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Constitutions of University Centres and Institutes

Please note that this page is in the process of being updated for the 2017/18 academic year.

Royal College of Nursing Research Institute (RCNRI)

Director: Professor K. Seers


The RCN RI was formerly the Research Team at the Royal College of Nursing Institute from 1996-2007. When the RCN wished to develop a strategic alliance with another Higher Education Institute to enhance its ability to deliver high quality research, the University of Warwick was successful in its bid to be the RCN’s strategic alliance partner for research. The RCN RI has been a Research Institute at the University of Warwick since 1st August 2007, moving to be based within Warwick Medical School on 1 February 2013.


1. Aims of the RCN Research Institute


The RCN RI is committed to staying at the leading edge of research in our specialist areas via national and international inter-disciplinary collaboration. Specifically we aim to:


1. Produce high quality research that improves patient care and impacts on policy.


2. Increase research capacity within nursing by providing high quality research training.


3. Contribute towards the RCN delivering on its strategic objectives.


2. Constitution of the RCN RI Joint Advisory Board


1. To advise the University, the Royal College of Nursing and the Director RCN RI on strategic planning and direction.


2. To advise on the academic plans of the RCN RI, including scope and range.


3. To review objectives and progress against objectives.


4. To monitor the strategic alliance agreement between University of Warwick and the Royal College of Nursing, and discuss and recommend any variations and developments.


5. To ensure sound financial governance of RCN RI by receiving and commenting on financial statements.


6. To receive and review an Annual Report.


7. To monitor the quality of PhD student experience.


3. Membership of Joint Advisory Board


1. Two members from University of Warwick.


2. Two staff members from the Royal College of Nursing.


3. Two members of the Royal College of Nursing, to be appointed by the RCN Nursing Practice and Policy Committee.


4. Two external members with expertise in directing research centres


5. Two user/patient members.


6. Two members working in health care.


7. Director of RCN RI.


8. Head of the Health Sciences Division or nominee


9. One staff member from RCN RI.


Additional members can be co-opted to provide specialist advice as agreed upon by the University, the RCN and the RCN RI.


The Joint Advisory Board will be supported administratively by the PA to the Director RCN RI.


4. Working Methods


1. The Joint Advisory Board will meet at least annually.


2. All matters relating to the Joint Advisory Board will be treated as confidential.


3. Electronic or written communication may be used between Joint Advisory Board meetings.


4. All members will have equal standing on the group.


5. Term of office for members other than of the University or RCN is three years, renewable for one additional three year period.


6. The Joint Advisory Board will be chaired by an external member.


7. Conflicts of Interest will be declared and recorded.


8. A minimum of five members, which must include one member of the University and one staff member of the RCN must be present for a meeting to be quorate. Decisions relating to the approval of the Work Programme and Annual Report can only be made if a representative from both the RCN and the University vote in favour


9. If a Joint Advisory Board member is not present at three consecutive meetings, a new Joint Advisory Board member may be considered by the Chair and the Director of the RCN RI. It is expected that the member will normally attend, but they can send a fully briefed representative where this is unavoidable.


10. The experience and involvement of users and the impact of that involvement will be monitored.


As updated 13.11.13 by Joint Advisory Board


Reviewed and not changed by Joint Advisory Board 3.11.15


Centre for Scientific Computing

Director: Professor M. Rodger
 

  1. Aims of the Centre

    1. To attract and retain high quality researchers, from all areas of computationally driven science and engineering, and to help launch new, multidisciplinary research programmes.
    2. To facilitate inter-departmental knowledge sharing and creation in computationally driven research.
    3. To raise the external profile of the University in computationally driven research, and thereby in science and engineering in general.
    4. To develop and Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme in Scientific Computing.
    5. To strengthen the University's position when applying for large-scale funding and to ensure that such opportunities are successfully exploited.
    6. To rationalise administrative issues associated with the running of large-scale computational resources, by pooling resources across research groups from many departments.
    7. To develop the use of state-of-the-art computational tools as an integral part of graduate level curricula.
    8. To support the co-location of large-scale computational facilities and support staff around the University.
  2. Membership

    1. Staff will be appointed jointly to the Centre and to a participating department, including, but not exclusively, the Departments of Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering.
    2. Students following the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme will be members of the Centre (they may also be registered with a department working jointly with the Centre).
  3. The Director of the Centre

    1. The Director shall be appointed by the Senate for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    2. The Director shall be responsible for the implementation of the Centre's strategy for achieving its aims and for guiding its intellectual development.
    3. The Director shall be the Chair of the Management Committee.
    4. The Director shall prepare annually a self-assessment report for consideration by the Estimates and Grants Committee, which analyses the financial performance of the Centre and its performance against the following criteria, it being noted that the self-assessment may be supplementary to any reports required by an external sponsor:
      1. The volume of research activity as demonstrated by research grants and contracts;
      2. The impact on the recruitment of research students in departments connected to the Centre;
      3. Publications or other appropriate output by staff associated by the Centre;
    5. Short course activity.
    6. The Director shall attend a meeting with the Estimates and Grants Committee as part of the annual bidding round at which he/she will be invited to discuss their assessment of the performance of the Centre.
  4. Management Committee

    There shall be a Management Committee of the Centre which shall normally meet at least twice a year.
    1. Membership

      The membership of the Committee shall consist of:
      1. the Director, ex officio (in the chair).
      2. a representative of each department which has a joint appointment with the Centre, to be nominated by that department.
      3. up to two research students elected by the research students following the Centre's Interdisciplinary Research Programme.
    2. Terms of Reference

      The Management Committee is responsible for:
      1. advising the Director on the day-to-day administration and activities of the Centre including the development of the research programme;
      2. funding initiatives to be undertaken by the Centre;
      3. the appointment of staff to the Centre in accordance with funding and with the procedures approved by the Council;
      4. reviewing the progress of research projects undertaken by the Centre;
      5. monitoring the allocation of discretionary funds and issues relating to the financial management of the Centre.

    The Management Committee shall have a quorum of five.

  5. Funding

    1. The director shall supervise the funds of the Centre subject to the University's financial regulations.
    2. The Director shall authorise expenditure from funds allocated to the Centre.
    3. The Advisory Board shall be informed in the Director's Annual Report about the funds and accounts of the Centre.
    4. Nothing in this Constitution abrogates the overall responsibilities of the University Finance Officer.

(The constitution of the Centre is currently under review.)

Social Theory Centre

Directors: Dr G. Bhambra

  1. Aims of the Centre

    1. To provide a focus for interdisciplinary research in social theory through:
      1. encouraging the development of research projects and research funding in the area of social theory;
      2. interdisciplinary collaboration of staff in the departments of the University where teaching and research in social theory is pursued;
      3. co-operation between researchers in social theory in the University and researchers in other institutions in the UK and abroad.
      4. the identification and promotion of interdisciplinary research programmes, particularly in relation to ESRC selected themes.
    2. To enhance collaboration, research and the profile of social theory in the University through:
      1. the organisation of symposia, conferences, day schools, seminar programmes and visiting lectures to stimulate as well as disseminate study and research;
      2. the hosting of visiting fellows from other institutions in the UK and abroad.
    3. To facilitate the dissemination of research findings through:
      1. the production and distribution of Warwick Papers in Social Theory;
      2. the encouragement of journal and book publications;
      3. the development of an edited book series.
    4. To encourage the development of graduate research in social theory in the University through publication of student research and student participation in other Centre activities.
  2. Membership

    The members of the Centre shall include academic and research staff from the University teaching or researching in the area of social theory; visiting fellows and other visiting scholars working in this area of social theory; and other individuals who may from time to time be approved by the Executive Committee. Membership will be based on self-selection.
  3. The Directors

    1. The Directors shall be appointed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
    2. The Directors shall be responsible for the planning, direction and execution of the Centre's affairs.
    3. The Directors shall be appointed for a period of three years, the appointments being renewable.
  4. Executive Committee

    1. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Centre consisting of the Director of the Centre and up to eight other appointees of the Centre.
    2. Other members may be co-opted by the Executive Committee.
    3. The Executive Committee will meet as necessary, chaired by the Director, to promote the work of the Centre, undertake new projects, advise the Director on the allocation of discretionary funds and maintain a broad overview of the work of the Centre.
    4. The members of the Programme Committee will be appointed for a period of up to three years renewable. Student members will be appointed for a period of one year renewable.
  5. Advisory Committee

    1. There will be an Advisory Committee of the Centre whose terms of reference are:
      1. to advise on and assist in the overall work and running of the Centre;
      2. to validate the work of the Centre both in the University and in the outside world;
      3. to consider the Annual Reports of the Directors of the Centre;
      4. to advise the Senate through the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences about the activities and plans of the Centre;
      5. to meet at least once every three years to review the work of the Centre.
    2. Members of the Advisory Committee will be:
      1. three academics who are not members of the University, one of whom will be elected by the Committee as Chair of the Committee;
      2. the Directors of the Centre;
      3. two members of the Executive Committee, appointed by the Executive Committee.
      4. two other representatives appointed by the Executive Committee who are not members of the Executive committee.
    3. Members of the Advisory Committee will be appointed for a period of up to three years renewable.
       

Centre for Studies in Democratisation

Director: Dr R. Doorenspleet, BA, MA, PhD

The Centre for Studies in Democratisation has been established as a Centre in the Department of Politics and International Studies.

  1. Aims of the Centre

    The aims of the Centre are:
    1. To provide a focal point for collaborative interdisciplinary studies in democratisation, defined as a process of change to democratic system, in relation to contemporary Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe East and West;
    2. To conduct, co-ordinate and publish research into the political, economic, historical, social and legal dimensions of democratisation in cooperation with other departments, centres and institutes of the University;
    3. To disseminate information about democratisation through a seminar programme, by organising research conferences, meetings and occasional public lectures in the University and at other centres of research and teaching and through contacts with the media;
    4. To encourage debate and discussion and promote an interchange of views with those directly concerned with democratisation and to undertake research contracts and provide a specialist consultancy service;
    5. To attract eminent public figures and scholars as visiting and associate fellows of the Centre;
    6. To participate in the teaching and research programme of the Department.
  2. Composition

    The members of the Centre shall be:
    1. Those members of the Department of Politics and International Studies who are involved in teaching or research related to the programme of the Centre;
    2. Such visiting and associate fellows as the University may appoint to the Centre on the recommendation of the Director;
    3. Other members of the University engaged in the work of the Centre.
  3. The Director of the Centre

    The Director of the Centre shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences for a term of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    1. The Director shall be responsible to the Executive Committee for the planning and implementation of the Centre's work.
    2. The Director shall submit an Annual Report on the Centre's work to the Executive Committee.
  4. The Deputy Director

    A Deputy or Acting Director may be appointed at the discretion of the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences for a period to be specified.
  5. Executive Committee

    1. There shall be an Executive Committee with the following membership:
      1. the Director (Chair);
      2. the Deputy Director, if appointed, ex officio;
      3. the Chair of the Department of Politics and International Studies, ex officio;
      4. seven other members of the academic staff of the University, to be nominated by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences, for renewable terms of three years, including at least two from the Department of Politics and International Studies.
    2. The Executive Committee shall:
      1. receive regular reports from the Director on the work of the Centre;
      2. advise on the progress of research, the seminar and publications programme of the Centre, new projects and related applications for funding, the allocation of funds and all other matters relevant to the Centre;
      3. meet as and when necessary, normally at least three times a year.

Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation

Director: Dr A. Broome

  1. Establishment of the Centre

    • The Centre for the Study of Globalisations and Regionalisation was been established by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Senate. The Centre now sits within the Department of Politics and International Studies.
  2. Objectives

    1. The main objective of the Research Centre is to engage in multi- and inter-disciplinary research and dissemination activity in relation to globalisation and regionalisation.
    2. In order to achieve the objective set out above, the Research Centre will carry out the following actions:
      1. to publish significant theoretical and empirical findings in refereed journals, books and reports, together with articles for a more general readership;
      2. to establish itself as a focus of collaboration within the scientific community, and between scientists and potential users of its scientific programme, both nationally and internationally;
      3. to seek co-sponsorship for work which complements the Research Centre's research programme and to develop a strategy for the continued funding of the Research Centre, with a view to sustaining the Research Centre;
      4. to engage with research users and potential users with a view to meeting the needs of users and beneficiaries, through seeking their advice on the research programme, through publications, seminars and conferences, through teaching programmes, and through electronic and other means;
      5. to develop and implement a dissemination and publicity strategy for Research Centre to bring new findings to the attention of both the academic community, and of non-academic users, and to contribute to debates on public policy;
      6. to advance methodology and substantive knowledge in the area of study, by such means as research seminars for the wider academic community and training in research methods;
      7. to engage actively in the training of postgraduate research students in the area of study, in the University's departments and elsewhere, by means of personal supervision, research seminars, taught courses or the provision of data and other resources;
      8. to collaborate and to develop research links with other cognate research programmes and centres in national and international universities as appropriate;
      9. to maximise value for money in its activities.
  3. Membership

    • The members of the Centre shall consist of its academic, administrative and clerical staff, associate fellows, visiting fellows, and other people approved by the Centre's Advisory Committee.
  4. The Director of the Centre

    1. The Director of the Centre shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Politics and International Studies, in consultation with the Management Committee.
    2. The Director shall be responsible to the Advisory Committee of the Centre for the planning and direction of the work of the Centre.
    3. The Director shall prepare annually a self-assessment report, which will be integrated with that for the Department of Politics and International Studies, for consideration by the Academic Resourcing Committee, which analyses the financial performance of the Centre and its performance against the following criteria:
      1. Financial health of the Centre against its business plan;
      2. The volume of research activity as demonstrated by research grants and contracts;
      3. The impact on the recruitment of research students in departments connected to the Centre;
      4. Publications or other appropriate output by staff associated with the Centre.
  5. Staff meetings

    1. There shall be a staff meeting convened at least three times per year.
    2. All members of Centre staff will attend, with the Director, ex officio in the chair.
    3. The staff meeting will discuss research ideas and proposals development and the director will report to the meeting regarding strategic and practical issues facing the Centre.
  6. Management Committee

    • There shall be a Management Committee of the Centre which shall normally meet three times per year.
    • Membership
    • The membership of the Management Committee shall consist of:
      1. the Director, ex officio (in the chair);
      2. the Deputy Director, ex officio;
      3. the Associate Directors, ex officio;
      4. the Chairs of the Departments of Economics and Politics and International Studies or their nominees;
      5. other members co-opted as the Management committee determines.
    • Terms of Reference
    • The Management Committee is responsible for:
      1. advising the Director on:
        1. The day-to-day administration and activities of the Centre including the development of research programmes;
        2. Funding initiatives to be undertaken by the Centre.
      2. reviewing the progress of research undertaken by the Centre.
      3. monitoring the allocation of discretionary funds and issues relating to the financial management of the Centre.
    • The Management Committee shall have a quorum of three
  7. Funding

    1. The Director shall supervise the funds of the Centre subject to the University's Financial Regulations.

    2. The Director shall authorise expenditure from funds allocated to the Centre.
    3. The Advisory Committee shall be informed in the Director's Annual Self-Assessment Report about the funds and accounts of the Centre.

 

Centre for the Study of the Renaissance

Director: Professor I. De Smet

  1. Aims of the Centre

    1. To promote learning and research in the history and culture of the Renaissance.
    2. To offer postgraduate degrees at the MA, MPhil and PhD level in areas of interdisciplinary study related to the Renaissance. To offer an associated Diploma or Diplomas.
    3. To establish working relationships with all those in the University engaged in the study of the Renaissance, and where appropriate to provide opportunities for the publication of their research.
    4. To organise seminars and conferences and in this and other ways stimulate research on the Renaissance, both within the University and in partnership with academic institutions in Britain and abroad.
    5. To establish a Visiting Fellows programme.
  2. Membership

    The membership of the Centre shall comprise:
    1. The Director, the Course Directors for the Centre's postgraduate degrees and all members of the academic staff teaching for the degree programme or supervising research;
    2. Members of the academic staff of the University conducting research related to the Renaissance who wish to take part in the Centre's activities;
    3. The Honorary Professor or Professors of the Centre;
    4. Students registered for postgraduate courses and research degrees in the Centre.
  3. The Director of the Centre

    1. The Director shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Arts, initially for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    2. The Director shall be responsible to the Board of the Faculty of Arts and the Senate, through the Centre's Committee, for the long term planning and direction of the work of the Centre.
  4. The Committee of the Centre

    1. The membership of the Committee of the Centre shall comprise:
      1. the Director of the Centre, ex officio (Chair);
      2. the Course Directors;
      3. members of the academic staff of the University involved in the work of the Centre;
      4. the Director of the Humanities Research Centre, or his/her nominee;
      5. one student representative from each of the Centre's postgraduate courses and one research student, elected by students registered for these courses.
    2. The Committee of the Centre shall meet at least once a term and shall hold an Annual General Meeting.
  5. Advisory Board

    1. The Advisory Board of the Centre shall advise on all matters relevant to the development of the Centre's work, including academic programmes, conferences and publications, and on the obtaining of external funding and sponsorship. The Advisory Board shall receive annually from the Director a report on the Centre's work.
    2. The Advisory Board shall comprise:
      1. the Chair;
      2. the Director of the Centre, ex officio;
      3. the Course Directors, ex officio;
      4. three members of the academic staff of the Committee of the Centre elected by the Committee;
      5. three student representatives elected to the Committee of the Centre;
      6. up to five other persons qualified by academic or professional achievement to advance the work of the Centre and not normally in the employment of the University.
    3. The external members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Centre Committee and the Board of the Faculty of Arts and shall serve for up to five years, the appointments being renewable.
    4. The Advisory Board shall normally meet once a year.

 

Centre for the Study of Safety and Well-Being

Director: Dr R.K. Thiara

  1. Location

    The Centre will be based within the School of Health and Social Sciences.
  2. Aims

    The aims of the Centre shall be:
    1. To promote and undertake research and scholarship on topics relevant to safety and well-being.
    2. to foster an active research climate and an enabling context for this work.
    3. to provide a focus for postgraduate and post-qualifying research, education and training in fields to gender violence, child care and child protection, minority and marginalised groups, and political and civic engagement.
    4. to contribute research-generated and research-minded input to relevant teaching programmes.
    5. to raise the profile of the Centre and of its members as being at the forefront of research and scholarship in these fields.
    6. to promote seminars, conferences and other scholarly events on relevant subjects.
    7. to disseminate to a range of appropriate audiences the findings of research conducted in the Centre and to assist their implementation in policy and practice.
    8. to gather evidence of the influence and impact of the Centre.
    9. to establish close working relationships with academic staff in other departments or centres who are working in closely related areas both within and beyond the University.
  3. Membership

    The members of the Centre shall be academic and research staff from Warwick Lifelong Learning, and from other departments and centres within the University, who are involved in projects forming part of the Centre's programme, research staff of the Centre, and such other persons as may, from time to time, indicate an interest and be approved by the Management Committee or the Advisory Board. This latter category will include managers and practitioners from local social work and other professional settings who have an active involvement in carrying out, disseminating or applying relevant research. Visiting and Associate Fellowships and Professorships shall be sought for suitably qualified persons who wish to be located in, or associated with, the Centre for a specified period of time.
  4. The Director and Deputy Directors

    The Director and Deputy Director(s) of the Centre shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences for a three year period, the appointment to be renewable. The Director shall be responsible to the Advisory Board of the Centre. Assisted by Deputy Director(s), the role of the Director shall be to give overall direction to the Centre's work, to raise its profile nationally and internationally, to oversee its budget and administration, and to ensure that its constitutional commitments are carried out and the requirements of the University met.
  5. Management Committee

    1. There shall be a Management Committee of the Centre consisting of:
      1. the Director of the Centre, who shall act as Chair.
      2. one or more Deputy Director(s).
      3. three members of the academic or research staff of the University involved in, or associated with, the work of the Centre.
      4. two visiting or associate fellows or visiting professors attached to the Centre.
      5. Other members of the Centre shall have a right of attendance at meetings of the Committee.

    2. The terms of reference of the Management Committee shall be to advise the Director on:
      1. the activities and progress of the Centre, including in teaching and research;
      2. the creation of new projects and their proposed funding;
      3. other funding issues including the allocation of discretionary funds, and all other matters relevant to the Centre.
    3. It shall meet at least once a year and prior to each Advisory Board meeting.
  6. Advisory Board

    1. There shall be an Advisory Board of the Centre consisting of:
      1. a Chair who is not a member of the University.
      2. the Director and Deputy Director(s) of the Centre.
      3. the Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning.
      4. up to three academic members of the Management Committee who belong to the academic or research staff of the University, elected by and from the membership of the Centre.
      5. up to three other members of the academic and research staff of the University, appointed by Senate, for renewable terms, normally for three years.
      6. up to ten appropriately qualified members, external to the University, appointed by Senate for renewable terms, normally of three years.
      7. Up to two representatives of graduate or diplomate learners in the University, whose studies fall within the topic area of the Centre.
    2. The terms of reference of the Advisory Board shall be:
      1. to maintain a broad oversight of the work of the Centre.
      2. to advise the Senate through the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences on matters of strategic planning and development by means of the Director's Annual Report on the work of the Centre and the report of the external members to the periodic review.
      3. to advise and assist in the securing of funding necessary to support the activities of the Centre.
      4. An up-to-date membership list of the Advisory Board shall be maintained for publication in the University Calendar.
    3. The Advisory Board shall meet at least once in every four-year period for which the Centre is established, and ideally once a year.
    4. Two of the external members of the Advisory Board shall be nominated by the Board to make a brief report for the purposes of periodic review of the Centre by the University Senate.

Centre for the Study of Women and Gender

Director: Professor N. Charles, BA, PhD

  1. Aims of the Centre

    1. To provide a focus for interdisciplinary research on Gender, on Women’s Studies and on feminism through:
      1. encouraging the development of research projects, research funding and scholarship in the area of women/gender/feminist studies.
      2. interdisciplinary collaboration of staff in the departments of the University where relevant teaching and research is pursued.
      3. co-operation between researchers in these areas of study in the University and researchers in other institutions in the UK and abroad.
      4. the identification and promotion of interdisciplinary research programmes, in relation to ESRC selected themes and AHRB research initiatives.
    2. To enhance collaboration, research and the profile of such research in the University through:
      1. the organisation of symposia, conferences, day schools, seminar programmes and visiting lectures.
      2. the hosting of visiting fellows from other institutions in the UK and abroad.
    3. To facilitate the dissemination of research findings through:
      1. the encouragement of journal and book publications
      2. the development of conferences, symposia etc.
    4. To encourage graduate research in women and gender studies in the University through dissemination of student research and student participation in other Centre activities.
    5. To support doctoral research and degrees at MA and undergraduate level in women and gender studies.
  2. Membership

    Membership shall consist of members of academic staff in the Department of Sociology and in other departments of the University who are involved in projects forming part of the Centre’s programme; research staff and such other persons as may, from time to time, be approved by the Executive Committee.

    Research students undertaking relevant research may be included, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

  3. The Director of the Centre

    1. The Director shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
    2. The Director shall be responsible for the planning, direction and execution of the Centre’s affairs.
    3. The Director shall be appointed for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
  4. The Executive Committee

    1. The Executive Committee is responsible for advising the Director on the day-to-day administration and activities of the Centre, including teaching, research, new projects and issues of funding.
    2. The membership shall include the Director; the Chair of the Department of Sociology and six additional University members appointed by the Centre from the University membership of the Centre.
    3. Other members may be co-opted by the Executive Committee, including up to two research student representatives.
    4. The Executive Committee will meet as necessary, chaired by the Director, to promote the work of the Centre, undertake new projects, advise the Director on the allocation of discretionary funds and maintain a broad overview of the work of the Centre.
  5. Financial Responsibility

    Formal responsibility for the financial operation of the Centre rests with the Chair of the Department of Sociology.

Warwick Data Science Institute

The Warwick Data Science Institute (WDSI) is founded and supported jointly by the three mathematical sciences departments at the University of Warwick: Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics (hereafter referred to as Mathematical Sciences).

Director: Professor S.D. Jacka

  1. Aims and activities

    1. The goal of WDSI is to encourage research in data science (interpreted in a wide sense) and its applications. For this, the aims of WDSI shall be:
      1. To foster and co-ordinate collaborative research in the methodology of data science. To this end it will also seek to foster both its applications and multidisciplinary projects with areas such as biological sciences, finance, social science and engineering;
      2. To promote research by organising conferences and longer emphasis programmes;
      3. To create new, and to strengthen existing links with other research centres and universities with related interests;
      4. To attract funding for individual and collaborative research projects
      5. To foster the dissemination of research results through visits, seminars, conferences, and through the publication of a Discussion Paper series.
  2. Membership

    1. All academic and research staff from Mathematical Sciences with interests in data Science can elect to be a member of WDSI.
    2. Members of the University of Warwick from outside Mathematical Sciences and members of other academic institutions may be appointed Associate Members of WDSI by the Management Committee.
  3. Director and Deputy Director of the Centre

    1. The Management Committee shall be chaired by the Director of WDSI, who is responsible for the planning, execution and coordination of the activities of the centre. The Director shall be the official representative of WDSI with respect to the academic authorities.
    2. The Deputy Director shall assist the Director in running WDSI, and shall deputise for the Director in his/her absence.
    3. Appointment to the roles of Director shall be recommended to the University Research Committee by the heads of departments in the Mathematical Sciences, upon consultation with the members of the centre, for a renewable period of three years.
    4. The Deputy Director shall be appointed by the heads of departments in Mathematical Sciences, on consultation with the members of the centre, for a renewable period of three years.
  4. Management Committee

    1. The Management Committee shall consist of the Director, the Deputy Director, an Administrative Director and the Heads of the Departments (or such qualified proxies as they, from time to time, may appoint) of Mathematical Sciences. Under the leadership of the Director, the Management Committee shall:
      1. Approve and maintain a list of the members of the WDSI;
      2. Coordinate funding initiatives to be undertaken by WDSI;
      3. Appoint staff to the centre;
      4. Review the progress of research projects undertaken by the centre;
      5. Monitor the allocation of the funds of WDSI.
  5. Advisory Board

    1. An Advisory Board shall advise WDSI about the long term perspectives of the centre. This Board shall be constituted of experts whose work has had significant impact on the areas of research which are of interest to WDSI. Members of the Board shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, on the recommendation of the Director. The Director shall seek nominations from the Management Committee prior to making a recommendation. Members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed for a renewable period of three years. Membership shall consist of:
      1. A Chair, who shall be external to the University of Warwick;
      2. The Director and Deputy Director of WDSI, ex officio;
      3. Two members internal to the University of Warwick, but external to Mathematical Sciences;
      4. Two further members, who shall be external to the University of Warwick.
    2. External appointments to the Advisory Board will be made so as to ensure that the board can give an objective assessment of the activities, performance and perspectives of WDSI.
    3. The Advisory Board shall meet should meet at least once per year
    4. The Advisory Board will make a brief report assessing the performance of the Centre for the purposes of the University’s Triennial Review process of University Research Centres.
  6. Financial Responsibility

    • The heads of Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics will jointly exercise financial responsibility for the Institute. Day-to-day operation will be delegated to the WDSI Director.

Warwick Environmental Systems Interdisciplinary Centre

Director: Professor L. Wellington; Associate Director Dr Robin Allaby

  1. Aims of the Centre

    1. To promote and support inter-disciplinary and cross-faculty research in environmental systems and improve our understanding of complex interactions between organisms and environment.
    2. To provide a centre for the existing expertise within Warwick, enabling researchers with complementary interests to exchange ideas and develop integrative research studying environmental systems.
    3. To promote the fundamental and applied environmental systems research at WarwickTo establish WES IC as an internationally recognised centre for environmental systems based on excellence of its research.
    4. Develop the presence and organization both to compete for large grants and doctoral training centres.
    5. Develop closer links and joint research with other institutes focused on environmental systems to develop an international network for collaborative research.
  2. Activities of the Centre

    1. To achieve the aims stated above, WES IC will undertake a range of activities including:
      1. Monthly, informal seminar series where Warwick researchers in environmental systems can share ideas and results.
      2. Attract excellent external speakers to present their findings and ideas to interested researchers in Warwick.
      3. Regular rotating lunch and coffee meetings of all PIs to stimulate research and grant applications, with the specific aim of supporting more junior members.
      4. Maintaining a strong web presence to promote environmental systems research in Warwick to the outside world.
      5. Attract high quality young researchers to apply for fellowships to be held at Warwick.
      6. Undertake other activities commensurate with the aims of the Centre, in particular workshops for development of novel techniques.
      7. Seek additional external funding to support the operation of the Centre.
      8. Build long-term relationships with environment agencies, non-governmental organisations, Water UK, industry, agronomists, veterinary agencies, clinicians, host visiting fellows and international meetings.
      9. Engage with national and international activities to help formulate government policy.
      10. Work with the local and international communities to improve awareness about environmental issues and promote good stewardship of natural resources.
  3. Membership

    1. The members of the Centre shall consist of academic and research staff, visiting and associate fellows of the University who have research interests in aspects of environmental science; studying natural communities and agro-ecosystems in relation to climate, anthropogenic impacts and physico-chemical gradients at varying scales from molecular to whole ecosystems
    2. Individuals who wish to be a member of the Centre should approach the Director who will seek confirmation from the Management Committee that their membership will enhance the Centre; requests to become members will not normally be refused.
    3. Academic and research staff in other universities and governmental research agencies may be nominated for membership by the Director to the Management Committee. This will be granted if there is a demonstrable benefit to the Centre.
  4. Directorship

    1. There shall be a Director and an Associate Director of the Centre who shall be appointed by the Board of the Faculty of Science on the recommendation of the Management Committee, initially for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    2. The Director shall be responsible to the Management Committee for the planning, direction and execution of the Centre's affairs.
  5. Details of Management Committee

    1. The role of the Management Committee shall be to advise the Director on the day-to-day activities of the Centre and to provide a link to multiple departments within the University. The Management Committee shall consist of:
      1. the Director;
      2. the Associate Director;
      3. up to 5 other co-opted members of the Centre representative of participating Departments.
    2. The appointments to the Management Committee shall be for three years.
    3. The Director, the Associate Director and members of the Centre shall appoint the other members of the Management Committee.
    4. The Management Committee shall meet as required, and at least once per year.
  6. Financial Responsibility

    • The Centre does not have any financial standing, responsibility or profile. Any funding obtained to conduct Centre activities will be administered through Departments.

Warwick Institute for Mathematics in Medicine and Biology

Director: Prof Matt Keeling (Mathematics Institute & School of Life Sciences)

1. Aims of the Centre

  1. To promote and support inter-disciplinary and cross-faculty research in Mathematical Sciences applied to Medicine, Life Sciences and Biology, particularly infectious disease epidemiology, systems biology and related topics.
  2. To provide a hub for the existing expertise within Warwick, enabling researchers with complementary interests to exchange ideas and develop novel approaches.
  3. To build multidisciplinary capacity using exemplar projects and a wide range of approaches to training, outreach and team building.
  4. To attract and retain high quality researchers, from all areas relating to Mathematical Biology
  5. To establish WIMMB as an internationally recognised centre for mathematical biology based on excellence of research and impact of applications.
  6. To raise the external profile of the University in multiple fields of Mathematical Biology, and thereby in science in general.
  7. To obtain substantial grant funding for research and to strengthen the University's position when applying for large-scale funding and to ensure that such opportunities are successfully exploited.

2. Activities of the Centre

To achieve the aims stated above, the WIMMB will undertake a range of activities including:

  1. Weekly, informal seminar series where Warwick researchers in Mathematical Biology can share ideas and results.
  2. Attract excellent external speakers to present their findings and ideas to interested researchers in Warwick
  3. Regular meetings of all PIs to stimulate research and grant applications, with the specific aim of supporting more junior members.
  4. Maintaining a strong web presence to promote Warwick research in Mathematical Biology to the outside world.
  5. Seek additional funding to support the operation of the Centre.
  6. Attract high quality young researchers to apply for fellowships to be held at Warwick
  7. Undertake other activities commensurate with the aims of the Centre.

3. Membership

  1. The members of the Centre shall consist of academic and research staff, visiting and associate fellows of the University who have research interests in Mathematical Biology and related areas.
  2. Individuals who wish to be a member of the Centre should approach the Director who will seek confirmation from the Management Committee that their membership will enhance the Centre; requests to become members will not normally be refused.
  3. Academic and research staff in other universities and governmental research agencies may be nominated for associate membership by the Director to the Management Committee. Associate membership will be granted if there is a demonstrable benefit to the Centre.

4. Directorship

  1. The Director shall be appointed by the Committee on the Appointment of Heads of Department for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
  2. The Director shall be responsible for the implementation of the strategy of the Centre, for achieving the aims of the Centre and for guiding its development.
  3. All members of the Centre shall be responsible to the Director through whatever decision-making and management structures the Director from time-to-time approves.
  4. The Director shall be the Chair of the Management Committee of the Centre.
  5. The Director shall prepare annually a self-assessment report for consideration by the Research Committee and the Academic Resourcing Committee, which analyses the performance of the Centre.
  6. The Director shall attend meetings as required with the Academic Resourcing Committee as part of the annual planning round at which he/she may be invited to discuss their assessment of the performance of the Centre.
  7. The Director may appoint a Deputy Director in consultation with the Centre's Management Committee.

5. Management Committee

There shall be a Management Committee of the Centre, which shall normally meet a least once per term.

Membership

The membership of the Committee shall consist of:

  1. the Director, ex officio (in the chair)
  2. the Deputy Director as and when appointed
  3. the Directors and/or Deputy Directors of WIDER and WSB
  4. the heads of the School of Life Sciences, the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics, or their nominees
  5. the Dean of the Warwick Medical School or the Dean's nominee
  6. the Chair of the Faculty of Science
  7. up to two other members of WIMMB appointed by the Management Committee.

Terms of Reference

The Management Committee is responsible for:

  1. advising the Director on the day-to-day administration and activities of the Centre including:the development of the research programme;
  2. funding initiatives to be undertaken by the Centre;
  3. the appointment of staff to the Centre in accordance with funding and with the procedures approved by the Senate and the Council;
  4. reviewing the progress of research projects undertaken by the Centre:
  5. supporting the Director in monitoring the allocation of discretionary funds and issues relating to the management of the Centre.

6. External Advisory Panel

  1. An External Advisory Panel will also be formed, consisting of nationally and internationally renowned experts in the fields.
  2. The panel shall meet bi-annually
  3. The Panel shall provide advice, guidance, and challenge to the research and training strategies of the Institute, as well as provide direction as regards external marketing and potential partnerships

7. Financial Responsibility

  1. The Centre does not have any financial standing, responsibility or profile.
  2. Any funding obtained to conduct Centre activities will be administered through Departments.

Warwick Institute for Sustainable DevelOpMent

Constitution is under development.

Warwick Institute for the Science of Cities

Director: Professor S. Jarvis
  1. Aims of the Institute

    1. To raise the profile of Urban Science research at Warwick to internal and external audiences and stakeholders.
    2. To bring research staff together from across all four Faculties to address opportunities and challenges presented by Urban Science.
    3. Position the University to attract and retain significant research income (from government; TSB; Research Councils; EU and industry) in the emerging field of Urban Science.
    4. Focus University engagement with CUSP and other aligned initiatives such as Birmingham and London.
    5. Development and delivery of Masters and PhD Programmes.
    6. Development and delivery of CPD programmes.
  2. Membership

    1. All University staff with a research interest in Urban Science will be eligible for “Associate” status of the Institute.
    2. Students following designated Masters Programs, or pursuing cognate PhD work will also be eligible to obtain membership of the Institute.
  3. The Director of the Institute

    1. The Director shall be appointed by the University for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    2. The Director shall be responsible for the implementation of the Institute’s strategy for achieving its aims and for guiding its intellectual development.
    3. The Director shall be the Chair of the Management Committee.
    4. The Director shall prepare annually a self-assessment report for consideration by the Academic Resources Committee, which analyses the financial performance of the Institute and its performance against the following criteria, it being noted that the self-assessment may be supplementary to any reports required by an external sponsor:
      1. The volume of research activity as demonstrated by research grants and contracts;
      2. The impact on the recruitment of research students in departments connected to the Institute;
      3. Publications or other appropriate output by staff associated by the Institute;
      4. Short course activity.
    5. The Director shall attend a meeting with the Academic Resources Committee as part of the annual bidding round at which he/she will be invited to discuss their assessment of the performance of the Institute.
  4. Management Committee

    1. Membership
      1. The membership of the Committee shall consist of:
        1. The Director, ex officio (in the chair).
        2. Representatives of Members and Associate Members of the Institute.
    2. Terms of Reference
      1. The Management Committee is responsible for:
        1. advising the Director on the day-to-day administration and activities of the Institute including the development of the research programme;
        2. funding initiatives to be undertaken by the Institute;
        3. the appointment of staff to the Institute in accordance with funding and with the procedures approved by the Council;reviewing the progress of research projects undertaken by the Institute;
        4. monitoring the allocation of discretionary funds and issues relating to the financial management of the Institute.
      2. The Management Committee shall have a quorum of five.
    • There shall be a Management Committee of the Institute which shall normally meet monthly.
  5. Executive Board

    1. Membership
      1. The membership of the Committee shall consist of:
        1. A Pro Vice-Chancellor , ex officio (in the chair)
        2. The Director
        3. Chairs of all four University Faculties
    2. Terms of Reference
      1. Advise on strategic direction of the Institute and priorities and gaps in programmes – especially where cross-faculty research opportunities are available or can be developed;
      2. Provide insights on the climate scene and key developments and events based on individual member's knowledge;
      3. Give advice on the priority issues on which to engage and how best might the Institutes exert influence;
      4. Propose funding opportunities which the Institutes should pursue and advice on how to realise those potential opportunities.
    • There shall be an Executive Board of the Institute which shall normally meet quarterly.
  6. Advisory Board

    1. Membership
      1. The Advisory Board will include
 academics
 and
 industrial
 advisors
 from
 CUSP
 partners, 
and 
UK
 academic, 
city
 and 
industry 
experts,
who 
will 
meet 
twice
 a
 year 
to
 review progress 
of
 the 
Institute 
and 
assess 
future 
plans 
and
 provide
 strategic
 guidance.
      2. This will be chaired by an individual external to the University, for example Rick 
Robinson
 from 
IBM.
    2. Terms of Reference
      1. Advise on strategic direction of the Institute and priorities and gaps in programmes;
      2. Provide insights on the climate scene and key developments and events based on individual member's knowledge;
      3. Give advice on the priority issues on which to engage and how best might the Institutes exert influence;
      4. Act as ambassadors for the Institutes at the national and international level;
      5. Propose funding opportunities which the Institutes should pursue and advice on how to realise those potential opportunities.
    • There shall be an Advisory Board of the Institute which shall normally meet annually.
  7. Funding

    1. The director shall supervise the funds of the Institute subject to the University's financial regulations.
    2. The Director shall authorise expenditure from funds allocated to the Institute.
    3. The Executive Board shall be informed in the Director's Quarterly Report about the funds and accounts of the Institute.
    4. The Advisory Board shall be informed in the Director's Annual Report about the funds and accounts of the Institute.
    5. Nothing in this Constitution abrogates the overall responsibilities of the University Finance Officer.

Warwick Systems Biology Centre

Director: Professor D. Rand, BSc, PhD

  1. Aims of the centre

    1. To enhance life sciences research at Warwick by the development of multidisciplinary research programmes.
    2. To collaborate with Warwick's other life science departments to build a cross-departmental life sciences research programme.
    3. To build multidisciplinary capacity using exemplar projects and a wide range of approaches to training, outreach and team building.
    4. To attract and retain high quality researchers, from all areas relating to Systems Biology
    5. To develop Systems Biology as a central approach in biological and biomedical research and to produce a new breed of broader researcher who spans disciplinary divides.
    6. To raise the external profile of the University in the field of Systems Biology, and thereby in science in general.
    7. To obtain substantial grant funding for research and to strengthen the University's position when applying for large-scale funding and to ensure that such opportunities are successfully exploited.
  2. Membership

    1. All staff of WSB shall be included in its membership. Staff will be appointed either to the Centre or jointly to the Centre and to a participating department, including, but not exclusively, the Departments of Mathematics, Life Sciences, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and the Warwick Medical School. Staff may be seconded from other departments in which case they will be full members of the Centre. Any appointment or secondment wholly or partly to the Centre entails a commitment to the ongoing work of the Centre. For those appointments made jointly with other departments, administative and reporting and monitoring arrangements should be agreed between all relevant departments prior to the commencement of the contract.
    2. Any member of staff of the University involved in, or associated with, the work of WSB can be appointed to membership of WSB by the Management Committee.
    3. Students may be members of the Centre and may also be registered with a department working jointly with the Centre as appointed by the Management Committee.
  3. The Director of the Centre

    1. The Director shall be appointed by the Committee on the Appointment of Heads of Department for a period of three years, the appointment being renewable.
    2. The Director shall be responsible for the implementation of the strategy of the Centre, for achieving the aims of the Centre and for guiding its development.
    3. All members of the department shall be responsible to the Director through whatever decision-making and management structures the Director from time-to-time approves.
    4. The Director shall supervise and manage the funds of the Centre subject to the University's financial regulations and is accountable to the Academic Resourcing Committee for the management of the Centre's budget and its planning.
    5. The Director shall be the Chair of the Management Committee of the Centre.
    6. The Director shall prepare annually a self-assessment report for consideration by the Research Committee and the Academic Resourcing Committee, which analyses the performance of the Centre.
    7. The Director shall attend meetings as required with the Academic Resourcing Committee as part of the annual planning round at which he/she may be invited to discuss their assessment of the performance of the Centre.
    8. The Director shall lead the Centre's engagement with the University's strategic periodic review process, noting that WSB is reviewed independently.
    9. The Director may appoint a Deputy Director in consultation with the Centre's Management Committee.
  4. Management Committee

    There shall be a Management Committee of the Centre which shall normally meet a least once per term.
    1. Membership

      The membership of the Committee shall consist of:

      1. the Director, ex officio (in the chair)
      2. the Deputy Director as and when appointed
      3. the heads of the School of Life Sciences and the Dapartment of Mathematics or their nominees
      4. the Dean of the Warwick Medical School or the Dean's nominee
      5. the Chair of the Faculty of Science
      6. up to two other members of WSB appointed by the Management Committee.
    2. Terms of Reference

      The Management Committee is responsible for:

      1. advising the Director on the day-to-day administration and activities of the Centre including:
        1. the development of the research programme;
        2. funding initiatives to be undertaken by the Centre;
        3. the appointment of staff to the Centre in accordance with funding and with the procedures approved by the Senate and the Council;
        4. issues relating to staff with joint appointments;
      2. reviewing the progress of research projects undertaken by the Centre:
      3. supporting the Director in monitoring the allocation of discretionary funds and issues relating to the financial management of the Centre.
  5. Funding

    1. The Director shall supervise the funds of the Centre subject to the University's Financial Regulations.
    2. The Director of the Centre shall authorise expenditure from funds allocated to the Centre, and is responsible to the Academic Resourcing Committee to ensure that expenditure is within the funds allocated to the Centre.
    3. Nothing in this constitution abrogates the overall responsibility of the University Finance Director.