Research Planning and Strategy Committee Remit

The remit of the Research Planning and Strategy Committee (RPSC) focuses on research and knowledge exchange activity across the University as a whole. The Committee reports to Senate and SMG and meets approximately every two months. It is chaired by the Vice-Principal (Research & Knowledge Exchange).

The PGR Executive Committee is a sub-committee of RPSC.

Membership of RPSC

  • The Principal
  • Vice Principal (Research & Knowledge Exchange) (Chair)
  • Dean of Research for each College
  • Dean of Graduate Studies for each College
  • Selected staff from each College*
  • Executive Director of Research Services
  • Executive Director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Engagement
  • Research Operations Representative
  • Research Finance Representative
  • Head of Commercialisation
  • Research Staff Representative
  • President of the Students' Representative Council
  • Director of the Advanced Research Centre
  • Academic Lead for Good Research Practice
  • Academic Lead for Inclusive Research Practice

* The 'selected staff' do not serve on a representative basis but are selected by the Convener for their ability to consider and contribute to issues from a University perspective. This selection is made in consultation with relevant Heads of College having regard to ensuring diversity on committees.

The remit of the Research Planning and Strategy Committee is:

  • To define, promote and implement the University's Research Strategy in association with Colleges and other relevant bodies.
  • To monitor progress towards the delivery of the University’s Research Strategy.
  • To identify new areas of research, and how they should be developed for the future.
  • To make recommendations to the Senior Management Group to enable the delivery of the Research Strategy.
  • To define and promote and monitor activity and progress towards the delivery of the University's research culture priorities.
  • To define, promote and implement strategy and policy relating to research students.
  • To review and approve new/significantly changed postgraduate research programmes.
  • To prioritise the University’s research portfolio and make appropriate recommendations to SMG as required.
  • To monitor progress towards the delivery of the University's submission to the Research Excellence Framework exercise.
  • To review the status of University Research Centres and approve applications to create new Centres.
  • To report to Senate and SMG.

Membership of Research Planning and Strategy Committee 2023-24