Overall Aim of the Competition

The University wishes to establish new innovative research areas that can build capacity for existing research staff and align with or augment existing research strengths. The new Research Centres will be expected to develop an ability to attract high profile research fellows/assistants and postgraduate students while developing links with external partners (including those from industry/commerce and internationally) and generating funding in support of the planned activities.

The posts and their associated Research Centres will provide the wider research community with a focus for work in the chosen area and are intended to raise awareness, provide support and co-ordinate current research whilst keeping abreast of new initiatives being developed elsewhere.

It is essential that the new appointees are prepared to operate in an inter-disciplinary manner with widespread collaboration across the University. It is also hoped that their Research Centres will develop collaborations outside the University, with the University of Leicester taking the lead.

Subsequently, it is anticipated that the Research Centres will become a key resource for researchers across the chosen discipline. It is hoped that the Research Professors will lead, co-ordinate and support Research Council strategies in the chosen area, thus maximising their impact. It will therefore be essential to develop a clear focus and be aware of research being undertaken in the area within other institutions.