The effective implementation of knowledge management (KM) in research organizations depends on multiple critical success factors (CSFs), whose significance and priorities vary according to the characteristics and missions of these organizations. Despite existing research on KM, limited evidence is available regarding the prioritization of KM critical success factors within Iranian research organizations. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the CSFs of KM at Niroo Research Institute using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, 12 managers and researchers were purposively selected, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. In the quantitative phase, pairwise comparison data were collected through a questionnaire based on the identified factors and analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine their relative weights. The findings revealed that senior management commitment and belief was the highest-priority factor, with a weight of 0.23. This was followed by integrated infrastructure and enabling systems (0.13), KM organization and implementation framework (0.12), and knowledge retention of departing employees (0.12). Comparing the findings across the qualitative and quantitative phases indicated that considering the frequency of factors, their positions within inter-category relationships, and their relative importance simultaneously provides a more comprehensive understanding of KM priorities. The findings highlight the pivotal role of senior management in establishing the conditions necessary for developing other KM requirements. They can inform managerial decision-making and the formulation of policies and programs for advancing KM in research organizations.