The position of Lead Professor is being added to the list of academic staff at higher education institutions.

This is stipulated by the planned amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Higher Education,” which have been submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Parliament will review the draft law under an accelerated procedure.

The bill defines who may be elected to the academic position of Lead Professor. The position may be held by a person with a doctoral degree or an equivalent academic qualification, who has at least eight years of experience in academic and pedagogical work, has outstanding academic achievements (including scientific publications in leading local and international journals and other publications, participation in national and international research projects, etc.), and who meets additional requirements set out in the charter of the relevant higher education institution.

The draft law also defines the rights of a person holding this position to be a member of the Academic Council and to participate in the process of electing a dean.