The periodic assessment of doctoral programmes consists in verifying the continuity of the requirements that led to their initial accreditation. The procedure involves the internal evaluation bodies of the institutions and may coincide with the periodic assessment of associated or consortium institutions.
The main phases of the evaluation procedure are as follows:
- Collection of required information
The university updates the information needed to verify the continuity of the requirements that led to the initial accreditation.
- Appointment of the Evaluation Expert Panel (PEV)
The Governing Board (CD) of ANVUR appoints one or more Evaluation Expert Panels (PEV) for the assessment of doctoral programmes in the same disciplinary field.
- Preliminary assessment
The PEV evaluates the continuity of the quality requirements, the consistency of the educational project, and the services provided to doctoral candidates.
- Counterarguments
In the case of a negative preliminary evaluation, the university may submit counterarguments.
- Final evaluation
After examining any counterarguments, the PEV approves the Final Report, which is forwarded to the Governing Board of ANVUR.
- Opinion of the Governing Board
The Governing Board makes its decision based on the PEV Report, the assessments carried out by ANVUR staff from the Scientific journals evaluations and research training Unit, and all documentation available for each programme.
The Board’s opinion is sent to the university and the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR), along with the PEV Report. Both the MUR and the university may, with justification, request a review of the decision.
- Publication of the evaluation
ANVUR publishes the PEV Final Report and – in the case of a negative evaluation or recommendations – the Agency's Opinion on its website.
- Formal decision by MUR
In accordance with ANVUR’s opinion, the MUR adopts the formal measure of accreditation or non-accreditation of the doctoral programme and transmits it to the university.