TRAC FAQ
What is the definition of Research?
For the purposes of TRAC research has a specific definition. It should have a source of funding, from the Institution or other external source, and/or should potentially lead to the production of outputs, and/or should relate to the training and supervision of Postgraduate Research students. more ...
What is the definition of Scholarship?
Scholarship is any activity that updates or maintains the skills and experience of the individual, but is separate from Research, as it is acquisition of knowledge that exists elsewhere. Personal study or training which fulfils this definition should be included under General Support. more ...
To which activity should conference attendance be attributed?
Conferences should be coded according to the main reason for attending e.g if the conference is directly connected to a specific research project it should be coded to the appropriate funding source under Research. more ...
What happens if I just make up the figures?
The whole TRAC process is auditable by RCUK, and your Head of School will be asked to look at the reasonableness of the average figures for the whole School. It is therefore possible that you may be asked in the future to justify your figures. more ...
What if I cannot categorise a particular activity?
Please read the Guidance notes carefully and if still in doubt email the TRAC contact in Finance. Do not allocate the time to 'Other' if you are not sure of the correct category, as Other has a specific meaning for activity which generates income for the University but is not Teaching or Research. more ...
What if I don't submit the form?
To get reliable data we require 75% response rates for each week. If response rates go below this, the TRAC Project Team will contact both yourself and the Head of School directly, to ensure all forms are submitted. You may also receive email reminders. more ...
Where do I allocate consultancy work?
Consultancy, e.g. advisory work, which generates income for the University should be allocated to Other activity. Private consultancy not in University time should not be included on the schedule. more ...
Where do I allocate the preparation of Research Proposals?
Drafting and redrafting proposals for new work and supporting bids to external bodies should be allocated to Support to Research. Pilot studies and literature research prior to the drafting of proposals can be allocated to Research. more ...
Where do I allocate time spent travelling?
If the travel was required as part of your teaching or research duty it should be attributed to either T or R. If travel was for other general University business put the time under General Support. more ...
Where should I allocate time spent on Postgraduate Students?
There is a separate Research category in the web diary for Postgrad Research students, and all training, supervision, marking, viva's etc should be allocated to this category. Time training and supervising Postgrad Taught (e.g. MLitt) students should be allocated to Teaching. more ...
Why have I been selected to participate?
All staff who are contracted to carry out both teaching and research, in all Schools, will be required to participate in this exercise. It is planned to survey all Schools every 3 years if a high enough response rate (75%) is obtained. more ...