Research and Innovation Committee

Terms of Reference and Membership

The Research and Innovation Committee (RIC) has delegated authority from Academic Board to oversee performance against the University’s Research and Innovation Strategic Plan 2030 and successive plans, and advise on the delivery of a co-ordinated approach to its delivery. This will include a particular focus on University’s Income Diversification activities (Research and Knowledge Exchange Funding), the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), Internal Research Investment and co-ordination of Research Excellence Framework (REF), University research policy approval and monitoring.

RIC also has oversight of research environment and culture, including supporting the career development of researchers and enhancement of RKE engagement at all University of Sunderland campuses.

While the Committee’s purpose is not information-sharing, it has a secondary benefit in communicating new developments, policies and opportunities to active researchers in faculties and institutes. 

Strategic Development and Performance Monitoring

1) To recommend the Research and Knowledge Exchange Plan to Academic Board and University Executive as appropriate 

2) To monitor delivery against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other identified measures and actions in the Research and Knowledge Plan 

3) To monitor and assess the effectiveness of the controls in place to mitigate the strategic risks for research and innovation, including SR4: income diversification 

4) To receive and contribute to horizon scanning, assess the impact of external trends in global, national and regional research and innovation activities, through the regular consideration of market insights, sector data, and the qualitative sources of UKRI and other funders, policy-makers and regulators and use this to inform how these align to broader University RKE strategy. 

5) To oversee the development of a pipeline of opportunities for new development within research and knowledge exchange. 

6) To inform and monitor a PVC and Executive-led targeted external funding plan to increase the University’s research and knowledge funding, including a pipeline of RKE funding applications and details of funding success. 

7) To seek periodic assurance from Graduate School Sub-Committee on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and direct recruitment activity relating to Postgraduate research recruitment and associated return on investment. 

8) To propose recommendations to develop the research culture, environment and infrastructure of the University 

9)  To provide input on research and innovation matters to academic board and executive from the perspective of active experience of R&I matters 

10) To receive annual reports from the Research Institutes, Interdisciplinary Research Networks, Clinical Academic Training Office, and Research Ethics Committee

Regulation and Policy

11) To oversee high-level, University-wide research policy, regulatory, ethics and governance requirements 

12) To review high-level compliance with, and implications of external RKE returns, UKRI and other funder and regulatory requirements for RKE activity, and provide assurance to Academic Board. 

13) To recommend the annual statement on compliance with the UUK Concordat on Research Integrity to Academic Board.  

14) To approve University policy, codes of practice in relation to RKE activity (other than for PGR students) as delegated to it by Academic Board. 

15) To approve a policy framework for awarding, monitoring and redistributing internal investment and to communicate these decisions to key stakeholders including that of the Research Institutes. 

16) To approve a mechanism for approval, modification or rejection of strategic research collaborations at regional, national or global levels. 

17) To advise, and seek assurance from, the Graduate School sub-committee on approaches for supporting the recruitment including the monitoring of progression, timely completions and development of Postgraduate Research Students.

Sub-committees of Research and Innovation Committee:

• Research Ethics Committee  
• Other sub-committees and sub-groups to be confirmed

Research and Innovation Committee meets three times per year (once per term). 

Research and Innovation Committee Membership 2025/26

Published: 31 July 2025