Governance of research
Research at the University is led by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Parveen Yaqoob, supported by the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellors for our four Research Themes and the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development. Together they sit on the University Committee for Research and Innovation, with the Head of Research Services, Head of Planning and Reporting, and the REF and Research Planning Manager.
Professional services staff in the Research & Innovation Directorate, led by Dr Karen Henderson, work alongside colleagues in other relevant areas of the University (Research Communications, Planning and Strategy, Digital Technology Services) to facilitate and enable the delivery of our objectives.
The University鈥檚 research governance model is informed by four key principles: accountability, leadership, effectiveness and inclusiveness.
Research Committee Structures
Key committees and their core objectives are listed below. Full terms of reference and detailed membership are available from the University Committee List on the University governance page
Each committee is chaired by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor or one of the Associate Pro-Vice Chancellors and membership is made of up senior staff in relevant areas and researchers and/or professional services colleagues appointed through an open process.
All issues and proposals discussed in these committees are sponsored by one of the members. Any member of staff may put forward proposals to any of the committees via a committee member, using the template available to download.
Minutes from UBRI and summary notes from UCRI are available on the Research Committee Minutes page. Staff may request to Minutes from other committees by contacting Dawn Cobbold, Executive Administration Manager in the Vice Chancellor鈥檚 office.
| Committee |
Chair |
Secretary |
Primary Objectives |
| University Committee for Research and Innovation (UCRI) | Parveen Yaqoob |
Dawn Cobbold |
To set and implement the University鈥檚 strategy for R&I and ensure progress towards meeting strategic objectives |
| Committee for Researcher Development and Postgraduate Studies (CRDPRS) | Adrian Williams |
Lucy Fletcher |
To develop and oversee strategy for early career researcher development and strategy for postgraduate recruitment, progression and professional development |
| Research Travel Grants | Mark Dallas |
Preeti Trichur |
To consider applications for travel funding for conferences and to present the outcomes of research |
Opportunities for Involvement
Recent streamlining of committee structures have freed up around 300 hours of people's time. A more agile approach to committee processes to bring in a wider range of voices to guide, steer, and shape specific initiatives is in the early stages of implementation. The aim of this is to increase engagement of the wider University to be part of decision-making at committee level. Look out for calls to get involved in panels and committee membership going forward.