Quality assurance in education and research
The University’s continuous quality improvement (CQI) of education and research includes all the bodies, meeting forums, processes, documents, and activities that provide opportunities for the improvement of the quality of education at the University of Gothenburg.
The University of Gothenburg puts every effort into its operations always being of high quality. Our CQI principles are founded on the CQI tradition developed at the University.
- CQI is integrated into the university’s regular operations.
- The carrying out of CQI is decentralised, so that it can be adapted to each environment.
- Internal and external collegial review is fundamental in our CQI.
- Student views of study courses and programmes are of central importance.
- A living quality culture, spreading of good examples and exchanges of findings are central.
- Open reporting of own CQI provides a strong incentive for taking good care that our operations maintain high quality.
Quality policies
The university's policies for quality assurance and continuous quality improvement of education and research clarify the joint and systematic quality work.
Education evaluations with external review
In accordance with the University’s policy for quality assurance and quality improvement of education, faculties carry out, on a six-year cycle, external review of study courses and programmes. The University's second six-year cycle started from the autumn term of 2023.
External review of research quality
The University of Gothenburg works systematically to monitor and develop the quality of its research. Through external reviews and international initiatives, the University strengthens the quality of research, research conditions and long-term development.
Research Evaluation Development (RED)
According to the university's policy for quality assurance and quality development of research, external reviews of research quality are also carried out, including through the model Research, Evaluation, Development (RED). RED is carried out every eight to ten years and the focus is adapted on each occasion to best contribute to the quality and development of research.
University management, faculty boards and departments are responsible for analysing the results and implementing improvements in operations as a consequence of the review's conclusions and recommendations, and for following up the effect of the measures.
In November 2025, the Vice-Chancellor made a decision regarding RED27.
Earlier evaluations
HR Excellence in Research
The University of Gothenburg is currently undergoing the application process for the HR Excellence in Research award, a tool within the European Commission’s HR Strategy for Researchers.
The award is a European quality label recognising organisations that work to provide attractive, open and sustainable conditions for researchers.
Application for the HR Excellence in Research Award
Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)
CoARA is an international initiative that aims to change how research and researchers are assessed. The initiative was launched in response to the long-standing reliance of universities and research funders on simple bibliometric indicators.
It was established with support from the European Commission together with organisations including the European University Association (EUA) and Science Europe. The University of Gothenburg has joined CoARA through its Action Plan.