1.     The status of Visiting Professor is granted to a foreign citizen holding the academic rank of Professor or the Doctor and is employed at a foreign higher education institution, scientific research center, or medical institution, or holds emeritus status, and upon invitation and under a remunerated employment contract delivers a lecture (or lectures) at Tbilisi State Medical University on a regular basis throughout the academic year. The Visiting Professor must be involved in the implementation of the educational programs of TSMU. The duration of the employment contract with a Visiting Professor must not be less than one year. A Visiting Professor is authorized to develop a syllabus for an elective course. (02.10.2019 N24/1)

2.     The status of Visiting Professor is granted to a foreign citizen (Professor or Doctor) employed at a foreign higher education institution, scientific center, or medical institution, or holds emeritus status, by the Academic Council of Tbilisi State Medical University upon nomination by the Faculty Council, through an open vote and by a majority of the attendees. (02.10.2019 N24/1)

3.     An Invited Professor may deliver a lecture (or lectures) on their own initiative with the agreement of the relevant Faculty Council and the University Administration, or upon the initiative of the relevant Faculty Council and the University Administration.
The status of an invited professor is granted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this rule. (02.10.2019 N24/1)

4.     A breach of Paragraphs 1 or 3 of the current rules will result in the revocation of the statuses of both Visiting Professor and Invited Professor. (02.10.2019 N24/1)

5.     Tbilisi State Medical University is authorized, for the purpose of ensuring high-quality teaching and scientific research, to involve a Research Professor in teaching and research activities.

(1)   Appointment to the position of Research Professor at Tbilisi State Medical University may be granted to an individual who holds an academic doctorate and is actively involved in scientific research within a distinguished foreign medical institution.

(2)   The initiative to appoint an individual to the position of Research Professor may be undertaken either by the University or by a candidate who independently seeks employment at TSMU.

(3)   A candidate for the position of Research Professor must provide, along with the documentation required by Georgian legislation, written consent from their current employing institution.

(4)   The duties of a Research Professor shall include at least one of the following:
a) Conducting independent and collaborative research: a.a) Planning, implementing, and managing original research projects; a.b) Collaborating remotely with national and international research groups.
b) Publishing and presenting results on behalf of/with participation of TSMU; Serving as author or co-author of academic articles and scientific materials.
c) Co-supervision of doctoral students: c.a) Remote co-supervision of doctoral research projects; c.b) Providing academic and career consultation via online communication. d) Developing and teaching academic courses.

(5)   Considering specific circumstances, Tbilisi State Medical University undertakes, where necessary, to reimburse the Research Professor for travel and/or living expenses, and, in cases provided by contract, to compensate for completed contact hours. (02.07.2025 N23/6)

6.     This Rule shall enter into force upon its adoption.

7.     A) Paragraph 4 of this Rule shall also apply to those Invited Professors who were granted such status prior to the entry into force of this Rule. B) All Invited (Guest) Professors prior to the entry into force of these amendments shall be regarded as holding the status of Invited Professor. (02.10.2019 N24/1)

8.     All administrative-legal acts concerning the granting of Invited Professor status at Tbilisi State Medical University that were adopted prior to the entry into force of this Rule shall be rendered null and void. (02.10.2019 N24/1)