The procedure for the initial accreditation of a PhD programme is based on the Guidelines defined by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) and on specific evaluation protocols established by ANVUR. The agency relies on the work of an Evaluation Expert Panel (PEV), which is responsible for issuing a judgment based on an in-depth review of the proposal submitted by the institution proposing the new programme.
The main stages of the evaluation procedure are as follows:
- Submission of the Application
The university submits the application for the initial accreditation of the new PhD programme to the MUR, which forwards it to ANVUR for the relevant evaluations.
- Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Panel (PEV)
The Governing Board (CD) of ANVUR appoints one or more PEVs for the evaluation of new PhD programmes within the same disciplinary field.
- Document Analysis and Preliminary evaluation
The PEV assesses each new PhD programme by analyzing the informational dossier submitted by the university, following the evaluation protocol adopted by the Agency.
The PEV drafts a Summary Report. Simultaneously, the officials from ANVUR’s Research Area verify that each programme meets the requirements concerning the composition and scientific qualifications of the PhD Board and the Programme Coordinator, as well as the quantitative criteria related to the number of scholarships and the resources available for PhD candidates.
- Counterarguments
In case of a negative preliminary evaluation, the university may submit counterarguments.
- Final evaluation
After reviewing any counterarguments, the PEV approves the Final Report, which is submitted to the Governing Board of ANVUR.
- Opinion of the Governing Board
The Governing Board makes its decision based on the PEV’s report, the assessments carried out by the Research Area officials, and all available documentation for each programme.
The opinion of the Governing Board is sent to the university and the MUR, along with the PEV’s report. Both the MUR and the university may request a review of the decision, providing justification.
- Publication of the evaluation
ANVUR publishes the PEV’s Final Report and, in the case of a negative evaluation or recommendations, ANVUR’s Opinion on its website.
- MUR decision
In accordance with ANVUR’s opinion, the MUR issues the formal decision on the accreditation or non-accreditation of the PhD programme and transmits it to the university.
Evaluation Protocol for New PhD programmes at Universities
The Protocol adopted by the Agency was approved by Resolution No. 309 of the Governing Board on December 21, 2023, and is in line with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015).
PEV members
Starting from the 40th Cycle (XL Ciclo), an Evaluation Expert Panel (PEV) has assessed newly established PhD programmes during the initial accreditation phase, based on the requirements set out in the Evaluation Protocol.