Academic Research Development (ARD) is a new central University function focused on supporting the development of research activity at GCU. 

The Director of ARD, Professor John Marshall, has over thirty years experience leading and managing research activity both in Higher Education and in a global multinational company. John works closely with the Vice Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research, Heads of Research in Schools, Research Institutes and the Graduate School in seeking to enhance the University’s research environment and infrastructure.

The key responsibilities of ARD are as follows:

• Preparation planning and guidance in relation to the University submission to the Research Excellence Framework
  
• Provision of expert advice to the University Research Committee in relation to current developments in the external research strategy and policy environment
  
• Creating and maintaining a University-wide Research Information Management System to provide data to support the development of research strategy
  
• Setting up mechanisms for and maintaining the University research publications repository
  
• Developing a programme of research mentoring and peer review to support academic staff in enhancing the quality of research
  
• Developing case studies of the impact of the University’s research