Usher Institute Research Committee

Terms of Reference (27 Jan 2025)

1. Purpose

This committee is established to foster a vibrant research environment within the Usher Institute, promoting the delivery of cutting-edge research and supporting research staff (including professional services staff who support research) at all stages of their careers.

2. Remit

• Develop, guide and support implementation of the Usher Institute research strategy.

• Identify and promote areas of research excellence within the Institute.

• Foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research within the Institute and with external partners.

• Advise the Director of the Usher Institute on research priorities and resource allocation.

• Review research proposals from the Usher Institute, via Research Fellowship Committee.

• Support and promote good practice in research training and professional development for Usher Institute research staff (including professional services staff who support research).

• Monitor and review the research income and performance of the Usher Institute and recommend strategies for improvement.

• Disseminate information on research funding opportunities and resources to Usher Institute researchers.

• Promote a culture of research integrity and transparency.

• Contribute, where appropriate, to the strategic work of other Usher Committees.

• Support, where appropriate, the Usher Director of Research and Senior Research Strategy Manager with preparations for the Research Excellence Framework.

• Take an active interest in and have an overview of research work of the members of the Institute.

• Represent the Usher Research Committee at relevant University/College/Institute meetings and events.

• Liaise with the Usher Director of Innovation to ensure that research is undertaken and performed with an innovation mindset, pursuing opportunities for securing invention disclosures, patents, copyrights, and spinouts.

3. Chair Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Committee, ensuring alignment with the overall goals and objectives of the Usher Institute and the CMVM. 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 College-, University-wide and external meetings and events. ii) Communicate effectively with the CMVM Dean of Research, the wider academic community, stakeholders, and funders regarding the Committee's activities and achievements.

• Research Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of the Usher Institute's research strategy, ensuring that it is aligned with the Committee's priorities, the broader needs of the field, and the CMVM research strategy through regular engagement with the CMVM Dean of Research.

• Ethics and Compliance: Ensure that the Committee's activities adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines. Promote a culture of research integrity and transparency.

4. Governance and Operation

• The committee will report to the Usher Executive.

• The committee will typically meet bi-monthly (six times per year

• A co-chair model will used with joint Chairs, the Usher Institute’s Director of Research and Senior Research Strategy Manager.

• 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 composed of approximately 12-15 members, including:

  • Director of Research, Usher Institute, Senior Research Strategy Manager  (Co-Chairs)

  • Representatives from each of the Usher Institute's research centres

  • Early Career Researcher representative(s)

  • Professional services, including Edinburgh Innovations and Edinburgh Research Office

  • Teaching staff representative 

  • Additional members may be appointed by the Co-Chairs at their discretion, based on expertise or strategic needs.

The committee will be appointed by the (Co-)Chairs, with members invited to join via an all staff email and completion of a brief expression of interest form. (Co-)Chairs and membership term of office shall be three years, renewable at the discretion of the Director and Chief Academic Officer of the Usher Institute.

6. Meetings

• Meetings will typically be held in person at the Usher Institute (hybrid if necessary) and will last for approximately 2 hours.

• Meeting agendas and materials will be circulated to committee members in advance of meetings.

7. Quorum

A quorum for a meeting shall be seven members.

8. Conflict of Interest

Committee members must declare any potential conflicts of interest before participating in discussions or decisions related to those conflicts.

9. Review and Update

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed and updated every three years or as needed to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

Additional Considerations

• Subcommittees: The committee may establish subcommittees to address specific areas of focus or to delegate tasks. e.g. Fellowship Review Committee

• 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.

• The Committee on occasion will permit Usher staff to “observe” to see how the research committee functions.

Previous meeting

Last updated 22 April 2026, 9:37 AM