The URC was created to ensure an institutional perspective in the allocation of funds in the context of the Mobilizing Knowledge: A Plan for Supporting Research Development at Concordia University (pdf). As several of the programs within the Mobilizing Knowledge plan are competitive in nature, involving matching funds or contributions and/or requiring the input of the Faculties before funding decisions are taken, Faculty recommendations are forwarded to the University Research Committee where final institutional decisions are made regarding the awards. The URC is consulted on specific programs such as, but not limited to the Seed Funding Program, the Facility Optimization Program, and the Research Development Program. The URC also has a role in the allocation and evaluation of research chairs, as stated in the Interim Framework for Research Chairs and Distinguished Professorships at Concordia University(pdf).

The University Research Committee is chaired by the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies and includes the Provost (or delegate), two faculty members from the Faculty of Arts and Science, two faculty members from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, one faculty member from the Faculty of Fine Arts and one faculty member from the John Molson School of Business.