Quality assurance in education and research

Quality policies 

The University's policies for quality assurance and continuous quality improvement of education and research clarify the shared and systematic approach to quality work.  

To ensure and further develop education and research of the highest quality, the University undertakes systematic quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. This work is based on principles rooted in the tradition of quality work developed at the University.

• CQI is integrated into the university’s regular operations.
• The implementation of CQI is decentralised so that it can be adapted to each environment, with follow-up at the next organisational level.
• Collegial peer review is fundamental in our CQI.
• Student views on courses and programmes are of central importance.
• A strong quality culture, the sharing of good practices and the exchange of experiences are central.
• Open reporting of the University’s own CQI provides strong incentives to ensure that its activities maintain high quality.

Continuous monitoring and development

Continuous monitoring and development take place at departmental level and are adapted to the conditions of each academic environment. As part of their quality work, departments monitor and develop various aspects of research and education.

The faculties have overall responsibility for quality and monitor the departments’ quality work. At University level, the Vice-Chancellor anually monitors the quality of education and research. This monitoring draws on, among other things, the faculties’ strategies, operational plans and annual follow-up reports. Statistics and indicators are used to complement qualitative information.

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.

Quality assurance and continuous quality improvement of research

The University of Gothenburg works continuosly to monitor and develop the quality of its research. Quality work is part of regular operations and is based on local adaptation, follow-up and responsibility at several organisational levels within the University.

Recurring external review – RED

External peer review is a fundamental part of research quality assurance. As part of the University’s quality system, recurring external review is also carried out through Research Evaluation for Development (RED).

RED is carried out every eight to ten years. Its 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 based on the conclusions and recommendations of the review. They are also responsible for following up the effects of these measures. 

RED27

In November 2025, the Vice-Chancellor decided on the implementation of RED27. The evaluation consists of two main parts. The faculties conduct their own evaluations of research quality and conditions for research, adapted to the needs of their respective activities. At University level, research infrastructures are reviewed, focusing on how they are organised, used and developed in relation to the University’s long-term goals.

International initiatives for research conditions and assessment

The University of Gothenburg also participates in international initiatives that contribute in different ways to the development of research conditions and approaches to the assessment of research and researchers.

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 develop how research, researchers and research organisations are assessed. The initiative promotes broader and more responsible approaches to research assessment, in which qualitative assessment plays a central role and quantitative indicators are used responsibly.

The University of Gothenburg has joined CoARA and has developed an Action Plan for its work to reform the assessment of research and researchers.