The Loughborough University Research & Innovation Committee has approved the formation of a LURSA Committee. Professor Dan Parsons, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “I’m delighted and very proud to support this re-invigoration of LURSA. I am very excited to see the opportunities this endeavour will create to bring together our researcher community across our two campuses and enhance our research and innovation culture - LURSA will help build a thriving network and amplify the heartbeat and rhythm of research at Loughborough. I strongly encourage members of the research staff community to get involved in the initiative - it is going to be fun and rewarding in equal measure!”. 

As a committee member or School representative, you will have the chance to: 

• Advocate for the interests and needs of research staff

• Collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives that enhance the research environment at our University. 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership and committee work

Key Responsibilities 

• Attend and actively participate in LURSA committee meetings

• Communicate regularly with research staff within your School to understand their concerns and gather feedback

• Work with the committee to develop and promote events, workshops, and initiatives that support the professional development of research staff

• Liaise with University administration and other bodies to represent the views and interests of research staff

Eligibility 

• Membership is open to all research staff members at Loughborough University, eg those on SSA-R contracts, including postdoctoral researchers, research fellows, associates and assistants

• Committee members should be committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment
• Ideally, at least one representative from each School should have at least 12 months remaining on their contract, or the expectation of further contacts. 

The time commitment to LURSA is not envisioned to be onerous, typically half a day a month. Research staff are usually funded by external income, but this should not be a barrier to joining the LURSA Committee. As noted in the Concordat, research staff are entitled to a minimum of 10 days (pro-rata) per year for development activities. 

How to apply 

For most Schools, it is expected that there will be two representatives on the committee, to share duties and to provide continuity should one member leave. Where there are more than two expressions of interest, applicants will be asked to submit a short statement that explains why they wish to become a representative and research staff in that School will take a vote.  

The intention is to recruit members for the LURSA committee over the summer, to have a full committee in place for the 24/25 academic year. 

Submit your application online now. The deadline for applications is Friday 23 August. If you have any questions, please email lursa@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.