Applied Science Private University Shows How a Fast-Growing University Can Scale Research Without Compromising Rigour

Jordan’s Applied Science Private University has grown its research output fourteen-fold in five years while keeping citation impact well above the world average. It is now embracing AI with a focus on research quality and academic integrity.

When a university’s research output multiplies, the questions its leaders ask change with it. For Applied Science Private University (ASU) in Jordan, the question is no longer simply how to grow, but how to keep growing without weakening the standards that make research credible. Its answer, shaped by an institution-wide discussion about artificial intelligence, has been to adopt LeapSpace, Elsevier’s research-grade AI workspace.

Growth with quality attached

Founded in 1989, ASU is a private university in Jordan. Its scholarly output increased fourteen-fold between 2020 and 2025. International partnerships played a major role in ASU’s research growth. In 2025, they accounted for 80.7% of its published work.

ASU’s research also receives strong attention from other scholars. In 2026, 24% of ASU studies were among the most cited in their respective fields. This shows the impact of ASU research.

However, this major impact made the university consider its next course of action more carefully. According to Prof. Muna Barakat, ASU's Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, “Due to the acceleration in research output, our approach needed to become more strategic.”

An AI question that could not wait

As AI became easier to access, ASU had to consider the use of these tools. There were some faculty members who were already experimenting with AI, but they needed clear institutional guidelines to use AI responsibly.

This led to discussion about the risk of AI between researchers, library staff and other teams. They discussed how to responsibly use AI to check evidence, protect confidential information and maintain research quality.

There was one major concern about the reliability of AI-generated information. AI sometimes give answers that sound convincing, but it cannot provide clear sources. Prof. Muna Barakat highlighted the need for researchers to check the evidence behind AI-generated claims.

ASU also recognised the potential benefits. AI tools can help researchers explore ideas and save time. However, the information they produce still needs careful checking. The university’s approach was to support the use of AI while keeping research standards in place.

Choosing research-grade AI

ASU already used Elsevier’s research tools, Scopus and SciVal. Through its work with Elsevier, the university learned about LeapSpace, an AI tool made for research, as detailed in Elsevier's case study on ASU.

According to Prof. Barakat, “We needed something designed for research, not a general tool that researchers were trying to adapt to academic work.” LeapSpace stood out because it uses trusted research sources and lets users check where information comes from.

General AI tools can also help researchers explore ideas. But checking their answers can be difficult. Researchers may not always know where the information comes from or whether the sources are reliable.

 LeapSpace takes a different approach. It draws on more than 23 million peer-reviewed articles and books from Elsevier. It also includes licensed content from over 1,500 partners and millions of records from more than 7,000 publishers indexed in Scopus.

To assist users in analysing the data supporting its conclusions, the site also offers Trust Cards. These cards include links to the original papers as well as publishing details. Additionally, they evaluate how the referenced passage connects to the insight offered and provide it in context. This allows scholars to review the source and determine whether the claim is supported by the evidence.

Keeping researchers in control is central to ASU’s approach to AI. Prof. Barakat added: “The most valuable AI tool is the one that helps researchers produce stronger, more defensible work,” she said. “LeapSpace felt relevant to us because it helps researchers move faster while staying grounded in trusted scholarly evidence.”

Supporting ASU’s wider research ambitions

ASU's consideration of LeapSpace was mostly motivated by research integrity. But the institution also recognised chances to further its broader research objectives. Two areas of special importance were funding and collaboration.

Researchers can access over 40,000 live and recurring awards with the Find Funding service. These consist of grants, foreign funding calls, and other opportunities. Despite having excellent ideas, researchers may find it difficult to secure adequate financing in a timely manner. The tool is intended to assist them in identifying pertinent opportunities and more efficiently organising their applications.

Prof. Barakat explained the potential benefit: “If a tool can help them explore calls that fit their topics and ambitions, it can make proposal development more strategic and less last-minute,” she said.

Building research partnerships presents another challenge. ASU encourages researchers to work across disciplines and with international colleagues. However, finding suitable experts outside an existing professional network can take time.

The Discover Experts tool helps researchers identify people with relevant knowledge and experience. It may also help them build research teams and develop new partnerships. As Prof. Barakat noted, “The Discover Experts tool helps surface relevant expertise and can support stronger teams and partnerships,” she said.

Early signs of confidence

Feedback from ASU’s research community has been informal so far, but the initial response has been positive. Prof. Barakat has heard that researchers are gaining confidence and clarity in their work. They also value having a research environment where they can explore ideas while remaining connected to scholarly evidence.

Researchers are beginning to see LeapSpace as more than a faster way to search for information. Prof. Barakat explained that the tool could help them organise evidence, think through ideas and develop stronger research questions.

“Researchers see the possibilities for LeapSpace to help them think more clearly, organise evidence responsibly, and move toward stronger research questions,” Prof. Barakat said. “For a university like ASU, that is exactly the kind of support we want technology to provide.”

A model for rising research universities

ASU’s experience provides a lesson for other universities wanting to expand research. Universities tend to first prioritise increasing research capacity, whether it’s staffing up, building labs or publishing goals. The systems needed to protect the quality of research may get attention later.

ASU’s approach highlights the importance of addressing the responsible use of AI while researchers are still adjusting to these tools. ASU discussed expectations and provided support early on to ensure future research is based on reliable evidence and responsible practices. Researchers must also maintain control over how they assess and use information.

ASU's research output has quadrupled in the past five years. In 2025, 80.7% of its publications were internationally co-authored; its Field-Weighted Citation Impact was 2.49. This reflects the size of the research program. Careful leadership will be critical for the continued growth of this program.

To be a research institution with responsible research activities, Applied Science Private University is committed to setting high standards of academic conduct and research activities.

To learn more about Applied Science Private University and its research, visit https://www.asu.edu.jo/