The initial accreditation procedure for AFAM PhD programmes is based on the Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) and on specific evaluation protocols defined by the Agency, which relies on the work of an AFAM Evaluation Expert Panel (CEV-AFAM). This panel is responsible for formulating an opinion based on a thorough examination of the proposal submitted by the institution applying for the new programme.

The main phases of the evaluation procedure are as follows:  

1. Submission of the application
   The Institution submits the application for initial accreditation of the new PhD programme to MUR, which forwards it to ANVUR for its evaluation.
    
2. Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Panel (PEV)
   The Governing Board of ANVUR appoints one or more PEV panels to evaluate the new PhD programmes within the same disciplinary field.
    
3. Document analysis and preliminary evaluation
   The PEV carries out a collegial evaluation of each new PhD programme, reviewing the documentation submitted by the institution and applying the evaluation protocol adopted by the Agency.
   The PEV drafts a Summary Report. In parallel, ANVUR staff verify whether each programme meets the requirements regarding the composition and scientific qualifications of the Academic Board and the Programme Coordinator, as well as the quantitative criteria relating to the number of scholarships and resources available for PhD candidates.
    
4. Counterarguments
   In the case of a negative preliminary evaluation, the institution may submit counterarguments.
    
5. Final evaluation
   The PEV, after reviewing any counterarguments, approves the Final Report, which is then submitted to the Governing Board of ANVUR.
    
6. Opinion of the Governing Board
   The Governing Board of ANVUR makes its decision based on the PEV’s Final Report, the assessments carried out by the Agency’s staff, and all other available documentation.
   The Board’s opinion is sent to the Institution and to MUR, along with the PEV’s Report. Both MUR and the Institution may request a review of the decision, providing a reasoned justification.
    
7. Publication of the evaluation
   ANVUR publishes the PEV Final Report and the Agency’s Opinion on its website.
    
8.  MUR’s formal decision
   In line with ANVUR’s opinion, MUR issues the formal act of accreditation or non-accreditation of the PhD programme and forwards it to the Institution.