Particular attention was paid to the pre-agreed focus areas:
- Key Research Areas and Research Groups
- The faculty's doctoral school
- The planned Centre for Archaeology
The Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies underwent a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation process was carried out by an international team of experts led by Prof. Antonio Loprieno (University of Basel). Other members of the panel were Prof. Sven Dupré (University of Utrecht), Prof. Serena Ferente (University of Amsterdam), Prof. Christopher Gerrard (University of Durham) and Prof. Hanne Hagtved Vik (University of Oslo).
The evaluation included a self-assessment by the faculty, an on-site visit and intensive discussions with faculty members. The aim was to identify strengths and weaknesses, formulate strategic recommendations and develop quality assurance measures.
Results and recommendations
The reviewers praised the faculty's international visibility, its success in third-party funded projects and the high demand for study places. At the same time, recommendations for structural and strategic improvements were made:
- Key research areas and research groups: The reviewers recommended reducing the number of key research areas and linking them more closely to the thematic clusters of the doctoral school. This is intended to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and increase efficiency.
- Doctoral school: The doctoral school was highlighted as a central platform for promoting early career scientists. It was recommended that the admission procedures be standardised, team supervision be promoted, and funding for doctoral positions be increased.
- Centre for Archaeology: The planned establishment of a centre for archaeology was seen as an opportunity for synergies and international visibility. The reviewers suggested intensifying cooperation between the disciplines involved and developing a long-term vision for the centre.
Outlook and monitoring
The evaluation results were discussed in detail by the Rectorate and the faculty management. A large number of the reviewers' recommendations were included in the implementation agreement. The agreed measures will be monitored as part of the target agreement process. The evaluation report and the faculty's statement are available to university members at https://qs.univie.ac.at/en/evaluation/faculties-centres/evaluation-reports/.
