Exciting Changes Ahead - Introducing our new RIMS

We are pleased to announce that we are moving to a new Research Information Management System (RIMS), a platform designed to enhance how we manage, share, and promote our research. This system will provide us with an excellent opportunity to showcase the breadth and impact of our research to both internal and external audiences.

Similar RIMS are already in use across many leading universities in Europe and further afield, and we are confident it will help us elevate the visibility of our research on a global stage. Examples of similar RIMS systems include the University of Manchester and the University of Dundee.

What is our new RIMS?

A Research Information Management System (RIMS) is a comprehensive platform that allows universities to efficiently manage and display their research activities, while providing insights and valuable reporting. It consolidates data on individual and organisational (including College, School and research unit level) research profiles, publications, awards, and more into a single, user-friendly portal.

High-Level Benefits of RIMS:

• Enhanced Visibility: Researchers can easily showcase their work through a well-structured public profile, increasing the reach and visibility of their contributions. 
• Efficiency: All research data is stored in one place, making it easier for researchers and administrators to manage profiles, publications, and awards.
• Collaboration: The system supports collaboration by highlighting connections between researchers, fostering new partnerships both within and outside the University.
• Reporting: It streamlines reporting processes, ensuring compliance with funding and institutional reporting requirements.

What Does This Move Mean for Me?

Phase 1 of the project will focus on developing a portal that includes individual and organisational research profiles that stores and showcases research outputs (including publications), achievements and impacts.  As an individual researcher, you will have control over managing your profile, ensuring your publications and contributions are up to date. The platform is intuitive and will allow you to:

• Curate your profile: Add your research interests, highlight key publications, and include other relevant academic activities.
• Update publications: Easily manage your publication list, ensuring that your most recent work is featured.
• Track and report impact: Monitor how your research is being received and referenced globally.

Read more about how you can unlock the full potential of your research in the new portal.

As we move towards the launch of Phase 1, we will be providing detailed guides, FAQs, and recommendations for standardizing profiles and approaches to ensure consistency across the university.

Phase 2 of this project will focus on the award management system, with key features including:  

• Streamlined Proposal Submission: Simplifies the process of submitting research proposals, ensuring compliance with guidelines and reducing errors.
• Centralised Award Data: Consolidates award-related information (e.g., applications, approvals, funding details) in a single, accessible platform.
• Automated Tracking: Provides real-time tracking of proposal statuses, deadlines, and funding opportunities, minimizing missed deadlines.
• Budget Management Integration: Supports financial tracking by linking award data with budgeting tools, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines and optimising resource allocation.
• Time-Saving Automation: Automates routine administrative tasks like reminders, approvals, and report generation, freeing up researchers' time for actual research.
• Funding Opportunity Matching: Offers researchers personalised recommendations for relevant funding opportunities based on their research focus and past successes.

What Should I Do Now?

While the new system is being prepared, we recommend that you continue to keep your existing IRIS research profile up to date. This will ensure a smoother transition when we migrate to the new portal, as the data on IRIS will be bulk migrated to the new research portal.

We are excited about this new chapter and are confident that the new RIMS will enhance how we present and manage our research. Stay tuned for further updates and resources as we approach the launch!