FAHSS Policy re Establishment and Renewal of University Research Centres

Scope and Definitions

The establishment of Research Centres promotes scholarly and creative collaborations within the FAHSS community. These Centres facilitate the pursuit of external research grants, contribute to a strong research identity at various levels, and enhance the overall research environment.

A Research Centre generally consists of faculty members and may include external partners, operating within an academic unit. While a Research Centre typically does not offer its own academic programs, it may contribute to research training and provide infrastructure for students.
The policy ensures that Research Centres:

• Have formal FAHSS approval with a five-year renewable mandate, increasing accountability both within FAHSS and to the external community.
   
• Gain visibility with a clear mandate, expertise, goals, objectives, and performance metrics, both within the University and beyond.
   
• Contribute strategically to the FAHSS’ research and academic mission.
   
• Enable applications for team and collaborative grants that support significant research initiatives.
   
• Attract graduate and undergraduate students and create opportunities for interdisciplinary graduate programs and experiential learning.

Review of Proposals and Approvals

Proposals for the establishment of Centres should be submitted to the Associate Dean, Research, and must include the following components:

1.  Name of Centre: The proposed name of the Centre.
    
2.  Purpose of the Centre: This should include the rationale, background, significance, mission, and scope of activities. The proposal should detail anticipated opportunities and how they align with the FAHSS’ Strategic Research Plan.
    
3.  Management Structure: Outline the proposed management structure, including the Director, management committee, and advisory committee.
    
4.  Proposed Members: List the Director designate and other inaugural members, categorized by membership type if applicable (e.g., associate, corporate, affiliate, external community). Include abbreviated CVs (covering the last five years) for each primary member.
    
5.  Research/Educational Component: Describe the benefits, opportunities, challenges, and constraints associated with the Centre. Address how the Centre will advance the field, its expected impact, success metrics, specific research topics, collaborative efforts, funding strategies, and the Centre’s role in meeting FAHSS’ academic and research objectives.
    
6.  Facilities: Provide a detailed list of available research facilities and infrastructure, including space and equipment. Identify strengths and weaknesses, future needs, and strategies for acquiring additional facilities.
    
7.  Budget: If required by the home Dean, include a detailed five-year financial plan. This should cover anticipated income from various sources (e.g., University, government, industry) and proposed expenditures and disbursements.

Review, Approval, and Renewal of Centres

• Proposals for establishing Centres will be reviewed by the FAHSS Research Council.
   
• Recommendations will be forwarded to the Dean and ratified by the Faculty Coordinating Committee (FCC).
   
• Centres will be reviewed by the FAHSS Research Council by the end of their five-year term. Director will be asked to prepare a report. The report is to include a summary of the following: (a) the list of faculty involved in the Centre’s activities; (b) the number of students involved in the Centre’s activities (over the duration of the Centre and since the last review); (c) a list of publications or creative activities resulting from the Centre’s activities, and (d) a list of research funding associated with the Centre.
   
• Renewal recommendations will be submitted to the Dean and ratified by the FCC.