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Research Quality

The Research Quality Evaluation (VQR) is the exercise through which ANVUR analyses and measures the quality of scientific output produced by universities and research institutions, with the aim of promoting a competitive research system capable of significantly contributing to the scientific and technological advancement of the country.

PURPOSE

The VQR is designed to assess and incentivise the research carried out within Italian institutions by assigning measurable value to scientific results in terms of impact and quality. The information gathered through the VQR is used to guide public funding policies, rewarding high-performing institutions and encouraging continuous improvement.

FREQUENCY

The VQR is conducted every five years, allowing for an evaluation that takes into account the progress made by institutions over time. Each cycle involves the analysis of scientific publications and other research outputs produced by the evaluated entities.

MAIN EVALUATION CRITERIA

The VQR assesses research results based on three main criteria: originality, methodology, and impact.

Evaluation process

The process is structured into several phases:

  1. Ministerial Guidelines and ANVUR call: these define the main rules and criteria governing the implementation of the VQR exercise.
     
  2. Submission of research outputs, knowledge enhancement case studies, infrastructure reports from Research Institutions, and international competitive projects: each institution selects and submits a defined number of publications or other research outputs produced during the reference period, along with a set of reports on knowledge valorisation case studies and a list of international competitive projects. On an experimental basis, Public Research Institutions (EPRs) and voluntary institutions may also submit for evaluation reports related to a research infrastructure in which they are involved.
     
  3. Evaluation by Experts: the research outputs are examined by Evaluation Expert Panels (GEV), which assign a score to each output based on the established criteria.
     
  4. Publication of results: Based on the evaluation outcomes, institutions receive an overall score, broken down by departments and disciplinary areas, reflecting the quality and impact of the research produced.

The evaluation process concludes with a final assessment phase involving international experts, aimed at identifying strengths and areas for improvement of the VQR in view of the next edition.

 

PARTICIPATING BODIES

The VQR involves various categories of stakeholders; the Agency coordinates the process and ensures its independence and transparency. The main actors are:

  • Universities, Research Institutions, Voluntary Institutions: responsible for selecting and submitting their research outputs for evaluation.
  • Evaluation Expert Panels (GEV): composed of researchers and academics, they carry out the analysis and evaluation of the submitted outputs, supported by external reviewers.

The VQR is a complex and structured process, essential to ensure that Italian research maintains high quality standards and significant impact, both nationally and internationally.