The basic intention of any institution of higher learning, such as the University, is to eventually equip their students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to make significant contributions to society in different fields of public health, education, agriculture, tourism, security, as well as socio-economic and technological development, to mention a few. This is usually realized through three key functions, namely, teaching (education and training), research and outreach services.

Research is a systematic process of critical enquiry (also, referred to as studious enquiry and examination) leading to a valid proposition and conclusion that are common to others. It also refers to a search for knowledge, as well as for pertinent information on a specific topic or theme; a movement from known to unknown. The characteristic of a research includes the following:

• It is based on the works of others, but not a copy of their works;
• It cannot be replicated;
• It is generalizable to other settings;
• It is based on some logical rationale and tied to a theory;
• It is doable;
• It generates new questions, or is cyclical in nature;
• It is incremental;
• It is an apolitical activity intended for the betterment of society;
• It expands knowledge and competencies of the subject and career horizons.

Some scholars contend that, today, higher institutions, led by universities, continue to play a central role in promoting sustainable development to society. They play an important role in teaching, learning and leading the society towards sustainable development, including generating and transmitting new knowledge across time and space. This is what the Catholic University of Mbeya is striving to do.

The University intends to establish a vibrant research tradition whose impact will be far-reaching with deep-sinking roots. Efforts have been started to create partnerships with other recognized institutions of higher learning and organizations so as to share best practices and carry out joint ventures in academia, meaning the environment or community concerned with the pursuit of research, education and scholarship.

The purpose of establishing consultancy services by a higher learning institution is basically to provide advice, guidance, and variegated support to society. It draws upon and applies existing knowledge and expertise, with clear and well-defined deliverables. In such a way, the institution makes its existence and presence felt by the immediate and distant communities. In that spirit, the Catholic University of Mbeya has the pleasure to extend an invitation to all who wish to enjoy our charitable services.

The Catholic University of Mbeya has two journals, namely, the Journal of Education and Development (JED) under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Journal of Business and Financial Management (JBFM) under the Faculty of Business and Administration. They are published bi-annually.

The Catholic University of Mbeya has consistently been urging the academic staff to be proactive in research projects, as well as in writing scholarly papers. In order to enable the staff to do the same, the management has been providing financial support in tandem with organizing workshops on how to write research proposals, research reports, and scholarly publishable papers.