Annual Research Report 2020

28 Research Governing Structures Senate Committee on Research The Senate Committee on Research (SCR) was constituted in 2018 and has served to advise Senate on all matters relating to the research strategy of the University. This includes identifying priority areas for research; developing, promoting and monitoring research policies and practices; supporting engagement with key external stakeholders; and providing leadership and advice on the University’s research performance. Senate Higher Degrees Committee The year 2020 saw the establishment of the Senate Higher Degrees Committee (SHDC) with the inaugural meeting taking place on 22 April. The purpose of the SHDC is to advise and recommend on all research and academic matters related to higher degree (postgraduate [PG]) candidature. This includes reporting, recommending and advising Senate on policies, practices, procedures and standards related to higher degree programmes within the University. In this incipient stage of postgraduate programmes at SPU, the work of the SHDC started by advising and recommending on postgraduate diploma and honours research even though these qualifications would not necessarily be considered as higher degrees. SPU is looking forward to receiving its first cohort of masters level students in 2021. Senate Research Ethics Committee The Senate Research Ethics Committee (SREC) is responsible for ensuring that appropriate ethical considerations are tak- en into account in all research activities at SPU. This includes ensuring that staff, students and research participants are protected from possible harm and that their rights are both respected and protected. In this context, the work of the SREC is guided by SPU’s commitment and approach to eth- ical and socially responsible research, as expressed in the research policy of the University. All research conducted by undergraduate students at SPU is considered for ethics clearance at the level of the Schools, whereas research pro- posals by postgraduate students as well as research involving SPU staff and students is considered for ethics clearance by the SREC.