Expert panel to review Institute of Zoology special funding

• Closing date: 10 October 2025 11:59pm UK time
• Number of positions: Three members, one chair
• Length of term: 18 months
• Time commitment: Maximum of six days for members, seven and a half days for the chair
• Remuneration: £170 per day (members); £230 per day (chair)
• Outcomes communicated: November 2025

Research England invites applications for membership of an independent advisory group to support its evaluation of its special funding arrangement with the Institute of Zoology (IoZ).

Four subject matter experts will join representatives from government departments and arm’s-length bodies.

The advisory group will provide recommendations to the Executive Chair of Research England to inform decisions on the most appropriate funder and funding model for the IoZ from 2027 to 2028.

We aim for diverse expertise and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Who we’re looking for

Applicants should demonstrate that they meet the following criteria.

Zoological and conservation science expertise:

• demonstrate world-leading subject knowledge in zoological and conservation science.

Higher education research funding:

• experience of managing university funding (or research institute equivalent) and understanding of the business models they employ

Public funding and value for money:

• understanding of assessing financial sustainability, leverage of public funds, and value for money, within the context of a higher education provider’s or research institute’s business model

Research institute governance:

• experience in governing or evaluating research institutes or large-scale research teams, units or departments
• demonstrate leadership in the context of zoological and conservation research institutes within England and internationally

Research culture:

• experience of promoting and assessing research culture

Additionally, Research England will look to ensure that the group is diverse and that every stage of the review, including the application and selection process, aligns with Research England’s action plan for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Additional criteria

Applicants wishing to apply for the role of chair should additionally demonstrate that they meet the following criteria.

Proven leadership in strategic reviews:

• demonstrated experience leading major independent reviews or national funding panels, particularly within research policy, higher education, or public sector funding
• ability to steer discussions towards consensus while ensuring all viewpoints are considered

Strong understanding of public funding governance:

• knowledge of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Research England, and the broader research funding landscape, including accountability mechanisms, funding streams (for example, QR), and policy priorities
• familiarity with principles of public value, impact, and value for money

High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills:

• skilled at communicating complex evidence and findings clearly to different stakeholders
• can manage sensitive issues diplomatically

Commitment to equity and integrity:

• a track record of fostering inclusive, transparent, and evidence-driven processes
• committed to embedding EDI principles and research culture awareness in the review process

What you’ll be doing

The expert panel will serve three primary purposes. It will:

• refine review categories and evidence to be requested from IoZ
• review the evidence submitted by IoZ
• develop recommendations as to the most appropriate funder and funding model for IoZ

Advisory group members will be expected to attend three panel meetings (preferably in person, or hybrid if needed).

There will be time commitment that includes preparation for, and participation in, the advisory group meetings.

Any expenses incurred for related travel and subsistence (for example, overnight stays) can be covered in line with UKRI’s travel and subsistence policy.

Approximate timescales and commitment

Panel to be held in February 2026 (one day preparation, one half-day remote meeting):

• finalisation of the group’s approach to the evaluation and of the evidence required, including that requested from IoZ

Panel to be held in January 2027 (three days’ preparation, one full and one half-day hybrid meeting):

• evaluation of evidence and development of recommendations to Research England Executive Chair

How to apply

To apply, complete the application form by 11:59pm UK time on 10 October 2025.

You will need to attach a CV (PDF) consisting of no more than two A4 pages to this online application.

If you require reasonable adjustments to enable your participation, or have any queries on this process, please contact Rhys Sandow, Senior Policy Advisor for research funding at Research England: researchpolicy@re.ukri.org

How we’ll assess your application

Representatives from Research England and those appointed by Research England will review submissions against the criteria and balance as required across the group.

All applications will undergo a thorough review process, during which a longlist and, subsequently, a shortlist will be compiled prior to final appointments.

To mitigate unconscious bias, applications will be anonymised at both the longlisting and shortlisting stages.

Panel member applications will be assessed solely through a paper-based review. Research England reserves the right to interview for the role of chair.

The recruitment for the role of Chair will be conducted first in order for the chair to input into the recruitment process for the panel member.

Further information

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups and applications are welcomed irrespective of:

• age
• disability
• sex
• gender identity
• race
• religion
• sexual orientation

The selection of advisory group members will aim to secure a diverse range of experience and expertise that provides a comprehensive range of knowledge to support funding recommendations.

The panel must declare any conflicts of interest when and as they arise.

This includes:

• direct employment with any organisation named as an applicant or partner in funding allocated by or to the Institute of Zoology
• direct benefit from any funding recommendations, either financially or professionally

Panel members will abstain from participation in the appropriate parts of the panel meeting that may result in a conflict of interest, either direct or indirect.

See the Institute of Zoology for further information.

Last updated: 20 August 2025