Research Committee sub-structure

Research Degrees Committee

The Research Degrees Committee is responsible to the Research Committee for strategy, policy and regulations relating to research degrees and higher doctorates. It has delegated authority from Research Committee for research degree and higher doctorate policy, and for monitoring standards and promoting excellence in the research degrees programme.

Learn more about Research Degrees at The Open University.

Research Degrees Examination Results Approval Committee

The Research Degrees Examination Results Approval Committee is responsible to the Research Degrees Committee, in accordance with the delegated authority of the Senate, for the approval of research degree examination results and the award of The Open University research degrees, and for making recommendations to Research Degrees Committee on matters of policy relating to examination of research degrees.

Human Research Ethics Committee

The Human Research Ethics Committee, on behalf of the Research Committee, advises the University on ethical considerations relating to research involving humans, including granting or withholding favourable opinion on the ethical aspects of research proposals.

Learn more about Human Research Ethics at The Open University.

Ethical Research Review Body

The Ethical Research Review Body is responsible to the Research Committee for advising on Open University research and knowledge exchange (KE) activity that poses ethical questions and/or reputational risks for the University other than that falling within the remit of the Human Research Ethics Committee and the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body, and as outlined in the Open University Ethical Research Statement.

It is also responsible for the review and approval of terrorism and extremism related research projects undertaken by University staff, visiting academics and directly supported postgraduate research students.

Faculty Academic Committees (Research)

Each Faculty has an Academic Committee (Research) that is ultimately responsible to the Senate for assuring the implementation of strategy, policy and standards specifically relating to Faculty research, its delivery and impact, Knowledge Exchange, and Enterprise, and the quality of its postgraduate researcher experience, ensuring and enabling alignment with University strategy and plans.

Faculty Academic Committees (Research) report to the Research Committee and the Research Degrees Committee on matters within their respective remits.

Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body

The Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body advises and reports to The Open University Establishment Licence Holder about research involving animals, and periodically submits reports to the Research Committee.

Learn more about Animal Ethics at The Open University.

Research Board

The Research Board is an advisory group to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, on the management of research at the OU, including the effective implementation of The Open University’s Research Plan 2022-27 (internal only).

Where there are governance implications, the Research Board often makes an initial recommendation prior to the business being presented to the Research Committee, which has formal governance responsibility.

Knowledge Exchange Board

The Knowledge Exchange Board is an advisory group to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation (PVC-R&I) on the effective implementation of The Open University’s Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Plan.

Where there are governance implications, the Knowledge Exchange Board will make an initial recommendation prior to the business being presented to the Research Committee, which has formal governance responsibility.

Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) Academic Reference Group

The Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) Academic Reference Group considers and promotes implementation initiatives to support The Open University’s Responsible Use of Research Metrics Statement, reporting to the Research Committee.

Researcher Development Concordat Steering Group

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers Steering Group develops and monitors progress with The Open University’s Concordat Implementation Plan, reporting to the Research Committee and externally to Vitae. 

Learn more about The Open University’s Concordat Implementation Plan.

Gender Equality Steering Group

The Gender Equality Steering Group is responsible for oversight of the development of applications for Athena SWAN accreditation, progression of the associated action plans, and for considering and recommending to the University actions and developments aimed at improving the University’s provision for the development of women’s careers. The Group reports regularly to Research Committee on its activities relating to women in research.

Graduate School Academic Board

The Graduate School Academic Board is concerned with the strategic management and operation of The Open University’s research degree programmes delivered directly and with partners. It makes recommendations to Research Committee and Reserch Degree Committee.

Postgraduate Researcher Progress and Awards Board

The Postgraduate Researcher Progress and Awards Board makes decisions relating to progression and examination in respect of individual student journeys.

Affiliated Research Centre Management Group

The Affiliated Research Centre Management Group advises the relevant regulatory authorities, Research Degrees Committee and the Graduate School, on matters relating to the management of students registered for Open University research degrees through Affiliated Research Centres (ARCs).