Professorial zoning delivers:
The zoning framework has four zones which are described below.
| Criteria | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptor |
Professors have a recognised international reputation for their contribution to their field of study and can demonstrate an established record of academic achievement. |
Professors have an established international reputation in their field of study and a sustained track record of academic achievement and leadership. | Professors have an internationally leading reputation for shaping and developing their field of study and can demonstrate a highly distinguished past and continuing track record of academic achievement and leadership. | Professors will bring significant prestige to the University as universally acknowledged world leaders in shaping and developing their field of study. Professors can demonstrate an esteemed record of academic excellence and leadership at the highest international level. |
|
Appointment Protocol |
Normal entry point for those newly promoted or appointed externally as a Professor. Zone 1 allows for new professors to develop their academic standing. | Core zone where most Professors will spend the majority of their career with the goal of progressing to zone 3. External appointments can only be made where the appointee is able to demonstrate a sustained track record of high performance within another institution. | The step difference in contribution between zones 2 and 3 is assumed to be significantly higher than the difference between zones 1 and 2. External appointments to this zone will only be made where a Professor can demonstrate a sustained track record at the highest international level. | It is expected that only a small number of Professors will meet the criteria for zone 4. Professors may be appointed directly to this zone in exceptional circumstances. |
There are also detailed Professorial Zoning Descriptors for each of the zones that lay out expected contributions for each of the criteria at each level.
The Professorial Zoning Descriptors have been developed by working groups of senior academic staff from across the University, and endorsed by the Professorial Zoning Steering Group. There are ten criteria grouped under the themes of Research, Learning and Teaching, Knowledge Exchange and Citizenship. Further details of the criteria and indicators for these under each of the zones can be found in the Professorial Zoning Descriptors.