Terms of Reference
Our Terms of Reference outline how we work with individuals, institutions and external stakeholdersVision
For the UK research system to be outstanding in conducting and promoting rigorous and transparent research.
Purpose
The purpose of the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) is to enable researchers, institutions, and other stakeholders working in the UK to collaborate, so they are better able to conduct and promote rigorous, reproducible, and transparent research. This includes: identifying the factors that affect research rigour and transparency; identifying, sharing, and integrating effective practice; supporting a culture of continual improvement; providing training and support; coordinating action; supporting inter- and trans-disciplinary research; influencing actors across the research system; and offering constructive challenge.
Organisation and membership
UKRN consists of a Supervisory Board and the communities that comprise our membership: institutions that are represented by Institutional Leads — ILs; institutionally-based networks of researchers (Local Networks) that are represented by Local Network Leads — LNLs; and organisations that participate in the Stakeholder Engagement Group. The Network is supported by two external groups, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Committee and an International Advisory Committee. UKRN is currently hosted by the University of Bristol, where the secretariat is based.
At the UKRN Annual meeting in March 2023, version 4.2 of the UKRN Terms of Reference was ratified by majority vote, and with it an agreement to move towards democratic governance structures. Over the next 2 years we will put into effect changes to transition from the existing Steering Group and Advisory Board, to the newly defined Supervisory Board, and two external advisory committees. Currently the Steering Group, comprised of Marcus Munafò (Chair), Alexandra Collins, Chris Chambers, Etienne Roesch, Laura Fortunato, and Malcolm Macleod, is responsible for the overall coordination of UKRN activity and strategy. It is supported by a part-time administrator.
UKRN structure, with Local Network Leads (coordinating local network activity), Institutional Leads (working in partnership with Local Network Leads), Supervisory Board, Stakeholder Engagement Group, and Advisory Committees. Arrows suggest information flow.