Research Income Classification Group Update

UCL’s Research Income Classification Group has updated its webpage including a link to a new Case Referral Form together with details of the Group’s 2021 meeting dates and corresponding deadlines for submission of case referral documents.

Sponsored research income drives the Quality-Related (QR) funding received by UCL from Research England.  Because of this UCL is regularly audited by Research England to ensure that our sponsored research income is correctly recorded and reported. UCL’s last Business QR audit concluded in June 2020. A Charity QR Audit is currently in progress.      

Where it is not evident that a funding proposal or award meets the criteria for sponsored research, Research Services or the Research Contracts Team will in the first instance advise the Principal Investigator or Academic Department of the identified reasons and provide an opportunity for additional information to be considered where appropriate. 

In cases where the classification of income remains unclear, or a decision cannot be reached, or is disputed, the matter will be referred to the Research Income Classification Group for review and decision. The Group, chaired by the Director of Research Services, brings together senior representatives from Research Services, Research Contracts, Legal Services, Office of Vice Provost Research, Office of Vice Provost Innovation & Enterprise, Office of Vice Provost Advancement, Central Finance and School Finance to collectively consider cases referred to them.  

Please see the updated Research Income Classification Group webpage for more information regarding the Research Income Classification Group, including its 2021 meeting dates and corresponding submission deadlines, a link to the updated Case Referral Form, and details of who to contact for further information or advice.

• What is Sponsored Research Income?