In the Netherlands, the boards of the universities, KNAW, and NWO are responsible for the quality of research at their institutions. The periodic evaluation of research plays a key role in the quality assurance cycle. For the organisation of these evaluations, the University of Twente adheres to the Strategy Evaluation Protocol 2021–2027. As specified in this protocol, the main goal of an evaluation is to assess a research unit in light of its own aims and strategy. Each evaluation looks both ahead (plans and strategies) and back (developments and results), with a focus on strategy, learning, and improvement.
The three main evaluation criteria are research quality, societal relevance, and viability. Within the University of Twente, strategies to realise societal impact are of special importance and should reflect the UT R&I strategy, as well as the faculty research strategies. Research quality is a prerequisite for generating both scientific and societal relevance. In addition, four specific aspects are considered: open science, PhD policy and training, academic culture, and human resource policy. These aspects are not evaluated separately but are incorporated into the evaluation of the three main criteria.
The University of Twente is committed to conducting and maintaining high-quality research. To this end, it has established research quality management processes and undertakes periodic evaluations to continuously improve its research and impact. The UT applies its own Research Evaluation Protocol, which is aligned with and supplements the national Strategy Evaluation Protocol (SEP) 2021–2027. New research evaluations will be conducted in accordance with the SEP 2027–2033. The UT also maintains a structured process and schedule for research evaluations covering the period 2020–2030.