A recognised independent centre (RIC) of Oxford University was a status awarded to acknowledge a special relationship with a small number of institutes and centres which are involved in teaching and research in their specialised areas in Oxford.
While the RICs remain independent financially and in governance[6] they make a significant contribution to the university in research, tuition, and publishing.
The University Council and relevant faculties nominated members to sit on the governing bodies of the RICs.
[7] A student at an RIC was not automatically a member of the university but could apply to use its facilities, as well as its libraries and manuscript collections.
Some academics held joint appointments made between university faculties and RICs.