Standard Evaluation Protocol 2015 – 2021. Protocol for Research Assessments in the Netherlands.

The Standard Evaluation Protocol (SEP) describes the methods used to assess research conducted at Dutch universities and NWO and Academy institutes every six years, as well as the aims of such assessments. As in the case of the previous SEPs, the present Standard Evaluation Protocol was drawn up and adopted by the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). These organisations have undertaken to assess all research conducted within their organisations between 2015 and 2021 in accordance with this SEP.

This document is intended for all who work with the Standard Evaluation Protocol, whether they be researchers, the heads of research groups, policy officers, members of boards, or members of assessment committees. After describing the aims of the protocol and the assessment criteria in the first two chapters, the document goes on to provide all the information needed to organise and carry out proper research assessments. The text follows the chronological sequence of steps that make up an assessment: identify the research unit to be assessed; specify the Terms of Reference (ToR) and the composition of the assessment committee; draft a self-assessment; conduct the site visit; draw up the assessment report; and finally, have the institution’s board offer public accountability and follow up on the assessment. The appendices provide formats and checklists for the documents to be produced during the assessment process.

Although the authors of the SEP have made every effort to choose their words carefully and to draw up a protocol that does justice to the multifaceted nature of research, the SEP cannot cover every situation or answer every question that may arise. The SEP may be deviated from if the relevant board so decides and has good reason for its decision. After all, the point is not to stick slavishly to the rules of the SEP but to use these rules to arrive at a transparent and fair assessment of the quality and relevance of publicly funded research.