University Research Evaluation (VRA)
The University of Bologna has a long tradition and experience in evaluating its research activities. The process began in 1997 with the establishment of the Research Observatory, with the aim of "identifying and evaluating the extent and relevance of the research carried out at the University”. In 2013, the Observatory was transformed into the University Research Evaluation Committee (CVRA), a collegial body tasked responsible for preparing and updating the criteria for the University Research Evaluation (VRA).
Over the years, the evaluation model has evolved into its current form, representing a first step towards the development of an increasingly holistic culture of research assessment.
The evaluation model maintains a strong link with the national Research Quality Evaluation (VQR) exercise, from which several elements common to all disciplinary areas are adopted (time frame, number of products evaluated, evaluation classes). It is also complemented by incentive components largely inspired by the principles of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) and by the University’s policies on Open Science and research integrity (in italian).
The objectives of the University Research Evaluation (VRA) are to:
- improve the overall quality of research at the University by increasing awareness within the academic community (researchers and professors) and fostering engagement with ongoing national and international developments in research assessment (e.g. CoARA);
- prepare the academic community (and consequently Departments) for national evaluation exercises (VQR);
- align, as far as possible, with the University’s policies and strategic priorities (e.g. research integrity, open access to publications, proper management of research data, CoARA Action Plan);
- enable an appropriate evaluation of departmental recruitment.
The results of the VRA may be used by Departments and the relevant University bodies to define policies for the allocation of resources for scientific research and to identify strategies for the development of research at the University.
The VRA process is managed through an application, which can be accessed by staff involved in the evaluation using their institutional credentials.
The lists of evaluated personnel, the evaluation criteria approved by the University bodies and all the documents relating to the procedure can be consulted on the University Intranet.