Research

The Research and Innovation Services central function was created in 2000 to support the development of the University’s research activities. The office, led by Professor John Marshall, comprises eight professional staff with in-depth experience and expertise relating to research, innovation and knowledge transfer activities spanning both the private and public sectors. 

Enabling a strategic approach

The office supported the co-ordination of the University’s submission to RAE2008 and is currently developing systems to improve public access to our research and innovation outputs and preparing for the new UK Research Evaluation Framework (REF) which will succeed it. We work closely with academic researchers in schools and with the new Institutes with the aim of enabling a strategic approach to the development of our applied research activity and its overall impact on the economy, health and society.

Improving access to research expertise

The office provides a central gateway for external clients and potential collaborators in accessing the expertise of the University’s academic research base. We provide expert support in the development of research and innovation projects for funding via academic consortia and partnerships with the business and voluntary sectors. RIS seek to identify the latest opportunities for such collaborations, whether in the UK or internationally and have an active foresight programme that anticipates future trends. 

We can help facilitate links with appropriate funders and provide advice concerning the scope and relevance of the various funding instruments and measures (e.g. Programmes from Research Councils, Charities and Trusts, European Commission, UK and Scottish Government and Agencies, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships).

Developing partnerships

We also works closely with external partners such as Scottish Enterprise, Scotland Europa, the West of Scotland KTP Centre, and Interface (the portal for accessing research expertise from all of the Scottish Universities) in contributing to Scottish economic development  by working to help local companies.

We can help partners through the processes required in joint applications for grants, developing multilateral agreements and contracts and of managing issues such as intellectual property exploitation and confidentiality in a reasonable and straightforward manner. RIS also offers support in the commercialisation of research and is responsible for identifying and filing University intellectual property and in assisting in the exploitation of our innovation and inventions via licensing and spin out company formation.