General purpose:  A Standing Committee of Academic Council which is responsible for bringing forward strategy and policy to support the achievement of the University’s research and innovation Strategic Plan objectives.   The Committee is responsible for advising on the University’s framework for the evaluation and monitoring of research performance, including the University’s standing nationally and internationally.  It provides an important forum for debate and consultation on these and related matters.

The Committee shall consult with relevant University Officers as appropriate in relation to specific items and issues of potential significant impact to the University (particularly in relation to resources). 

The Committee liaises closely with other Standing Committees in areas of common interest to ensure policy coherence.

The Committee shall undertake any other duties or tasks assigned to it by Academic Board or Academic Council from time to time.

Reports to:  Academic Board on matters concerning delegated authority and is advisory to Academic Council on policy matters within its remit. 

1. Strategy and Policy

To bring forward for initial consideration by Academic Board:

a) Proposals on strategy and policy to support the development of research, innovation, external research engagement, and consultancy in pursuit of the University’s Strategic Plan objectives in these areas.
b) Mechanisms for fostering and enhancing the University's engagement with key external agencies concerned with research funding and development, nationally and internationally.
c) Advice and guidance on the financial and strategic implications for UCC of changes in externally funded research in Ireland, Europe and internationally, including emerging risks and options for action.
d)  Advice and guidance for the development of the University’s framework and procedures for the evaluation of research capacity and the quality of research, and for the governance of research institutes and centres, at UCC.[1]
e) Consider recommendations from the Academic Staff Development Committee to promote and maintain high quality learning and teaching and to support the development of research to meet strategic objectives, including measures for recognising student and staff achievement in these areas.

[1] The Research and Innovation Committee is the consultative forum for policy matters and procedures.  The Research Institutes and Centres Committee is a reporting committee of UMTS.

2. Executive functions

 Under delegated authority from Academic Board to:

a) Co-ordinate the University's response to national policy consultations in the areas of research, innovation and consultancy.
b) Evaluate UCC’s research and innovation performance against the University’s KPIs and international rankings in these areas and suggest action as appropriate.
c)  Keep under review the University’s KPIs in areas within its remit and recommend adjustment as necessary.

3. Oversight functions

a) Maintain oversight of College and Research Centres/Institutes’ research strategies and to advise on the overall complementarity with the UCC Research and Innovation Strategy.
b) Receive and consider an annual report from the VP Research and Innovation evaluating research and consultancy; activities undertaken by research centres/institutes; outcomes from quality reviews where relevant; and to propose action as appropriate.
c) Maintain oversight of the effectiveness of UCC’s strategies and policies for promoting and supporting research capacity at UCC and to advise as appropriate.

4.  Other business as required

a) To submit to the Board minutes from each meeting of the Committee and to report on specific matters as requested.
b) To advise Academic Board and Academic Council on such matters that Academic Board or Academic Council may refer to the Committee from time to time.

Delegated authority

The Research and Innovation Committee retains the overall responsibilities defined in its terms of reference as approved by Academic Council.  The Committee may establish Sub Committees to enable it to fulfil its remit and to which it may delegate functions with the approval of Academic Council.  The Committee may also establish working groups from time to time to assist in its work.  Sub-Committees and working groups shall operate in accordance with the procedures set down in the Academic Council Committee Handbook.  

Reserved Business

None approved by Academic Council.

Frequency of Meetings

The Committee shall meet up to 4 times per year or as directed by Academic Council.

Membership

 Approved by Academic Council 28^th January 2011

 Amended Academic Council 07-10-16