Review of the Research Institute for History and - Universiteit Utrecht

A 6. Internal evaluation, analysis, perspectives and expectations for the research programme
1. Strengths
The group has a strong presence in national networks, especially through its pivotal role in the national
research school OSK, and Simiolus contributes much to the international visibility of the Utrecht group. The
good relationships with the world of the museum are an asset. The programme will continue to focus on
keeping the structure of national cooperation intact.
2. Weaknesses
Recent years show a dramatic drop in scholarly output. The reasons for this are not yet well analysed. In the
next period this problem will be an important issue for discussion.
3. Opportunities
The two-year English language research MA, Art History of the Low Countries in its European Context, offered
by the Utrecht team under supervision of OGC, provides an opportunity for further integration of the local
research efforts and stimulates internationalisation by welcoming students from abroad.
4. Threats
With the arrival of the local Graduate Schools the future of the very successful National Research School for
Art History, with its close connections to the world of museums, looks less certain. Even though the Dean of
the Faculty of Arts UU and his colleagues from the other Dutch Faculties of Arts have declared themselves
strongly in favour of continuing the National Research Schools. The modest output of the programme will
be a central concern for the next period.
OGC Art History
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