Research Committee Terms of Reference and Membership

Also see:

Purpose

The Research Committee advises Senate on the development, promotion and performance of research and innovation and, advised by Postgraduate Research Studies Sub-Committee, on the assurance of the quality of the postgraduate research student experience.

Terms of Reference

i. To monitor and advise Senate on the development of staff research activity and researcher development.

ii. To promote innovation and good practice in research and to monitor and evaluate research initiatives across the University.

iii. To consider reports and evaluations from external agencies and stakeholders regarding the University’s research provision and performance, including research degrees, and to advise the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) on responses to them.

iv. To advise Senate on the academic regulations for research degree programmes, including the establishment, revision or discontinuation of research degrees and other research awards of the University.

v. To advise Senate on the development and review of academic policies for:

the approval and monitoring of research degrees
entry requirements and admissions policies
information and learning support for research students
the assessment of students, including external examining and the appeals procedure
the enhancement of postgraduate research education and development and the learning environment

vi. To consider and advise Senate on relevant data from University and external student surveys with specific regard to the quality of the learning experience on research degrees.

vii. To advise Senate on the development, promotion and performance of research and innovation in the context of the University's approach to academic engagement.

viii. To advise Senate on the development, promotion and performance of research and innovation in the context of the university's approach to internationalisation.

ix. To consider and advise Academic Programmes and Partnerships Committee on the establishment, renewal or discontinuation of formal academic partnerships with other institutions or organisations, including affiliation and other recognised forms of collaborative provision, in relation to research degree provision.

x. To work in collaboration with Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committee to ensure a consistent approach to matters affecting students.

xi. To recommend to Senate, through the Academic Audit and Governance Committee, the establishment, terms of reference and composition of any time-limited working groups deemed necessary to develop, advance or review the Committee’s business.

Membership

Ex officio (5)

Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) (Chair)1

Director of Research and Innovation 1

Associate Deans (Research and Innovation) 3

Appointed (10)

Associate Dean (Academic) 1

Associate Dean (International) 1

A member of academic staff from each College to include at least one Head of School and one Associate Head (Research and Innovation) 3

A Professor or Reader appointed by the Chair of Research Committee 1

A member of staff with expertise in academic development appointed by the Chair of Research Committee 1

A member of Contract Research Staff appointed by the Chair of Research Committee 1

Postgraduate research students nominated by the Students' Union Trustee Board 2

Total (15)

In attendance

Secretary, member of staff from Governance Services Unit
Associate Director, Library & Learning Services
Assistant Registrar (Research Co-ordination)
Associate Director, Enterprise
Associate Dean Academic - nominated by the Chair of LTEC