Research assessments

Utrecht University attaches great value to ensuring the quality of its research is assessed effectively. All research at Utrecht University is therefore periodically assessed by external teams of experts. Most research (97%) receives an assessment ranging from good to excellent. In the event of a negative assessment the University takes the necessary measures.

SEP

The assessments are carried out on the basis of the Standard Evaluation Protocol for Public Research Organisations (SEP). This SEP protocol has been drawn up by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and Dutch universities. In conformity with this protocol Utrecht University ensures that all its research institutes are assessed by external expert assessment committees once every 6 years. This protocol was established in 2003 and has since been tightened.

SEP Protocol 2009-2015 (pdf)
SEP Protocol 2015-2021 (pdf)

Assessments

It is common practice for Utrecht research institutes to be assessed together with one or more national or international research institute(s) in the same field. The Executive Boards involved usually request QANU (Quality Assurance Netherlands Universities) to coordinate such joint assessments. The assessments are public: the reports can be found on the QANU site. If it is not possible to carry out a joint assessment, research groups are evaluated separately. Please find an overview of individual reports below.

SEP Research assessments (pdf)

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

  • Sociology
  • Geosciences - Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development
  • Geosciences - Human Geography and Spatial Planning (first page in Dutch, following are in English)

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

  • Earth Sciences

2008

2007

2006

  • Theology, Instituut voor Theologisch en Godsdienstwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (Integon)

2005