About my role as Cross-Cutting Director of Research and Innovation (Digital World)

 
 

Job Description

This office is a key leadership role within the University, comparable to a Head of Department, with full Senate membership. It is held alongside a substantive academic post.


The Director of Research and Innovation (DRI) is appointed by, and report to, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation (PVC R&I).

This theme considers the technological, economic and social implications of a world in which information processing is cheap, powerful and ubiquitous. It addresses the RCUK cross-council priority area “Digital Economy” and the TSB challenge area “Living in an intelligent connected modern world”.

The DRI takes responsibility for the areas listed below; some of these are their direct responsibility, and some are managed and implemented by others, with the DRI taking an overview and guidance role. The DRI will work closely with the PVC R&I, Faculty Directors of Research and Innovation (FDRIs), and Research and Innovation Services.


At University level and externally:

  1. •as a member of the University Research Committee, take collective responsibility for developing and implementing the Research and Innovation vision for the University

  2. •take the lead in developing the Research and Innovation (including KT) strategy for the crosscutting Digital World strategic theme

  3. •nurture and develop internal and external links in the strategic theme area, making fullest use of existing networks and funders (e.g. WUN, N8, Research Councils, the TSB and RDA)

  4. •champion the development of partnerships to improve the University’s Research and Innovation capacity

  5. •where possible, influence internal and external policy development in the area of impact (UK plc, economic and societal) and support the demonstration of Sheffield’s contribution

  6. •champion relationship management and engagement with our partners and current and potential funders within the Digital World strategic theme, exploring new more flexible models, including public-private arrangements (e.g. EU, the RDAs, and TSB)

  7. •champion the competitiveness of the Research and Innovation funding application process to

  8. •secure growth in cross-cutting interdisciplinary income


Within faculties:

  1. •work co-operatively with Faculty Directors of Research and Innovation (FDRI) to realise strategic Research and Innovation strengths within faculties, including opportunities afforded by HEIF hubs and commercial exploitation activities

  2. •develop co-ordinated initiatives within, across, and beyond faculties in response to opportunities

  3. •work with Faculty Directors of Learning and Teaching (FDLT) to ensure development and coherence of academic strategy


PGR Students

  1. •as a member of the University Research Committee, support the development of a PGR strategy

  2. •where possible, influence the internal and external policy development debate to ensure that the University may achieve maximum cross-cutting Research and Innovation capacity from the strategic use of the doctoral experience and awards (such as DTCs) and studentships



  5. Further Details

  6. •Term of office will normally be up to 3 years.

  7. •It is expected that the DRI will devote approximately 40% of his or her time to this role.