| Description | Minutes of the committee set up to consider new initiatives and long term strategy for environmental research and teaching in the University and to make recommendations to Senate and resourcing bodies of the University as appropriate. The committee also advised the Director of Environmental Research and Management on general policy in relation to teaching and research in environmentally related fields of study. It received and considered reports from the Director and the Steering Group
The report of the Director for 1994, included with minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 1994, gives a brief history of Environmental Research and Management at the University, established in 1988 as an informal grouping of teaching and research staff from Schools and Departments across the University having specific interests in environmental issues with the intention of fostering interdisciplinary activity aimed specifically at opportunities for teaching and research which crossed the established School framework. Between 1988 and 1993 an informal group promoted environmental research across the University by circulating a brochure to potential collaborators and funding bodies; organising a seminar programme with high profile speakers from research-funding bodies, and series of workshops to promote interdisciplinary grant applications; and producing a database on environmental expertise within the University
Following the Report and Proposal of Environmental Research and Management in March 1992, the Faculty of Science established a half-time post of Director of Environmental Research and Management from January 1994, and agreed that a University-level Advisory Committee and a Steering Group should be established
Membership of this Committee consisted of the Vice-Principal (chair); Deans of the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry, and Science; the Director of Environmental Research and Management; two members of the Steering Group for Environmental Research and Management, nominated by the Group; the Director of Finance; and two representatives of industry or government service. One representative nominated by each of the Faculties of Commerce and Social Science, and Law, and the Director of Research Support and Industrial Liaison also attended
The longer-term aim was to establish an appropriate organisational framework and funding mechanism to enable Environmental Research and Management activities to develop on a self-funding basis form January 1997
Minutes contain information about the appointment of external advisers who attended summer meetings of the committee; funding for environmental research and management and contributions from participating Schools; and include copies of the Director's annual reports. Minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 1994 include minutes of the Action Committee meeting held in January 1994, which discussed the production of an ERM publicity brochure, management of the research management database, and the organisation of seminars and a teaching programme. Minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 1994 include minutes of the ERM Steering Group meeting held on 11 May 1994 and Action Committee meetings held on 27 October 1993 and 19 May 1993, with a copy of draft text for a brochure on Environmental Science
Minutes of all subsequent meetings include minutes of Action Committee meetings.
Minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 1994 include a copy of a proposed application to the European Regional Development Fund for the establishment of an Environmental Research, Management and Technology Centre
The final meeting recorded in this volume was held on 3 November 1995, and the minutes include a copy of a report on Environmental Research and Management 1995-2000, which gives a summary of activities, completed projects, new initiatives, as well as plans for 1995-1996 and for the future development of Environmental Research and Management after the term of office of the current Director ended in December 1996
There is no clear evidence in the minutes about whether the Advisory Committee continued to meet after this date, or whether another body took on responsibility for its functions and activities |