Planning, Zoning Laws |
6 months |
English |
Merit-based scholarships |
Effat University |
Certificate in Interior Design |
Space Planning, Lighting Design, Color Theory |
6 months |
English |
Various scholarships |
Jubail Industrial College |
Certificate in Building Technology |
Building Systems, Construction Methods, Safety Management |
4 months |
English |
Available |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Certificate in Environmental Design |
Sustainable Practices, Environmental Impact Assessment, Eco-friendly Materials |
6 months |
English |
Available |
College of Technology at Dammam |
Certificate in Drafting and Design Technology |
Drafting Tools, Design Principles, Technical Drawing |
3 months |
Arabic/English |
Available |
Al Yamamah University |
Certificate in Construction Technology |
Construction Techniques, Building Codes, Material Science |
4 months |
English/Arabic |
Financial aid and scholarships |
Technical Trainers College |
Certificate in Architectural Drafting |
Drafting Standards, CAD Software, Technical Documentation |
3 months |
English |
Available |
University |
Course Programs |
---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Science in Urban Design, PhD in Architecture |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
King Abdulaziz University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Planning, PhD in Architecture and Planning |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, Certificate in Construction Technology |
Jubail Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Building Technology |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Environmental Design |
University |
Course Programs |
Intake Periods |
---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Science in Urban Design, PhD in Architecture |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
Fall (September), Spring (January) |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
King Abdulaziz University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Planning, PhD in Architecture and Planning |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, Certificate in Construction Technology |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
Jubail Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Building Technology |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Environmental Design |
Fall (September), Spring (February) |
University |
Course Program |
Approximate Tuition Fees (per year in USD) |
---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Science in Architecture, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
King Saud University |
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, PhD in Architectural Engineering |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
Effat University |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Science in Urban Design, PhD in Architecture |
$12,000 - $15,000 |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
$10,000 - $13,000 |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, PhD in Architecture |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
King Abdulaziz University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Planning, PhD in Architecture and Planning |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, Certificate in Construction Technology |
$8,000 - $10,000 |
Jubail Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Building Technology |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Diploma in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Certificate in Environmental Design |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
University |
Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
High school diploma with a focus on science and mathematics, satisfactory scores in entrance exams (e.g., SAT), proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Saud University |
High school diploma, strong academic record in science subjects, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Prince Sultan University |
High school diploma, good grades in relevant subjects (math, science), entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Effat University |
High school diploma, good academic standing, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
High school diploma, strong performance in science and math, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
High school diploma, good grades in science subjects, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Abdulaziz University |
High school diploma, satisfactory academic record, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Al Yamamah University |
High school diploma, good academic standing, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Jubail Industrial College |
High school diploma, good grades in science and math, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Yanbu Industrial College |
High school diploma, satisfactory performance in relevant subjects, entrance exam scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University |
Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field, minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or equivalent), letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Saud University |
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, minimum GPA requirement, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Prince Sultan University |
Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related discipline, minimum GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Effat University |
Bachelor’s degree, good academic record, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Bachelor’s degree, satisfactory GPA, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field, minimum GPA, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Abdulaziz University |
Bachelor’s degree, good academic standing, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Al Yamamah University |
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, minimum GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Jubail Industrial College |
Bachelor’s degree, satisfactory GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field, good academic record, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University |
Eligibility Requirements |
---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
Master’s degree in architecture or related field, minimum GPA (usually 3.5 or equivalent), research proposal, letters of recommendation, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Saud University |
Master’s degree in relevant discipline, minimum GPA requirement, research proposal, letters of recommendation, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Prince Sultan University |
Master’s degree in architecture or related discipline, minimum GPA, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Effat University |
Master’s degree, good academic record, research proposal, letters of recommendation, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Master’s degree, satisfactory GPA, research proposal, letters of recommendation, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
Master’s degree in architecture or related field, minimum GPA, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
King Abdulaziz University |
Master’s degree, good academic standing, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Al Yamamah University |
Master’s degree in relevant field, minimum GPA, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Jubail Industrial College |
Master’s degree, satisfactory GPA, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Master’s degree in architecture or related field, good academic record, research proposal, recommendation letters, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
University |
Scholarship Programs |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals |
KFUPM Full Scholarship |
High academic performance, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), entrance exam scores (if applicable) |
Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance |
King Saud University |
King Saud University Scholarships |
High academic performance, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), entrance exam scores (if applicable) |
Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend |
Prince Sultan University |
Prince Sultan University Merit-based Scholarships |
High academic performance, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), entrance exam scores (if applicable) |
Partial to full tuition waiver |
Effat University |
Effat University Scholarships |
High academic performance, financial need, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Tuition, partial living expenses |
Dar Al-Hekma University |
Dar Al-Hekma Merit Scholarships |
High academic performance, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), entrance exam scores (if applicable) |
Partial to full tuition waiver |
University of Dammam (Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University) |
UOD Scholarships |
High academic performance, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), entrance exam scores (if applicable) |
Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend |
King Abdulaziz University |
KAU Full Scholarships |
High academic performance, research potential for graduate students, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance |
Al Yamamah University |
Al Yamamah University Financial Aid and Scholarships |
High academic performance, financial need, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Partial to full tuition waiver |
Jubail Industrial College |
Jubail Industrial College Scholarships |
High academic performance, financial need, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Tuition, partial living expenses |
Yanbu Industrial College |
Yanbu Industrial College Scholarships |
High academic performance, financial need, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Tuition, partial living expenses |
Role: Designing new buildings, restoring and conserving old buildings, and developing new ways of using existing buildings.
Employers: Architectural firms, construction companies, government agencies, real estate developers.
Role: Developing land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
Employers: Government agencies, urban planning firms, non-profit organizations, real estate development companies.
Role: Planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from start to finish.
Employers: Construction companies, real estate developers, government agencies.
Role: Enhancing the interiors of buildings to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Employers: Interior design firms, architectural firms, furniture manufacturers, retail stores.
Role: Advising on energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, and environmental impacts of construction projects.
Employers: Environmental consulting firms, architectural firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations.
Role: Designing and analyzing structural components of buildings and other infrastructure projects.
Employers: Engineering firms, construction companies, government agencies.
Role: Leading and managing architectural and construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and budget.
Employers: Construction companies, architectural firms, real estate developers.
Role: Ensuring that construction projects comply with local building codes and regulations.
Employers: Government agencies, private inspection firms.
Role: Designing outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and recreational areas.
Employers: Landscape design firms, architectural firms, government agencies, real estate developers.
Role: Overseeing the operation and maintenance of buildings and ensuring they meet the needs of the occupants.
Employers: Large corporations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government agencies.
Mega-Projects: Saudi Arabia is known for its large-scale development projects, such as NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, providing vast opportunities for architecture and construction professionals.
Vision 2030: The Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism, creating numerous job opportunities in building and architecture.
Sustainable Development: Growing emphasis on sustainability and green building practices opens up roles for professionals specializing in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design and construction.
Technological Advancements: Adoption of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), smart building technologies, and AI in construction is creating new career opportunities and requiring specialized skills.
Educational Institutions: With the increasing focus on education, universities and colleges often seek professionals with advanced degrees to teach and conduct research.