Online from April 17: a new public service for observing and analyzing the evolution of the Italian university system

Today, in the Aula Magna of Sapienza University of Rome, the University System Dashboard was officially presented. Developed by the National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR) in collaboration with CINECA, the Dashboard offers a transparent, integrated, and up-to-date overview of key data and indicators of the Italian university system.

The Dashboard, which will be publicly accessible on the ANVUR website starting tomorrow, April 17, organizes information drawn from various key university databases—primarily those of the Ministry and ANVUR—into six specific areas: staff, budget, teaching, study programmes, research, and doctoral programmes. It features intuitive graphical representations and multidimensional analyses, fostering a culture of data use in a simple yet responsible way, and enhancing understanding of key variables for the academic community, students, and public and private stakeholders.

The event opened with institutional greetings from the Rector of Sapienza, Prof. Antonella Polimeni, and an introduction by ANVUR President, Prof. Antonio Felice Uricchio. This was followed by remarks from Senator Alessandra Gallone, representing the Minister of Universities and Research, Senator Anna Maria Bernini. ANVUR Director Dr. Daniele Livon then presented the features and functionalities of the Dashboard.

A roundtable discussion followed, featuring prominent figures from the academic and research sectors: Prof. Giovanna Iannantuoni (President of CRUI); Prof. Stefano Paleari (Advisor to the Minister for the NRRP); Dr. Nicoletta Pannuzi (Director for Social and Welfare Statistics at ISTAT); Prof. Massimo Tronci (ANVUR Board Member and University Evaluation Coordinator); Prof. Marco Mancini (President of CNVR); Prof. Paolo Vincenzo Pedone (President of CUN); Prof. Francesco Ubertini (President of CINECA); and Dr. Alberto Scuttari (President of CODAU).

ANVUR President Prof. Antonio Felice Uricchio emphasized:
“Evaluation is too often perceived as a censoring exercise, with the responsible institution viewed as a mere bureaucratic control body. In recent years, ANVUR has reinterpreted its role—not abandoning its evaluative functions, but framing them within a broader perspective of qualitative improvement and support for both evaluated institutions and policymakers. This Dashboard project aligns with that vision. It is the result of tremendous work by the Agency’s staff in collaboration with CINECA, and it provides a valuable data analysis tool that reinforces principles of transparency, accountability, and autonomy. In addition to the regular report on the state of the university system, ANVUR aims to make often difficult-to-access information readily available to all through a user-friendly and fully accessible format, thereby supporting the Ministry and universities in improving the system. We are convinced that the shared knowledge of data is a public good and a valuable governance tool. In rethinking the Agency’s role, and in light of the upcoming reform of Law 240, I would like to thank Minister Anna Maria Bernini for her continued support of our many initiatives, and for the recent international and European recognitions, including our admission to the EQAR register, alongside previous memberships with ENQA and WFME. This achievement strengthens the credibility of our work and motivates us to continue: not only to evaluate, but to support; not only to measure, but to share and build together.”

Minister of Universities and Research, Senator Anna Maria Bernini, stated:
“The new Dashboard developed by ANVUR is a strategic tool that ensures greater transparency and traceability across the entire university system. From human resources to financial management to educational offerings, it provides a clear and accessible view of academic activities. This represents a significant step forward—not only for universities, but for all stakeholders interested in better understanding the functioning and performance of our system. The Dashboard is an innovation that strengthens the quality and reliability of Italy’s university ecosystem.”

Prof. Antonella Polimeni, Rector of Sapienza University of Rome, remarked:
“Today’s presentation in our university’s Aula Magna marks an important moment for the national university system. Evaluating universities means valuing the active and central role of the academic community—particularly students—in the evaluation processes, with the aim of promoting increasingly effective, inclusive, and innovative educational pathways; monitoring the impact of scientific activity on the economic and production system; and fostering a society-wide culture grounded in responsibility and scientific excellence. A well-structured evaluation system is not merely a control tool—it is an opportunity.”

ANVUR Director Dr. Daniele Livon concluded:
“I would like to thank the Ministry, CINECA, AlmaLaurea, and the APRE Agency for their collaboration in developing the project and for the valuable data contributions included in the Dashboard. The high level of participation—both in person and remotely—by the institutions at today’s launch event demonstrates the strong interest in this initiative, which requires the commitment of all parties in providing accurate data and ensuring their proper interpretation and use.”