International assessment of KTH´s research

Quality assessment has come to play a significant role when government resources are distributed to higher education institutions worldwide. KTH is the first technical university in Sweden to undertake a research evaluation across all its research fields, and the next step is an International Expert Review – taking place at KTH during the upcoming week.

– We are honored to have 80 experts of such excellent international standard on campus to guide us in our growth, states Professor Tuula Teeri, Deputy President of KTH and Director of the KTH International Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008.

KTH wants to secure its place as one of the top 10 technical research universities in Europe. The KTH International RAE is a part of the plan to establish that position. Reflecting an evaluation process for technical research developed by the Royal Academy of Engineers in the UK, Scientific Quality and Applied Research Quality will be the main criteria of assessment for the RAE. Information generated will be an important basis for the foundation of KTH's Strategic Plan for 2009–2012.

The RAE consists of three elements – a self assessment, a peer review and a separate bibliometric analysis that will provide information on the quality and productivity of KTH’s research. This week the International Expert Review will bring together KTH research groups, providing an opportunity for them to discuss and build focused research strategy. The Expert Panels are made up of high standing individuals from both academia and industry – with the majority of experts coming from aboard.

– Our expectations of the Expert Panel Review are set high. It is an opportunity for KTH to obtain essential information on our strengths, weaknesses and future potential, says Tuula Teeri.

A report of the KTH RAE Project will be published in October 2008.

Further reading on the KTH Research Assessment Project

Susanne Rosén