Governance of Research Institutes, Centres and Units (RICUs)

An Update

Professor Anita R. MaguireVPRI

Heads and Managers Forum, 1st December 2014

Governance of RICUs – Guiding Principles

Development of a RICU Governance Framework – Key Considerations:• Dynamic, interdisciplinary and sustainable RICUs are central to UCC’s Strategy for

Research and Innovation• Requirement for clarity to ensure effective structures and processes that enable and

facilitate research• Implementation of oversight mechanisms to ensure highest standards are

maintained, while preserving flexibility and agility. • Directors/PIs – dual role in Schools and in RICUs:

• Research undertaken within Schools/Depts is vital to the reputation of the University – mutual benefit principle

• Employment of all RICU researchers through UCC’s Employment and Career Management Structure for Researchers: http://www.ucc.ie/en/researchcareers/

• Extensive communication and consultation with UCC’s research community

RICUs are Key to UCC Research Success

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013*

010,000,00020,000,00030,000,00040,000,00050,000,00060,000,00070,000,00080,000,00090,000,000

RICUsTotal

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013*

0

20,000,000

40,000,000

60,000,000

80,000,000

100,000,000

120,000,000

RICUsTotal

I. Research Expenditure II. Research New Award Income

2006-

2007

2007-

2008

2008-

2009

2009-

2010

2010-

2011

2011-

2012

2012-

2013

020004000600080001000012000140001600018000

RICUsTotal

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

01000200030004000500060007000

RICUsTotal

III. EU-FP7 New Award Income IV. Industry New Award Income

Policy on RICU Governance – Key Elements

• RICUs are designated as S, M or L as defined in the Procedures for Establishment, Review and Disestablishment of Research Centres and Units

• Governance structure and reporting requirements appropriate for the scale of the RICU:

– Type S– Type M (within one College/across more than one College) – Type L

• Current University policy on allocation of research overheads will apply• Each RICU submits an annual report to the University via the VPRI• Regular review by the Centres & Institutes Committee (CIC) – 3 year cycle• Policy and Procedures documentation approved by UMTO (25 th November)

Next Steps1. Submission of Policy/Procedures to Governing Body & Audit Committee for approval 2. Finalise current RICU designation as S, M or L 3. Embedding of RICUs within College governance structures4. SLA development for L-type RICUs5. CIC assessment of applications for RICU establishment/dis-establishment

Financial Support for RICUs: Overhead allocation

Current University policy on distribution of research overheads will apply*: 10% of the total overhead earned will be allocated to Strategic Research Fund.

• Project in a School: College 60%; School 20%; Project 20%

• Project shared: College 40%; School 20%; RICU 20%; Project 20%;

• Project solely in a RICU: University 40%; RICU: 60%

*Subject to possible review in the future

M‐ and L‐type with dedicated infrastructure/support staff distinct from AU