As part of the activities of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), a working group of quality assurance agencies investigated the topic of external quality assurance (EQA) of research in higher education institutions (HEIs), which is of growing interest in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Indeed, EQA of research carried out by agencies contributes to improving the quality of research, is in line with developments in QA of research across the higher education sector and aims to strengthen the link between teaching and learning and research. This study shows that there is limited available literature on the subject of EQA of research, although it is an area in which QA agencies are increasingly active. The EQA of research is overshadowed by literature on EQA of learning and teaching, and is often confused with research assessment.
This study has therefore adopted the concept of EQA of research as an all-embracing term referring to a regular process of reviewing (monitoring, guaranteeing, maintaining, and enhancing) the quality of the research environment at HEIs, including its interrelation with the education and societal impact missions of HEIs. By shedding light on the activities of many agencies, this report presents the major trends related to EQA of research that were identified through the analysis of a survey and interview results and provides agencies with some reflective questions for developing or implementing EQA of research activities. Indeed, the results show that 17 out of the 59 agencies surveyed do not engage in EQA of research and for those willing to do so, they face two significant challenges: the lack of a supportive national framework and the reluctance of the HEIs.
