PBSci RESEARCH IT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF RESEARCH ACTIVITY
The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences (PBSci) is the most productive research division on the campus. Our research activity has been growing steadily over the past five years. In FY20 alone, over 280 Principle Investigators brought in $82 million in research award funding.
Our growing extramural funding portfolio and increasing demand for intensive research computing support are putting pressure on our information technology support structure. Our current divisionally supported infrastructure is insufficient to meet the needs of our PIs.
In response, PBSci is establishing a Research IT Advisory Committee (RITAC) to develop and recommend plans and policies for divisional research computing technology that support and advance the research and teaching mission of the University. The primary goal of the committee is to foster an information technology environment that supports the accomplishment of divisional research goals.
II. REPORTING STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP
The RITAC advises the Dean of the PBSci on current issues relevant to research IT in the Division. The following members are permanent to the committee:
Assistant Dean, Planning and Resource Management
Divisional Research Computing Director
Divisional Scientific Computing Manager
Divisional Life Sciences Computing Manager
Divisional Facilities Director
The following members are appointed at the request of the Dean and will serve for a minimum of 1 year with
the option to renew committee membership upon mutual agreement up to 5 years:
Faculty Representative, Astronomy & Astrophysics
Faculty Representative, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Faculty Representative, Earth & Planetary Sciences
Faculty Representative, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Faculty Representative, Mathematics
Faculty Representative, Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology
Faculty Representative, Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
Faculty Representative, Ocean Sciences
Faculty Representative, Physics
Divisional Representative at Large
University of California Observatories Representative
III. CHARGE OF THE RITAC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The RITAC supports PBSci users conducting research that requires support from ITS.
The RITAC’s primary purpose is to advise the Dean on issues of concern to the operations, policies, and management of research IT. The advisory committee will meet quarterly or as needed to review and discuss topics including the following:
● Faculty, staff, or student requests or concerns regarding the operations of the research IT support team
● Developing and proposing research IT policies for the division
● Requests to invest in equipment, technology, or capital improvements to existing IT facilities
● Implementation of a recharge rate and revisions to those rates/fees
● Financial support and costing models
● Staffing
● Priorities for operations within established staffing and budget constraints
The Dean may request that the RITAC consider additional matters, on an “as necessary” basis. Although the advisory committee has no direct executive powers, it will contribute to the efficient and successful operation of the division’s ITS team and associated facilities and to the mission of the research program.
Responsibility for implementing recommendations of the advisory committee, with approval and support from the Dean, may be delegated to the Divisional Research Computing Director or Research IT Engagement and Support Manager.
The Divisional Research Computing Director will retain the authority to design and implement IT support solutions and to oversee the adequacy of all aspects of the services provided by the divisional IT team.
IV. Meeting Agenda and Frequency
The committee shall meet once per quarter or more frequently as needed. The Chairperson, in conjunction with the Divisional Research Computing Director, will determine the meeting time, location, and agenda. The agenda will be provided prior to the meeting.