Research & Enterprise Services (RES)
nno5
Guidance on applying to become a University Research Centre and
Application Form
A. University Research Centres (URCs)
A formal definition of URCs is not advisable since circumstances vary widely across the research
landscape. The ultimate arbiter of URC status is Senate following approval by Faculty, University
Research Committee and Executive Board.
The existence of a small number of high quality identifiable research centres assists the University in
terms of visibility in key strategic areas. It may also contribute to better marketing of
interdisciplinary areas to potential PGR candidates and with the coordination of large research bids.
URCs must represent added value over other research structures; that value may come in profile,
marketing, research environment, interdisciplinary working and funding. A URC should help staff to
achieve publication in high impact journals and improve esteem indicators. There is an expectation
that the activities of a URC will not lie entirely within a given academic unit, although this may not be
true in all cases. URCs are expected to have a defined academic lead as Director and a clear remit
and title which will not compromise other academic researchers who are not involved in the URC.
B. Application Process
There are two routes for University Research Centre approval. The first is as a result of emerging
strengths within an academic unit leading to application by the academic staff involved to University
Research Committee and approval by Executive Board. The second is as a result of nomination by
University Research Committee for achievements confirmed by external benchmarks (research
income, centre status given by Research Councils). The process is outlined below.
Submit application to FRSG (HaSS, SAgE)/FRSC (FMS) for approval/rejection.
Dean of Research to submit to University Research Committee for comment and approval/rejection.
Recommendation from University Research Committee to Executive Board.
Formal approval and appointment of Director, usually for 3 years, by Senate
C. Application
The application for the first type of URC should complete the application form. The appropriate
Research Dean will be the first point of contact for the second type of URC. From academic year
2009-10 applications for new URCs will need to be submitted to University Research Committee by
the 1st March.
D. Review, Reporting and Re-approval Processes
University Research Committee will administer the URC development fund budget on behalf of the
PVC (R and I).The development fund budget is funded from the cross-cutting PVC (R &I) budget on
an annual basis and it is proposed to work as follows:
Page 1 of 4
Approved: 12/01/2009, Updated: 01/04/2014
Research & Enterprise Services (RES)
nno5
On first approval, and on subsequent successful three year review, each URC can bid for up to £10k
against a plan. Suitable items might include support for prestigious visiting speakers, publicity
leaflets (to help attract PGR candidates) etc. The amount received will depend on the number of
URCs, the available budget and other strategic priorities.
Annually (date to be agreed) each URC will be required to submit a short report on activities through
the year. Any URC that does not submit a report by the required date will not be eligible for funding
in the following year. At this annual reporting stage, each URC will be eligible to bid to receive an
annual sum up to £5k against a plan. The amount received will depend on the number of URCs and
the available budget.
Each URC will be reviewed and considered for re-approval after 3 years and be invited to attend
University Research Committee to present the vision, outputs, esteem and evaluate the work over
the last 3 years and share plans for the future. From academic year 2009-10, URCs will be reviewed
by 1 March of the relevant year.
These arrangements would be kept under review and judged against effectiveness in achieving the
University’s strategic research aims.
Page 2 of 4
Approved: 12/01/2009, Updated: 01/04/2014
Application for Approval for University
Research Centre Status
Research & Enterprise Services (RES)
nno5
1. Proposed Title and name of proposed Director:
2. Objectives of the Research Centre
3. How does this URC fit with the University’s institutional strategy for research? Please provide
evidence
4. What is the strategy for developing the URC?
5. What is the visibility of the proposed URC in the international community? Please provide
evidence of strategy to develop the reputation of the URC.
6. Please describe the support and mentoring provided for PGRs and early-stage researchers
7. How will the URC contribute to the research environment in the University (e.g. seminar
programmes etc)?
8. Is the URC going to play a role in coordinating major grant applications?
9. List the key academic staff involved
10. Outline the proposed management structure and Terms of Reference for the Research Centre,
including Director/Board of Directors, Board of Stakeholder Departments and External Peer Review
Mechanism.
Page 3 of 4
Approved: 12/01/2009, Updated: 01/04/2014
Research & Enterprise Services (RES)
nno5
Evidence Required:
11. Evidence of vibrant research funding and at a level amongst the top 10 equivalent research
groups in comparator UK Universities. Please contact Jill Golightly to access internal and
comparative data.
12. Evidence of outputs with a frequency and quality amongst the top 10 equivalent research
groups in comparator UK Universities.
13. Evidence of publication strategy (or equivalent)
14. Evidence that the URC enhances cross-disciplinary working that addresses identified major
societal issues and delivers benefits to wider Society (so-called Demand or Market Facing).
Evidence of engagement with relevant groups outside the University
15. Evidence of visits from internationally prominent researchers either to give talks or stay for
sabbaticals.
16. Evidence of links with respected research groups overseas
Head of Academic Unit approval: …………………………………
Date: ………………………………………
FRSG/FRSC approval:……………………………………..
Date: ………………………………………
Page 4 of 4
Approved: 12/01/2009, Updated: 01/04/2014