The following Procedure is established by the Senate Advisory Research Committee (SARC) in accordance with the Senate Policy on the Establishment of Research Centres and Institutes and is referenced in that document as Procedure A.
Updated: February 5, 2026
Establishment of Research Centres and Institutes
Proponents of a proposed Research Centre or Institute (RCI) are to contact the Vice-Principal (Research) for guidance on process related to establishment of the Centre or Institute in alignment with this Procedure and the Procedure for the Administration of Research Centres and Institutes (Procedure B). An application will include two components:
- Research Plan: includes all relevant information to support the assessment of the application in relation to the Senate approved criteria;
- Operational Plan: as outlined in the Procedure on the Administration of Research Centres and Institutes, an Operational Plan will be required; the Vice-Principal (Research) must approve the Operational Plan, and will undertake due-diligence activity such as a financial and risk assessment review, prior to assessment of the application by SARC.
The Vice-Principal (Research) will forward the application together with the financial and risk assessment review to SARC for its evaluation and recommendation on establishment.
SARC Review and Categorization
SARC will review all initial applications, and subsequent renewals, based on the Senate approved criteria outlined in the Policy:
- Alignment with the Queen’s Strategic Research Plan
- Research Excellence
- Evidence of Collaboration
- Training and Development of Highly Qualified Personnel
- Knowledge Mobilization Activity
The proponents of the RCI will be available to SARC to respond to questions and will be given the opportunity to modify applications based on SARC feedback before SARC determines its final recommendation. In addition, to inform the governance and oversight of RCIs, SARC will recommend establishment, and renewal, of RCIs within two categories – Tier 1 and Tier 2.
A categorization guideline will be maintained by SARC as part of this Procedure, to be reviewed by SARC annually, and updated at a minimum of every three years. The criteria outlined below are intended to describe the typical characteristics expected of Research Centres and Institutes classified as Tier 1 or Tier 2. They are not meant to be interpreted as an all-or-nothing checklist, nor as requirements that must be uniformly met by all Research Centres and Institutes.
Research Centres and Institutes categorized as Tier 1 are expected to demonstrate these characteristics collectively and consistently. Tier 2 Research Centres and Institutes may exhibit some of these features; however, only those components indicated by an “X” are expected for Tier 2 review or categorization. The categorization criteria are in place from 2026-2029. The establishment and subsequent renewal of Research Centres and Institutes will be assessed using a gradient rubric.
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Assessment Criteria
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Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
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Alignment with Queen’s Strategic Research Plan |
X |
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Research Excellence: |
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Leading edge research1 |
X |
X |
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National recognition and impact |
X |
X |
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International recognition and impact |
X |
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Collaboration, Knowledge Mobilization/Translation and Training: |
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Regional and national collaboration (e.g., co-publications, co-funding, research partnerships, etc.) |
X |
X |
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International collaboration (e.g., co-publications, co-funding, research partnerships, etc.) |
X |
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Interdisciplinary2/Cross-faculty |
X |
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Knowledge mobilization and translation (metrics defined by applicants) |
X |
X |
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Training and development of Highly Qualified Personnel |
X |
X |
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Governance, Administration and Funding: |
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Defined membership based on categories outlined in the Research Centres and Institutes membership framework |
X |
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A minimum of 10 Queen’s tenured or tenured track faculty core members (or clinicians with protected research time) |
X |
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Identified leadership, which includes a director and lead dean, and may include other roles (e.g., scientific director, managing director, etc.) |
X |
X |
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Faculty enthusiasm and support (e.g., space, etc.) |
X |
X |
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Defined governance structure, which includes an Advisory Board |
X |
X |
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Major external research funding |
X |
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Increased complexity due to significant research and operational funding, administration, external engagements, advocacy, and reporting requirements |
X |
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Central operational support and oversight |
X |
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1As evidenced collectively by, for example: citations, publications, awards, funding, performances, exhibitions, impact on community, etc.
2In this instance, interdisciplinary is to be evidenced by inclusion of membership representation aligned from two or more tri-council funding agencies.
Senate Decision and Board of Trustees Ratification
After consideration by SARC, and if endorsed, the final documentation will be submitted to Senate for its decision. Should Senate approve establishment, the approval shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for its ratification. Establishment and operation of the RCI will normally be approved for a term of five years.
Administration of Research Centres and Institutes
The administration of RCIs will be guided by the Procedure on the Administration of Research Centre and Institutes (Procedure B). This Procedure is established under the Administrative Policies process to provide direction on the development of the Operational Plan required for establishment, ongoing administration, oversight and risk management activities, including appointment of leadership, budget and financial planning, staffing, physical space requirements and the responsibilities of the Faculties, the Vice-Principal (Research) and other administrative units.
Initial two-year review and end of term reviews by SARC
RCIs in their first term will be required to present a detailed update to SARC, consistent with the requirements of an end of term review, at the end of their second year of operation. This will also include an update to SARC from the Vice-Principal (Research) on the RCI Operational Plan, developed in alignment with Procedure B. Should SARC be concerned with the progress of the Centre or Institute it may request additional reporting requirements.
Towards the end of the penultimate year of the established term, a Research Centre or Institute must indicate whether they intend to seek an additional term (normally a five-year term). Should the RCI intend to seek renewal, the following will be required:
- A summary of research accomplishments and operational details of the RCI
- An updated Research plan for the next term (to a maximum of five years).
- An updated Operational Plan in alignment with Procedure B
The material provided by the RCI will be reviewed by a committee, to be named by the Vice-Principal (Research). The committee may include representation external to the university. The review committee will normally recommend either that the RCI be authorized for a further period of up to five years, or that the RCI be phased out of existence within an appropriate wind-down period. The review committee, and subsequent review by SARC, will be guided by the same overarching criteria established in the Policy and the categorization guide outlined in this Procedure. After consideration by SARC, the final documentation, including the recommendation from SARC, will be submitted to the Senate for its decision. Should Senate approve an additional term, the approval shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for ratification.
In addition to the reporting requirements outlined, SARC may request, through the Vice-Principal (Research), an update on a RCI at any time.
Dissolution of Research Centre or Institute
In the event that a Centre or Institute decides to cease operations, or is not recommended for an additional term, the activities of the RCI will be wound down in alignment with Procedure B. In addition, the University reserves the right to close a RCI during its approved period for financial exigency or other reasons, with due regard to human resources policies and employment standards legislation. Ultimately, the Board of Trustees, on the recommendation of Senate, will formally dissolve an established RCI.