The Research Committee has oversight of matters related to research policy and strategy at the University. Research is here conceived as covering the whole spectrum of activity from initial idea through the investigative process, whatever form it might take, to the delivery of impact, encompassing engagement and knowledge transfer with potential users, stakeholders or beneficiaries as a part of any or all stages of this process. The terms of reference below should be understood as referring to this full spectrum.
Key responsibilities are:
- To provide Senate and UEB with leadership and advice on research policy and strategy at the University, for example through the effective articulation of a powerful and coherent vision in the University’s Research Strategy;
- To work with Colleges and Professional Services to create the appropriate environment and associated infrastructure (including IT and Library resources) to enable the University’s research and impact to be positioned at the forefront of national and international developments, both taking account of and shaping future agendas;
- To monitor research funding trends in the UK, Europe and key regions where the University has active collaborations; to ensure that new opportunities are being addressed and appropriate responses made where these are aligned with the overall Research Strategy;
- To ensure the University’s voice is heard at influential research organisations, including key players in the UK, Europe and other regions where the University has active research activities;
- To identify, promote and disseminate good practice in the management of research within the University, and also to promote research, engagement and impact successes internally and externally;
- To advise on and monitor progress towards research grants and contracts targets (applications, awards and income), including considering barriers to, and effective support for, the delivery of such targets;
- To advise on the development of strategic research partnerships with business and industry
- To oversee, via the Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity Committee, effective and appropriate research governance at the University;
- To oversee the ongoing development and delivery of the University’s Research Communications Strategy and its Public Engagement with Research Strategy;
- To oversee, via the Doctoral School Board, effective strategies for the recruitment and support of postgraduate students, with a particular emphasis on their role as potential future research leaders;
- To oversee local implementation of national research-related initiatives such as Open Research;
- To oversee the development and delivery of appropriate staff development activities for researchers;
- To promote collaboration and interdisciplinary research, especially through the role of the IAS, both internally and externally, nationally and internationally, in order to improve the quality of the University’s research;
- To advise on, and monitor progress towards, Research and Influence activities and targets supporting the Strategic Framework, including the relevant KPTs.