UCC has recently commenced a new project to implement an ‘end-to-end’, web-based Research Information System (RIS). This system will provide a single integrated platform for researchers and research managers to capture, manage and report on key research life-cycle activities and associated metrics. The Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (OVPRI) will lead this project in collaboration with UCC IT Services.

Goal

The goal of this project is to implement an end-to-end Research Information System. This new system will: 

• Enable UCC’s Strategic Plan (Goal 1) and UCC Futures​. 
• ​Increase researcher visibility, research impact and rankings.​ 
• Enable an institution-wide, consistent approach to research​. 
• Standardise management of research information & streamline administration processes.​
• Strengthen reporting capabilities and enable UCC to meet external compliance requirements.​ 
• Enable evidence-based approach to research strategy. 
• Increase collaboration opportunities. 
• Diversify research funding. 
• Attract and retain talent. 

Scope

The scope of this project covers the following key functionality: 

• Researcher Profiles 
• ​Grant Application & Award Management ​ 
• ​Ethics Reviews
• Research Reporting (both internal & external)​ 

Project Team

The project is being led by a steering group who report regularly to the RISI (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Impact) ULT Subcommittee and the University Leadership Team.

The steering group includes:

• Professor John Cryan, Vice President for Research & Innovation
• Ger Culley, Director of IT
• David O’Connell, Director of Research Support & Policy
• Siobhan Cusack, Director of Research Strategy & Projects
• Coral Black, University Librarian
• Rosie Coffey, Head of Enterprise Solutions
• Professor Luigina Ciolfi, Chair of ACRIC (Academic Council Research & Innovation Committee)
• Finance representative (TBC)

The project is supported by a team including:

• Julie O’Donoghue, Research Systems and Reporting Officer
• Ciara Russell, Project & Change Manager

Engagement

• Consultation Forums in October 2023 (open to all staff - details have issued by email and on Workvivo).
• Researcher User Group (including nominated researcher representatives from the four Colleges and Tyndall National Institute).
• Updates to research committees and PI Forum.
• Meetings with key internal stakeholders (units that will be future users of system and areas where internal system integrations may take place).
• Regular status updates to be shared with research community.

If you have any feedback that you’d like to share about UCC’s existing research information system (IRIS) or researcher needs for the new system, please share this with us through the feedback form.