ReseaRch Quality assuRance foR the futuRe a ... - Lund University

annex 4 – terms of reference
reports via the portal, and Panel experts access reports, statistics and
other material through the portal.
4. Evaluation Criteria
The chief criteria for evaluation are:
• Quality (international comparability and innovative power)
• Productivity (scientific production)
• Relevance (scientific, social and socioeconomic significance)
• Vitality and ability to manage research (flexibility, control and leadership)
Evaluators are expected to grade research units on a six-point scale
(described below) according to these criteria. This is done primarily at
department (or comparable unit) level but may also be done at lower or
higher organisational levels. Individuals are, however, not to be evaluated.
If the evaluation Panel is unable to agree on a grade, they should
give reasons for this. Evaluation according to the criteria given must be
made with due consideration of the mission of the department or unit in
question.
The criteria should be interpreted as follows:
Quality is to be understood as a measure of excellence and attention
received. It is founded on the reputation and position of the unit within
the community of researchers. The quality is assessed on the basis of the
ability of the unit to achieve and present clear-cut scientific analyses and
results. The assessment reflects the position of the unit in relation to the
frontier of research. That position is best judged through peer review. In
the analysis, the peers fall back on their own knowledge and expertise.
Productivity relates to the total volume of scientific reports of the unit.
These are usually in the form of written publications, but other forms
of publication are acceptable. The quantification of production may be
refined by means of bibliometry, which allows citation frequency to be estimated,
or by other means of describing the significance of a publication
to the community. Productivity and its impact must be judged in relation
to the number of researchers at the department or unit.
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