Uppsala University’s research environments evaluated
Uppsala University has conducted its third, extensive research evaluation. This time, more than 130 external reviewers have focused in particular on the University’s research environments. The report, Q&R17 (Quality and Renewal 2017), has been handed over to the Vice-Chancellor and will also be presented to the University Board this afternoon.
Q&R17 is Uppsala University’s third major research evaluation. The two previous evaluations, Q&R07 and Q&R11, sought primarily to identify strong research areas and research initiatives with the potential to develop into strong areas, thereby functioning as a basis for strategic research prioritisations at different levels within the University. In contrast to the previous evaluations, Q&R17 has not resulted in any grading of the actual research. The purpose has instead been to strengthen the University through a broad analysis of how well its research environments function, with particular weight given to the prerequisites and processes that contribute to research quality and renewal. The evaluation is thereby clearly development-oriented.
The evaluation builds on a large amount of data: Questionnaire responses from some 3,700 active researchers, bibliometric analysis and other key indicators, self-evaluations by the departments and reports from 19 panels with a total of 130 invited international reviewers.
“Studying one’s own strengths and weaknesses in a critical and development-oriented way is a good method for improvement and development. Behind this report lies great commitment from very many people within the University,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor Anders Malmberg, who has led the project together with a project team.
The analysis reveals numerous sources of strength in the University’s research, but also areas where action is needed to ensure that the University maintains and improves its international position. The most important result of the evaluation is a list of identified areas where Uppsala University should consider development initiatives and actions to reach its full potential:
- culture of quality and quality control,
- academic leadership and strategic renewal,
- recruitment and career support,
- international environment,
- collaboration and application,
- link between research and education, and
- internal organisation and infrastructure.
“The evaluation of research environments gives us a broad basis and good guidance for the University’s continued development. Now we begin the important work of going through the recommendations of the report and making sure action is taken where necessary,” says Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson, who decided to initiate the evaluation.
Anneli Waara