University Research Committee (URC)

Purpose

to develop the university's strategy for research, scholarship and innovation, thus contributing to the university's overall mission
to promote research, scholarship and innovation, and the well-being of researchers and scholars at UCT

Composition

the vice-chancellor (ex officio)
the deputy vice-chancellor: research
the chair of the University Research Committee (URC)
the chair of the University Equipment Committee (UEC)
six members of staff appointed by senate (senate elects expert members with insight into a broad spectrum of disciplines
a representative member from council.

The role of the URC

to develop and submit policy proposals for research and innovation
to develop and monitor institutional performance indicators for research and innovation, to enable the committee to report to senate and to faculties
to identify, initiate and promote research directions and developments that are new and/or of strategic importance
to ensure and encourage access to research funding, locally, nationally and internationally
to work with the Development and Alumni Department in fundraising research towards agreed strategic priorities
to interrogate and integrate faculty-level research plans, examining possible areas for cross-faculty and inter-institutional collaboration and development
to develop, initiate and sustain an environment that supports researchers and scholars and, in particular, supports and nurtures young researchers and scholars
to oversee the work of all the research sub-committees with the objective of ensuring that they are effective in relation to their goals.

Funding opportunities offered by the URC are available here.