Establishing a research center is a complex and challenging task. RISE Center (Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences and Engineering) is a research center associated to the American University of Kuwait (AUK). RISE serves as AUK's primary source for multidisciplinary research and development (R&D) activities. The Center employs a holistic approach to R&D by integrating academic disciplines, and forging connections between local & international innovators, academia & industry, and technology & society. In this paper, we will explore the challenges faced to establish and operate RISE. The challenges include funding, resistance of interdisciplinary research, administrative barriers and introducing research in teaching based institutions. Sustainability of the center's activities while maintaining high quality is another challenge. The paper will also include the best practices to overcome the challenges. We will share solutions to the identified problems. Highlights of the activities, and rubrics to measure success and progress of the center will be discussed. Success stories and their contribution to the academic experience in Kuwait will be analyzed.
