Based in Rutland Building, the Research Office underpins the University's efforts to manage its research activity in a strategic, streamlined and effective manner. The office is run by the Director - Research Office who reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research. It processes on an annual basis some 700 applications for external funding, with a total value of £81M, resulting in a research income of £28.7M in 2004-05. A core function of the office is to play a key role in the development and implementation of the University's research policy and strategy, including oversight of the University's submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014).

The office comprises pre-award, post-award and development teams. Pre-award are responsible for the dissemination of information on research funding opportunities; the identification of University research expertise; the facilitation of interdisciplinary bids for funds; the development and growth of the University's research portfolio; the provision of costing and pricing advice; and assistance with the completion of grant applications. Additionally, this team provides a dedicated contract negotiation support service in order to protect the University's intellectual property, safeguard the right of academics to publish without undue restrictions, and to minimise financial risk to the institution.

The post-award team undertakes the financial administration of all grants and contracts, ensuring the efficient recovery of expenditure, and compliance with both the external funders regulations, as well as with the internal financial regulations of the University.

The development team look after REF, LUPIN, ethical guidance, researcher development, research training, e-resources for researchers and supporting Athena SWAN applications.

To maximise strategic interactions, the office works closely with the Research Student Office, the Business Partnerships, Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Office and the External Relations Office (the latter including Publicity and Development Office); all are located within Rutland Hall. The structure of the Research Office is shown below: