This first Research Report of the UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge aims to continue an ongoing vigorous and provocative debate on research systems. The contents of this Research Report and its articulation of emerging trends and challenges are intended to provide fresh insights both for policy-makers and the higher education community alike, as they address the main challenges facing research systems in a globalized world. The Annexes to this Research Report document the publications produced by the Forum between 2001 and 2009, as well as its programme of activities and wide participation in the international policy dialogue on higher education, research and innovation (HERI) systems during this period. Last, but not least, a collection of Forum slides and graphics and a list of the numerous partner organizations which cooperate with the Forum in support of its mandate are provided.