Read the Rector’s Executive Summary of the University’s research assessment (in English).
Research Assessment
From 2022-2024, the University of Copenhagen conducted a comprehensive assessment of its research areas at departmental level.
The assessment is a tool that provides the University’s leadership and employees with an overview of the quality of research at the University of Copenhagen and its development potential.
At the same time, the assessment is an account of what society gets for its investment in research at the University of Copenhagen.
Results
The overall assessment found that research at the University of Copenhagen is excellent or world-class in most areas and world-leading in some.
An exceptionally high level of academic proficiency among the University’s researchers, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a substantial record of securing competitive research grants and prestigious awards are highlighted as key determinants contributing to the elevation of the University’s research quality.
The comprehensive evaluation identifies three strengths and three areas for potential institutional development.
Strengths:
- The research conducted at UCPH leaves a distinct scientific and societal imprint, as evidenced by researchers’ participation in public discourse and contributions to societal development
- UCPH’s acquisition of external research funding is substantial and increasing, marked by a high success rate in securing competitive and prestigious research grants and awards
- UCPH maintains close collaborative ties with the public sector, industry, and other international universities.
Areas for potential development:
- UCPH can achieve a greater international impact by engaging in increased research collaborations, securing a higher volume of prestigious research grants, and actively participating in international research communities
- UCPH can attract and retain a greater number of talented researchers by establishing clearer career pathways, particularly for early-career researchers, offering competitive starting packages to outstanding scholars, and cultivating a more dynamic and inclusive research and working environment
- UCPH should enhance diversity across all academic levels to foster more inclusive and supportive research environments.
Each department was assessed by external panels appointed by the Dean. The panels were given access to the following information for their task of evaluating the quality of research at the individual department:
- The Department’s goal and action plan, strategy and self-assessment
- The Department's assessment report from the 2016-2018 research assessment
- Concise CV’s (without publication lists) for permanent researchers
- A representative selection of publications as an example of the department's research
- A Bibliometric analysis conducted by the University’s library
- Various figures and facts about the department
- The Faculty’s goal and action plan, strategy and UCPH’s 2023 strategy
- Rector’s Executive Summary of the 2016-2018 research assessment
The panels assessed the various information, visited the departments and interviewed leadership and researchers. The panels submitted a report to the Head of Department. After the evaluations, each Dean submitted a summary of the departmental reports to the Rector. The six summaries form the basis for Rector’s Executive Summary, which can be found on this page.