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

annex 4 – terms of reference
Relevance is a criterion which includes the scientific, technological,
clinical, social, cultural and socioeconomic significance of a publication
as well as implementation of research results in the society. The research
is to be placed in relation to the international development of the field of
study or to important development trends or issues in society. Relevance
may be quantified or given a qualitative character.
Vitality and organisational capacity are criteria which concern the internal
vitality of the unit and its contacts with the rest of the world but also
the capacity of the unit to implement successfully the work it has planned.
This may include possible changes in departmental research focus as
well as flexibility and ability to allow the formation of and possibility to
sustain strong research environments. The evaluators are asked to grade
the evaluated research on a six-point scale on the basis of the four criteria
listed above and further exemplified here.
Grading scale:
Outstanding. Outstanding research, in a national and in an international
perspective. Great international interest with a wide impact, normally
including publications in leading journals and/or monographs published
by leading international publishing houses. The research has world
leading qualities.
Excellent. Research of excellent quality. Normally published so as to
have great impact, also internationally. Without doubt, the research has a
leading position in its field in Sweden.
Very good. Research of very high quality. The research has such high
quality that it attracts wide national and international attention.
Good. Good research attracting mainly national attention but possessing
international potential; extraordinarily high relevance may motivate good
research.
Insufficient. The research is insufficient and reports have not gained
wide circulation or do not receive national and international attention.
Research activities should be revised.
Poor. The research is quite inadequate and lacks development potential.
Research activities should be discontinued. In cases where the research
519