Usher Institute Innovation Committee - Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Usher Innovation Committee will be to serve as a platform that fosters a culture where staff members can realise their potential to innovate and create meaningful impact. Through strategic guidance, resource identification, and promoting collaboration, the Committee will act as a catalyst for translating innovative ideas into outcomes that will benefit society and improve the lives of people and populations.
2. Remit
Developing the Innovation Strategy: Designing and continuously refining a strategy that aligns with the Usher Institute’s goals and the CMVM’s vision, fostering a supportive environment and culture for innovation.
Facilitating Leadership and Implementation: Providing guidance to implement the innovation strategy and support leaders across the Institute in adopting best practices.
Identifying Key Opportunities: Recognising and promoting internal and external opportunities—such as hackathons, training courses, fellowships, translational activities, consultancies, internships, and secondments—that support skill-building and innovation among staff.
Building a Shared Understanding of Innovation: Demystifying innovation and establishing a common framework that makes sense for Usher, embracing various types of innovation at different stages.
Mapping Innovation Pathways: Outlining the innovation cycle from idea generation to impact in a way that is relatable and relevant for the Usher Institute, leveraging the Innovation Pathways articulated by the UofE and CMVM.
Inspiring Staff: Curating and sharing case studies, both from within and outside the Institute, to inspire a shared vision and demonstrate tangible examples of successful innovation.
Monitoring Innovation Activities: Actively tracking innovation-related activities across the Institute to ensure they align with strategic goals and support the growth of an innovation-focused culture.
Representing the Committee: Fostering a strong connection to the Office of the CMVM Dean of Innovation and Engagement, while also engaging in relevant University, College, and Institute meetings and events to represent the Usher Innovation Committee and advocate for its initiatives.
Assessing Engagement with Edinburgh Innovations (EI): Reviewing and encouraging staff engagement with EI resources and recommending strategies to enhance participation and impact.
Judging Annual Recognition Awards: Evaluating nominations for the annual Recognition Award for 'Excellence in Innovation and Engagement' and providing recommendations to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding contributions.
3. Chair Responsibilities
Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Committee, ensuring alignment with the overall goals and objectives of the Usher Institute. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages open discussion and critical thinking among Committee members.
Governance: i) Oversee the Committee's operations, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines. ii) Chair Committee meetings effectively, ensuring that agendas are set, discussions are productive, and decisions are made in a timely and informed manner. iii) Facilitate consensus-building among Committee members and resolve conflicts when necessary.
Representation: i) Represent the Committee at University-wide and external meetings and events. ii) Communicate effectively with the wider academic community, stakeholders, and funders regarding the Committee's activities and achievements.
Innovation Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of the Usher Institute's Innovation strategy, ensuring that it is aligned with the CMVM’s and Committee's priorities and the broader needs of the field.
4. Governance and Operation
The committee will report to the Usher Executive.
The committee will typically meet bi-monthly (six times per year).
The committee will aim to promote transparency, inclusion, and engagement in its working.
Minutes and relevant papers from meetings will be circulated to committee members and be made available upon request.
The anticipated time commitment for each member of the committee is expected to be 4-5 hours a month.
5. Membership
The Committee will be comprised of 8-12 members, including:
Co-Chairs: Director of Innovation, Usher, and an appointed Co-Chair.
Centre Representatives: 1-2 representatives from each of Usher’s four centres.
Additional Representatives from:
ECTU (Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit)
EI (Edinburgh Innovations)
Professional Services (Communications, Research Strategy)
Health and Social Care Data-Driven Innovation
Additional Members: Appointed by the Co-Chairs as needed, based on expertise or strategic requirements, with agreement from the Usher Director and the Usher Chief Academic Officer.
The Committee (Co-)Chair(s) is appointed by the Usher Institute’s Director and its Chief Academic Officer. The (Co-)Chair’s and members’ terms of office will be three years, renewable at the discretion of the Usher Institute’s Director and its Chief Academic Officer.
6. Meetings
Meetings will be held in person, at the Usher Building, with hybrid attendance options available. Each meeting will last approximately one hour.
7. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 5 members.
8. Conflict of Interest
Members must declare any conflicts of interest related to agenda items before discussions or decisions.
9. Review and Update
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed and updated every three years, or as required, to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Additional Considerations
Subcommittees: The committee may establish subcommittees to address specific areas of focus or to delegate tasks.
Communication: The committee will maintain open communication channels with all Usher Institute researchers.
Evaluation: The committee's effectiveness will be evaluated through regular review of its activities and outcomes.
false,false,1Previous meeting
Inaugural Meeting (Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.)Last updated