Universities as a whole
Universities as a whole are as well evaluated by the Science Council, sometimes all of the
universities of one state, sometimes one university, sometimes one faculty only.
If a detailed list is of interest, IfLS may request it by the Council of Science.
As interviewees report, evaluation of the Science Council is out-put oriented, the primary
measurement instruments are scientific quality criteria (citations, publications, sum of
third-party funds, number of PhD students etc.).
Some interviewees describe the Science
Council as a capable and well-known evaluator, being in terms of reputation and
appreciation of departmental research the best choice. Although the Council is
independent, indicators are discussed with the government and ‘the council is always open
for good arguments’ (BMEL 2014, interview).
Within the scientific community the
drawbacks of evaluation by the Science Council are discussed: Council experts often have
no or little knowledge in the respective research field. In addition the experts themselves
are embedded in their university context – and competition between research
organizations is increasing.
Furthermore, discussions within the scientific community
support the impression that there seems to be a certain political influence on results.
EU Forecast
euf:ba18h:63/nws-01