The Swedish Research Council’s evaluation model focuses on the results of research. The model involves minimal effort on the part of the higher education institutions (HEIs), and is designed so that the evaluations complement other initiatives aimed at developing Swedish research.
Our aim is for the results of the national evaluations to be useful in motivating different actors – HEIs, government and funding bodies – to take initiatives to improve the quality of Swedish research. We expect to conduct one to two evaluations per year.
The pilot evaluation, which we will conduct in 2020, focuses on political science. The following 14 HEIs will be included in the pilot evaluation:
- Karlstad University
- Linköping University
- Linnaeus University
- Lund University
- Luleå University of Technology
- Malmö University
- Mid Sweden University
- Stockholm University
- Swedish Defence University
- Södertörn University
- Umeå University
- University of Gothenburg
- Uppsala University
- Örebro University
Model for the pilot evaluation
The evaluation is intended to give a national picture of the quality and impact of research (societal impact) within political science. The evaluation is carried out from an international perspective, using an international panel of experts.
1. The Swedish Research Council and HEIs provide documentation
The Swedish Research Council will provide the following documentation for evaluating the quality of research:
- Publications for reading
- Publication lists
- Bibliometrics (when possible)
The HEIs in turn will produce case studies for evaluating the impact of research. The case studies shall be good and educational examples for development and learning.
The Swedish Research Council will also provide quantitative data on finance and personnel.
2. An expert panel will assess the research on a five-degree scale
A panel with international experts will make an overall assessment of the quality and impact of the research on a five-degree scale. They will comment on the outcome at national level, and highlight particular characteristics – both strengths and areas for development.
The panel will write a report, to be published on vr.se.
Time plan
November 2019
Our mapping of the HEIs conducting research within political sciences has been completed.
December 2019
All HEIs receive information about the pilot evaluation.
We sent out a time plan and instructions to the HEIs taking part.
HEIs and other stakeholders have the opportunity to nominate experts.
January 2020
HEIs prepare their case studies.
March 2020
We expect to have recruited experts and to have completed our documentation for the panel. The documentation is sent out to the HEIs included in the pilot evaluation.
April 2020
The HEIs submit their case studies.
April 2021
A report with the result from the pilot evaluation is published on vr.se.
May 2021
Dialogue meeting with the panel and the HEIs involved. We discuss lessons from the evaluation, any adjustments to the evaluation model, and how the result can be used to enhance Swedish research in political research.
PublISHED ON 12 December 2019
UpDATED ON 03 December 2020