Research Advisory Committee (RAC)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center Research Advisory Committee (RAC) serves on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPR) to assess proposals for intramural funding that are submitted through the Research Enhancement Assistance Program (REAP).  The RAC serves as the central point for reviewing internal research funding proposals for scientific merit and making funding recommendations to the Research Strategy Council (RSC).

Authority

The RAC serves as an advisory body to the VPR and the RSC.  The committee will review proposals and provide recommendations to the RSC based on scientific merit. The RAC does not have authority to make final funding decisions.

Committee Members

All committee appointments will be made at the discretion of the VPR. The committee is comprised of the following members:

• Chair: to be appointed by VPR.
• Associate Vice President, Research Finance and Administration
• Associate Vice President, HSC Next
• Director, REAP
• Faculty representatives will be selected based on their research expertise and their ability to represent the broader faculty perspective.

Non-Members:

• Associate Vice President for Research Operations
• Administrative Coordinator (Record minutes, check-in documents, assist committee with follow-ups, etc.)

Membership Term

Committee members will serve for two consecutive fiscal years.  Members may serve consecutive terms.

Responsibilities

All members are required to participate in all meetings unless there is a conflict that cannot be avoided.  All efforts will be made to ensure availability for committee meetings.

Members will:

• Review all proposals submitted prior to the meeting;
• Fully participate in discussions and provide substantive input; and
• Maintain the confidentiality of all discussions; content must not be shared outside of this committee.

Chair will:

• Set a schedule of meeting dates and times, and;
• Prepare final a recommendation table and executive summary for RSC and VPR, to include:
  • Summary of each proposal,
  • Evaluation of scientific merit,
  • Assessment of potential impact,
  • Funding recommendations with justifications.

Meetings

The RAC will meet monthly on a date and time as set by the Chair. Meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes will be posted on the designated RAC website. A quorum of half plus one must be present for reviews to take place.