Self-evaluation mid-term research review 2026

The information presented here constitutes the self-evaluation of the Faculty of Law of Maastricht University for the sake of the mid-term review 2026, spanning the period 2022-2024. It is written for a committee of external peers, in order to reflect and advise on the Faculty’s research policy in order to further strengthen the research conducted at the Faculty. The unit of the mid-term research review is the Faculty as a whole. The mid-term research review does not pertain to encompass a full assessment of the SEP protocol standards relevant for research assessments. The Faculty has chosen to carry out a light mid-term review that focusses on specific themes that are of importance for the research carried out, research organization and research programming. These themes have been chosen in light of the recommendations of the research assessment report by the Committee Mak 2022 (Annex 1) as well as recent policy developments within and outside of the Faculty (Annex 2).

The topics that will be central to this mid-term review are:

1. how to assess quality of research; 

2. scientific and societal impact; 

3. open science; and 

4. programming and organisation of research.

The information presented here aims to introduce a) how these four topics have been embedded in faculty policy, b) activities so far and best practices, and c) suggestions for discussions during the mid-term. This input was gathered in writing and discussed with the directors of our research institutes and groups. Also the Science Committee (our advisory Committee in relation to research policy, (Annex 3) has reflected upon the four topics and provided its input in writing and in dialogue with the vice-dean for research, which has been incorporated. This self-evaluation has been approved by the Faculty Board.