EVEREST

"Evaluation of the research quality and capability of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sofia, and defining of an action plan"

 Partecipanti

Mappa

 Word cloud

Esplora la "nuvola delle parole (Word Cloud) per avere un'idea di massima del progetto.

 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The goal of the proposed project, in agreement with the objective of the call, is evaluation of the level of overall research quality and capability of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Sofia, by international independent experts, preparation of SWOT analysis, and defining of an Action plan to improve its research capacity. The Faculty is a unique research unit in Bulgaria that covers various fields of modern Chemistry and Material science, and is among the leading scientific centres in the country in terms of research expertise, quality, and scientific productivity. The optimal realization of the research capacity of the Faculty, however, requires independent and detailed evaluation of its research activities and as well as its present human and material potential. Such evaluation and related SWOT analysis are key steps in preparation of an ambitious, efficient, and realistic Action plan that will ensure future improvement of the research capacity, career development of the staff, proper management of the research activities and adequate response to socio-economic needs of the country. The Action plan will be designed to provide also further development of the Faculty as a high-level scientific training centre at National and Regional level and effective exchange of knowledge and human potential with industry. In this way the Faculty will be involved in dynamic international and regional cooperation that will contribute into its integration in the European Research Area. The work plan comprises a coherent set of measures that aim at proper evaluation and future development of the research capacity of the Faculty and follows the activities specified in the work program of the call. The staff of the Faculty is strongly motivated to accomplish the project since such independent and competent evaluation will have a strong impact on the international recognition of our institution.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Thanks to the work of the European Everest project, an EU action plan is helping to boost the chemistry department of Sofia University in Bulgaria.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Considered the primary institution of higher education in the capital, Sofia University is liaising with the European Commission to boost its expertise in certain fields. In particular, an EU-sponsored team recently evaluated the research quality and capability of the university's faculty of chemistry.

A team of five independent evaluators were selected by the European Commission to undergo a SWOT analysis of the faculty. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is considered an important tool in the drive for upgrading and advancing any organisation or institution.

Several challenges were identified as priorities in the SWOT analysis, in coordination with both the evaluators and faculty members. Interestingly, one of these was the high number of teaching hours (180 to 360;hours/year) compared to the European average of 120;hours/year. Moreover, lack of funding for maintenance and infrastructure, as well as lack of equipment have been identified as major issues. A need to hire highly experienced professionals was also underlined. Other issues to address are lack of post-doctorate opportunities for students and lack of international experience of young scientists.

The SWOT analysis has already been used to prepare an action plan for future development and improvement of the faculty. The final version of the action plan was approved by the faculty's steering committee at the end of the project. The plan was even recommended for dissemination among the other faculties of the Sofia University as a model of good practice. In the plan, the independent experts issued recommendations to both the university management and the state authorities on how to improve Bulgarian science and research policy.

The evaluators concluded overall that, considering the lack of advanced equipment and infrastructure, research output and international cooperation are strong, reflecting high competence in different fields. Once the plan is implemented, the likelihood of the faculty becoming a global player in its field, on par with other European universities, will help catapult Bulgaria to much higher ground in this respect.