Research strategy

Our research and innovation strategy

As a research-intensive university, our mission is to address global and societal challenges through excellent research with an open, interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. We are world leaders on environmental sustainability and a trusted independent voice on climate change. We aim to use the power of knowledge and challenge-led research to motivate change towards a more sustainable and fairer future.

Four interconnected objectives guide our work:

Support and strengthen a positive and resilient research culture.
Strengthen our culture of research excellence, impact and knowledge exchange by investing in skills and leadership development.
Advance our world-class research to lead a transition to sustainable and fair future societies.
Build on our strategic partnerships and public engagement to enhance the visibility, accessibility and impact of our research, maximising its potential to make a difference in the real world.

Progress towards the Strategy is monitored against a number of high-level indicators and a set of indicators for each objective, at both the institutional and research division level.

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Our research governance (diagram)

Excellence is central to our research strategy. We support research of the highest quality in all our disciplinary areas, encouraging a culture of curiosity and innovation, which aims to make a positive difference to the lives of local and global communities.

governance of research

Research at the University is led by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Parveen Yaqoob. She is supported in this by the four Associate Pro-Vice Chancellors for Research and sit with her on the University Committee for Research and Innovation together with the Head of Planning and Reporting and the Project Manager for Research Strategy.

The University Board for Research and Innovation provides governance and oversight of all research-related activity. It oversees the work of all research committees, and reports to Senate on all research matters.

The University鈥檚 research governance is informed by four key principles: accountability, leadership, effectiveness and inclusiveness. Committee members include research leaders, staff from professional services, and researchers appointed through an open process. All colleagues are able to put forward proposals to any of the committees and committee minutes are shared with all staff.

A summary chart provides an overview of the University鈥檚 research governance structure. Key committees are:

University Board for Research and Innovation (UBRI)
University Committee for Research and Innovation (UCRI)
Committee for Researcher Development and Postgraduate Studies (CRDPS)
Committee for Open Research and Research Integrity (CORRI)
Committee for Research Infrastructure (CRI)
University Committee for Research Impact, Partnerships, and Engagement (UCRIPE)
REF Planning Group