Research Culture Committee

Research Culture Committee Responsibilities

The role of the Research Culture Committee is to lead and sustain an inclusive and healthy research culture. The Research Culture Committee oversees our Research Culture activity and reports into Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee.  

The Committee supports University research through a focus on the ways research is undertaken, ensuring Northumbria provides a research environment that is inclusive, fair and positive for all those involved in research including the faculty body, research support, research participants, partners, collaborators and other stakeholders. 

The Committee does this by aligning with emerging best practice in the sector, as well as developing initiatives that shape best practice. In discharging this role, the Committee can approve proposed improvements to the University's arrangements relating to research culture, and/or for more significant matters or those requiring investment, the committee will consider and endorse matters for presentation to the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee, or other appropriate body or individual. 

A significant role of the Committee is to monitor and advise upon the HR Excellence in Research Award action plan, and the annual statement on compliance with the Researcher Development Concordat, and the Technician's Commitment. The Committee also monitors and advises on the spend of the Research England Enhancing Research Culture grant. 

If you have any queries please contact via email, the Secretary, Head of Research Culture and Integrity, Laura Hutchinson, or the Chair, Dean of Research Culture Prof Matt Baillie Smith.

laura.hutchinson2@northumbria.ac.uk

matt.baillie-smith@northumbria.ac.uk

Membership of Research Culture Committee

Members of the Committee are fundamental in shaping research culture activity at Northumbria. We believe that an inclusive, representative membership of the committee is crucial to challenging historic inequalities in research ecosystems.

They will be expected to:

• Consult with the relevant colleagues in their faculties of services as appropriate on proposals and recommendations arising from the work of the Committee.
• Deliver actions arising from the Committee in their own area of responsibility and to report back to the Committee on progress.

Membership of the committee comprises representatives from all parts of the university that play a role in research, including early career academics, members of university executive, technicians, RIS staff and academics across career points.

Committee members are recruited with explicit Equality, Diversity and Inclusion characteristics by including academic colleagues with lived experience of disability, LGBTQ+, and being from the Global Majority who have ring-fenced membership on the Committee.

Subcommittee for Responsible Research Assessment 

The subcommittee for responsible research assessment has key objectives around promoting key principles, supporting polices, monitoring awareness and providing outreach including identifying training needs and distributing promotional materials.  

For more information about Research Culture Committee and current membership, please see the Research Culture Committee Terms of Reference