University Research Committee

Purpose

A Strategy and Policy committee to drive and support the University's overall research objectives

Chair: Vice-Principal Research

Supported by: Head of Research Strategy & Policy and REF Manager, Research & Innovation

Reports to: Senate; Senior Management Team

Sub-Committees: Postgraduate Research Committee; Research Facilities Group; Ethics Advisory Group; International Research Oversight Group

Interfaces with: School Research Committees

Remit of the University Research Committee (formerly known as the Research Policy Committee prior to session 2022/23)

Oversight of research risk management including assurance as to health and safety matters relating to research activities
Oversight of research ethics and governance issues, consideration of reports/recommendations received from the Ethics Advisory Group
Oversight of equality and diversity issues relating to research
Oversight of the Postgraduate Research College; development and review of policies relating to doctoral training
Oversight of core research facilities
Monitoring and review of the effectiveness of the University’s Research KPIs
Monitoring of developing REF submission strategy and any other research performance exercises, oversight of institutional outcome and associated analyses
Monitoring and review of impact of research investment and identifying new areas for strategic investment to match institutional priorities
Monitoring success of research grant applications to external income programmes and overhead cost recovery
Monitoring of institutional responses to external research consultations and initiatives.
Providing strategic direction for the University’s Impact agenda (academic and non-academic) as defined across the sector (e.g. REF and UKRI) and promotion of good practice and development of impact KPIs
Providing strategic direction for the enhancement of the institutional research culture
Receiving reports from School Research Committees on significant research issues arising and activities within the Schools
Developing, and driving strategy across the University’s research activities to meet institutional targets and Strategic Plan Performance Indicators

Composition and Membership

Composition

The University Research Committee is composed as follows:

Convener

Professor N Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research)

Membership

Professor S Martin, Director of Research, School of Biological Sciences
Professor Z Khan, Director of Research, Business School
Professor B Rea, Director of Research, School of Geosciences
Professor K Friedrich, Director of Research, School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History
Professor M Clarke, Director of Research, School of Education
Professor E Chadwick, Director of Research, School of Engineering
Dr S Pugh, Director of Research, School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture
Professor A Brown, Director of Research, School of Law
Professor F Meneguzzi, Interim Director of Research, School of Natural and Computing Sciences
Professor A Hunt, Director of Research, School of Psychology
Professor C Wallace, Director of Research, School of Social Science
Professor I Stansfield, Director of Research, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
Professor M Delibegovic, Dean for Impact and Engagement
Professor N Oren, Dean for Research Performance
Professor B Tatler, Dean for Research Culture
Professor S Piertney, Dean for Postgraduate Research
Professor L Anderson, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health, Wellbeing & Nutrition
Professor D Burslem, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre for Environment and Biodiversity
Professor G Leontidis, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre for Data & Artificial Intelligence
Professor J Underhill, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Transition
Dr R Shanks, Director, Interdisciplinary Centre for Social Inclusion & Cultural Diversity
Dr E Rattray, Director of Research & Innovation
Mr R McGregor, Research Manager, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (representing the School Administration Managers)
Dr C Whyte, Advanced Research Fellow, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition (Early Career Researcher representative)
Ms E Metcalf-Corrison, Postgraduate Research Student

(or designated deputies)

In attendance:

Mr I Robotham, Interim Director of Digital & Information Services
Mr S Bains, University Librarian, Library Services
Mrs D Walker, Research Finance Manager, Research & Innovation
Dr J Wrighton, Head of Research Strategy & Policy and REF Manager, Research & Innovation
Ms N Strong, Research Information Officer, Research & Innovation
Dr R Banks, Research Impact Manager, Research & Innovation
Dr C Croly, Public Engagement with Research Manager, Research & Innovation
Dr L Leiper, Head of Research Cultures & Development, PGR College Manager, Postgraduate Research College
Dr Juliette Snow, Research Development Manager, Grants Academy
Officers, as appropriate

Clerk: Mrs D Foster, Research Policy & Governance Officer, Research & Innovation

Quorum

50% of formal membership

Number of meetings per session

Five

In the absence of the Convener, responsibility for chairing University Research Committee meetings will either be designated by the Convener in advance to another committee member or will fall to one of the Deans, and thereafter to one of the School Directors of Research.

Agendas and Minutes

Session 2025-26

Session 2024-25

Session 2023-24

Wellbeing Support