Research Quality Assurance (Research QA)

Research Quality Assurance (QA) is the system through which the University and its Departments plan, monitor and continuously improve research activities, ensuring that they are aligned with institutional strategic objectives and that the expected results are achieved.

The QA system is based on the principle of continuous improvement (the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle): objectives and actions are defined, research activities are carried out, results are monitored, and corrective or enhancement actions are identified when needed.

Key participants in the QA system

Research QA involves several actors:

• the Department Council, which approves planning documents, monitoring reports and improvement actions;
• the Head of Department, who is responsible for the Department's quality policies;
• the Department Research QA Delegate, who coordinates QA activities and represents the Department in University-level bodies;
• the Department QA Group, which supports planning, monitoring and review activities;
• the University Research Committee, the Quality Assurance Board (QAB) and the Evaluation Board, which promote, support and assess the effectiveness of the QA system.

Main documents

Research QA is primarily implemented through:

• the Department Operational Plan (POD), which defines objectives, actions, indicators and targets;
• the Annual POD Monitoring Report, which assesses the progress of planned activities;
• the Department Review Report, which analyses results achieved and identifies possible improvement actions.

Key deadlines

• POD update: during the first months of the year;
• Annual POD monitoring: by January (with a draft version prepared by the end of December);
• QA system self-assessment and review: at least every three years and whenever required for ANVUR periodic accreditation visits.

The ultimate goal of Research QA is to foster high-quality research through systematic planning, monitoring and continuous improvement, in line with the University's strategic development objectives.