Short abstract

Sweden will introduce a new research indicator for PBRF in 2028, rewarding HEIs for strategic recruitment of young researchers in key scientific fields. This aims to promote cost-effective, useful research assessment and supports ongoing discussions on responsible research assessment.

Long abstract

The Swedish system for assessing and promoting research quality comprises several components. A wide and flexible set of indicators on research funding, research personnel and scientific publication are collected on a yearly basis by the Swedish Research Council. A report - The Swedish Research Barometer: Swedish research in an international perspective – which is published every second year cover the same three areas and gives an overall description of the state and progress of the Swedish research system. The report highlights both how Sweden compares internationally as a research nation, and how the Swedish higher education sector has developed over time. It provides the basis for policy discussions and informed decisions on research funding.

In addition, tailor-made evaluations on research quality are carried out by HEIs according to the specific needs of each HEI. The evaluations correspond to a national framework developed by the Association of Swedish HEIs setting up criteria for quality assurance and quality enhancement thereby strengthening the HEIs’ ownership and autonomy regarding research quality. Institutional reviews on a national level are conducted by the Swedish Higher Education Authority monitoring the HEIs compliance with the framework. In addition, national evaluations on research quality are carried out by the Swedish Research Council providing a national overview of the quality and societal impact of research in a specific research field.