Research Advisory Groups

Introduction

Heads of Department must create a Research Advisory Group (RAG) to advise on research matters within the Department. The RAG will advise the HoD and the Department Committee on matters of research policy and strategy (in line with the policy and strategy of the University) as well as on the operation of those strategies and policies.  It should be recognised that the HoD has ultimate responsibility for academic leadership (including in matters relating to research). The HoD should appoint a Chair of the RAG in consultation with the Deputy Provost.

Terms of Reference

A Research Advisory Group will be required to advise the HoD, and report to the Departmental Committee, on:

  • Strategies and priorities for research in the department.
  • Allocation of resources to support and promote research, including, for example, conference expense support, workload allocations relating to research activity, sabbatical leave allocations.
  • Construction of the submission(s) for the Research Excellence Framework, including the commissioning of advice on who should be submitted.

The group should also advise the HoD on any research-related business relevant to the life of the Department, in particular by:

  • Participating in the shortlisting/selection process of any external candidates for appointment to an academic post or for internal candidates for promotion, by contributing advice relating to their research profile; and
  • Monitoring arrangements within the Department for supporting early career researchers.

and by contributing to processes to:

  • Work with Research Centre Directors to mentor all colleagues and ensure RC Directors build vitality within their centres;
  • Ensure that other colleagues, including those in Research Groups, are also supported in an appropriate fashion; 
  • Work with colleagues and the Research Facilitators to develop successful external funding applications, giving direct academic advice to applicants or obtaining help from appropriate colleagues to provide that advice as necessary;
  • Disseminate advice and information among colleagues and act as a conduit for research-related communications between colleagues and the HoD, the Deputy Provost or Research Facilitator as necessary;
  • Undertake such other duties as are designated by the HoD.

Composition

  • Head of Department
  • RAG Chair
  • UoA Coordinator(s)
  • Research Degrees Convener
  • Research Facilitator
  • An ECR representative
  • Secretary as agreed by HoD (for action minutes only)
  • Centre/Group Directors or other senior researchers – at the discretion of the HoD
  • Ethics representative (as necessary)
  • Enterprise representative (as necessary)

Meetings

Meetings should be held at least once each term and more often if necessary.

Approved by Senate: 29 April 2015