Steering Group (SG) – Terms of Reference

Steering Group (SG)

Chaired by the Deputy Director, with representation from Hub academics, national facility experts, Industry Advisory Panel (IAP), and Early Career Researcher (ECR) community. Meets quarterly (hybrid/virtual with at least one in-person meeting per year).

Terms of Reference

The Steering Group (SG) of the UK Catalysis Hub Phase III will:

  • Advise the Management Group (MG) on the selection, prioritisation and funding of research projects;
  • Provide expert input to review and monitor progress of funded projects, ensuring alignment with Hub objectives and strategic priorities;
  • Support the MG in shaping and delivering scientific strategy, training programmes, workshops and conferences;
  • Contribute to maintaining balance across disciplines, institutions and career stages in Hub activities;
  • Support the identification and development of future research opportunities and emerging themes;
  • Contribute to the nominations process, including recommending candidates for MG, SG, and ECR Forum membership (via the Nominations Committee where appropriate);
  • Act as a conduit between the Hub and the wider UK catalysis community, ensuring transparency and engagement.

Conduct

Meetings of the Hub SG shall be conducted as follows:

  • The SG will be established for the duration of the Hub (EPSRC grant period plus 3 months);
  • The Deputy Director (or nominee) will chair all meetings;
  • The SG will meet 3 times per year, with meetings held virtually, hybrid, or in person;
  • Administrative support will be provided by the Hub Manager;
  • A meeting shall be quorate when at least two-thirds of members are present, including the Chair (or nominee) and at least one MG representative;
  • Members are expected to attend regularly; those attending fewer than 75% of meetings over a two-year period may be asked to step down;
  • Members will not be remunerated and will normally bear their own costs of attendance.

Membership

SG members will:

  • Be appointed through an open and transparent process, ensuring balanced representation across the community;
  • Serve a term of 3 years, renewable once (3+3 years), with staggered appointments to ensure continuity;
  • Be selected based on expertise, experience, and ability to contribute to the Hub’s objectives;
  • Include representation from academia, national facilities, industry (via IAP), and early career researchers;
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest in advance of meetings;
  • Act in good faith, contributing constructively and collaboratively;
  • Maintain confidentiality of discussions unless otherwise agreed.