Act 2 Southern Sudan Research Council Act 2007 (a) formulate a comprehensive policy and design programmes for scientific, engineering and technological research and direct its implementation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the management and utilization of human, natural and material resources; (b) initiate, promote, encourage and organise scientific research in its various aspects with a view to achieving socio-economic development; (c) set standards, priorities, regulations and protocols for research; (d) promote innovation, creativity and originality of thought and protection of intellectual property rights; (e) evaluate and methodologies, programmes; (f) validate research scholarships and activities, teaching monitor and ensure quality standards for centres of scientific documentation, statistics, information, computer centres and such other centres as shall be deemed necessary in collaboration with relevant institutions; (g) promote and ensure academic and research freedoms and independence; (h) mobilise resources for research; (i) promote external academic relations, and makes bilateral and multilateral research and academic protocols or agreements between the Government of Southern Sudan and other bodies; 6