Research Groups Policy

Policy: This policy applies to Research Groups within the Faculty of Social Science.

Purpose: The objective of this policy is the establishment, review and modification of Research Groups in compliance with University policy 7.9 on the Establishment, Governance and Review of Research Institutes, Centres and Groups.

Definitions: Research Groups report to the relevant Dean or assigned designate. Research Groups consist of a number of investigators informally organized within and recognized by a Department, School and/or Faculty (or in two or more Departments, Schools or Faculties) with shared research objectives, and possibly, shared facilities and funds. They may be expected to form, grow, and dissolve on a relatively short time scale, although, in some cases, they can also be stable for relatively long periods of time.

  1. Establishment, Review and Modifications
    • Establishment of Research Groups: A proposal to establish a Research Group requires the approval of the relevant Dean(s) or assigned designate(s). A brief description of the Group, accompanied by a letter of support from the Dean(s) of the Faculty(ies) (see template letter) involved and a list of its members must be submitted to the Dean or assigned designate(s) of the host faculty of the Research Group (see Application Form).

 

  • The Dean of the host faculty of the Research Group will issue an approval letter and submit the related documents to the Vice-President (Research).

 

  • Faculty of Social Science Research Office and Western Research shall maintain a record of all such Groups.

 

  • Review of Research Groups: Research Groups are renewed every five years. The renewal process is similar to the process for establishment of research groups outlined under point 1. 1 (see above).

 

  • Request for Modifications to a Group: A letter of explanation for modifications from the relevant Dean(s) must be submitted to Vice-President (Research) by the Dean or assigned designate(s) of the host faculty of the Research Group.

 

  1. Governance – Research Groups
    • Research Groups may establish governing structures as they deem appropriate.

 

  1. Adherence to Faculty and University Policies
    • All Research Groups are expected to adhere to applicable university policies and procedures, financial and otherwise, as established or amended from time to time.

 

  • Faculty of Social Science Research Office and Western Research will maintain a record of all Research Groups and must be informed if, at a future date, the Research Group ceases to exist. Active Research Groups will be listed in the Faculty of Social Science web page and centrally on Western Research’s Research Institutes, Centres & Groups webpage.