Research Strategy Council (RSC)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center Research Strategy Council (RSC) serves on behalf of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPR) to review the Research Advisory Committee’s (RAC) recommendations for intramural funding to ensure final recommendations for funding are in alignment with both Division of Research and UNTHSC strategic plans.

Authority

The RSC will have decision making authority to fund internal research proposals. The council will review RAC recommendations and evaluate them based on alignment with the strategic plans of the UNTHSC and Division or Research. The RSC will communicate final intramural funding decisions to the VPR who will release funds for distribution.

Committee  Members

All committee appointments will be made at the discretion of the VPR:

The committee is comprised of the following members:

• Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies (VPR)
• Associate Vice President, Research Finance and Administration
• Associate Vice President, Research Operations
• Faculty Representatives: Selected based on their expertise in strategic research areas and their ability to represent the broader faculty perspective.
• An optional External Advisor: An expert from industry, government, or academia to provide external perspectives and best practices.

Non-Members:

• Administrative Coordinator (Record minutes, check-in documents, assist council with follow-ups, etc.)

Membership Term

Council members will serve for two consecutive fiscal years.  DRI administration may serve consecutive two-year terms. Faculty members may serve multiple non-consecutive two-year 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 council meetings.

Members will:

• Review all proposals submitted prior to the meeting;
• Fully participate in discussions and provide substantive input;
  • Key considerations for the RSC:
    • Strategic Alignment: Does the proposed research align with the institution’s strategic priorities (e.g., interdisciplinary research, innovation, societal impact)?
    • Resource Allocation: Does the funding allocation support the institution’s strategic investment areas?
    • Potential for Growth: Does the research have the potential to attract external funding, enhance the institution’s reputation, or create new partnerships?
    • Risk Assessment: What are the potential risks and benefits of funding the proposed research?
  • Practice Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data and metrics to inform decisions, such as:
    • Funding success rates in strategic areas.
    • Publication and citation metrics.
    • External funding trends.
    • Institutional KPI’s.
  • All discussions and materials are considered confidential and must not be shared outside of the committee.

The VPR will:

• Set a schedule of meeting dates and times, and
• Notify all recipients/direct the office of Research Finance and Administration to release funds.