The main area of activity of ANVUR is the Evaluation of Research Quality (VQR), a five-year process that assesses the research outcomes produced by universities and research institutions. The VQR provides key results to support the development of the Italian research system, to allocate state funding to the evaluated institutions based on merit, and to contribute to the selection of Departments of Excellence.

In addition, the Agency assesses and promotes knowledge enhancement activities, meaning the contribution of institutions to the development of society and local communities.

ANVUR is also responsible for the classification of scientific journals in the fields of the humanities and social sciences—an instrument that supports the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) in the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) procedures. ANVUR is tasked with identifying scientific journals that meet high academic standards and promoting the recognition of high-quality publications.

The Agency thus plays a crucial role in evaluating the growth and quality of the Italian academic and research system, promoting both scientific excellence and the social impact of knowledge.